Each new season brings with it a unique opportunity, but there’s something about Spring that gets a chance for rebirth and change. Since Spring is officially here (or so the calendar says despite the 30-degree mornings and 70-degree afternoons), let’s take the opportunity to do some spring cleaning while we wait for the weather to make up its mind.

As a self-proclaimed Home Edit addict, I’ve always been a fan of organization and a regular customer of the Container Store. I love an organized pantry and fridge more than anyone. Yet, it was a recent addition to my bookshelf that changed my perspective on editing. Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up was a game-changer for both my closet and my life. Her organization methods are intelligent and space-conscious, and she believes that the possessions we own and the places we spend our time should spark joy. Using the Konmarie method made me look more closely at my life.  I quickly realized that my life, as it was, wasn’t bringing me much joy, and it started with my closet

Like so many of us, I always feel like I have nothing to wear, yet I have a closet full of clothing.  With Marie’s help and some examination, I had to admit that I’ve never worn half the items I owned. I gravitated to the same 10-15 things every time I got dressed, which led to wear and tear of my favorites and a closet of items I didn’t want.  Yet, I continued to allow these other items to occupy my space and time. Why? They didn’t do anything to help me, and I didn’t look forward to wearing them. They were buried in the back of my closet and the bottom of a drawer. For what? Was there going to be an apocalypse sometime soon where my size six flare bottom jeans were going to save the day? The more I thought about it, the more I wondered why couldn’t I let these old items go and the bevy of memories that hung along with them?

Your clothes tell a story. They help people know how to identify you and enable you to let people who you are or want to be. There is so much more than just fabric to what we decide to dress and present ourselves in each day. Clothes can be your armor or your costume. Shouldn’t we be sending the right message? Why should we store fabric memories that bring us anything less than joy?

Why should you be stuck to the same routine to avoid dealing with the other items in your life?

This Spring, I challenge you to open the doors of your closet and your soul and do some spring cleaning.

Take those jeans that you wore back when you were a size whatever and say goodbye. Honor their contribution to your story, but close that chapter. It’s no fun having a younger and smaller version of you hanging around judging the new you. Donate them to your local Goodwill or sell them on Poshmark, Mercari, or eBay and buy something that you can wear NOW that will make you feel fabulous.

Take a scroll through your phone and social media.  Examine the person you are becoming and eliminate those you follow or follow you that aren’t in line with this new vision.  We aren’t required to remain friends with those who have hurt us, devalued us, or do not contribute to our growth.  Allowing these people to witness your new growth will only bring toxicity into this new chapter.

Look around your space, whether at home or in the office. Does it reflect the person you are or want to be? Does it bring you joy? If not, why not? Or rather, what are you doing to change it.

Spring is all about turn-over, growth, rejuvenation, and change.  It’s an annual reminder that we get to choose and renew our plans.  Tailor your clothes to fit you, do not squeeze yourself into a life that doesn’t quite “fit” anymore.