And then in 2016, I participated in a Decluttering Challenge. Over that month, I got rid of over 1,000 items in my home. Some stuff was donated, other stuff was sold, but a LOT was thrown out.
And it was liberating! I’m a naturally organized person, but just because things are where they should be doesn’t mean it wasn’t too much. It felt good to see the bottom of my polish drawer again. And my t-shirt drawer. And the pantry. You get the picture.
So, I thought I’d do my own challenge this October. It’s a great time to do it, just before the holidays start. It’ll help us get our homes—and our minds—detoxed before the season of Advent.
I’ll be posting a daily challenge in my Facebook group that should take about 15 minutes per day. You’ll take before and after pics and count the items you’re removing from your home. We’ll shoot for 1,000 items, but even 500 would be great!
If you’d like to join in this FREE challenge, register here. Challenges are always more fun with friends!
My favorite book is The Noticer by New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews. I read this book during the first quarter of every year because it's packed full of life lessons that help me keep my own life in perspective.
One of my most valuable takeaways from the book is a story told by one of the key characters, Jones, about the power of intention. Jones tells the story of five seagulls sitting on a dock and one deciding to fly away, and he then asks his friend, Henry, how many seagulls remain.
Henry replies with the seemingly obvious answer of four seagulls, but Jones corrects him by saying, "No. There are still five. Deciding to fly away and actually flying away are two very different things."
He then explains that there is absolutely no power in intention. The seagull may really want to fly away. He may intend to fly away. He may decide to fly away. But until he spreads his wings and takes flight, he is still on the dock. There is no difference between that gull who decided to fly away and the others who never even thought about it. They are all still on the dock.
Many times we are like that seagull—full of great intention with little action. We make resolutions each January, and by March, they are long forgotten. What were your intentions for 2020? Did you intend to have a healthier lifestyle, a leaner body, fewer toxins in your home? If so, you can still take action to make 2020 great!
I have found simple solutions for a healthier lifestyle with fewer harsh chemicals, and I would love to help you get started too. Wellness, Purpose, and Abundance are within reach if you will just leave the dock. Let’s chat!
