Chapter 1: The Journey Begins

You might already have everything you need to embark on your decluttering adventure.

Photo by Dustin Humes on Unsplash

I'm a Bee—not the insect, but a descriptor of my organizing approach. Recently, I've been on a spree of decluttering and organizing my space.

It has been truly delightful! For instance, I was finally able to find my kitchen mixer, only to unearth three jars of mayonnaise and a hidden bag of mini M&Ms. What a bonus!

I discovered my "Bee" identity after taking a quiz called "What Clutterbug Style Are You?" by Cassandra Aarssen. This prompted me to enroll in her course and dive headfirst into organizing. I began with my kitchen, then moved on to the bathroom, the living room, and finally the bedroom. Only the craft room remains, and I dread what lies within.

Like any Bee, I possess a lot of items—indeed, an overwhelming amount. I love having my things visible, purchasing new items, and experimenting with them until I find something else to acquire. I might have some issues, but that’s a topic for another time.

In my quest for a beautifully organized home, I stumbled upon numerous forgotten treasures. Confronting my clutter and re-categorizing my belongings revealed just how much I already owned. For example, I thought I needed more tea, only to realize I had enough to serve an entire country. While waiting for my favorite Salted Caramel chips to be restocked, I found a double bag hidden away on the top shelf.

The more I organized my belongings, the more I recognized the abundance I already had. I didn’t need to purchase anything new; I had everything necessary at my fingertips.

Before I embarked on this decluttering journey, I was earnestly searching for direction in my passions. With that in mind, I decided to embrace the spirit of Nike: Just Do It. I’m aware of the possibilities ahead of me, and if I want it, I need to take action. However, I often found myself trapped in a cycle of “what ifs,” which would appear uninvited, bringing along their entourage of doubt.

• What if I fail?
• What if I’m not good enough?
• What if I lack the right resources?
• What if I can’t afford it?
• What if things get worse than they already are?
• What if people mock me?

What if you just clear out the clutter?

Photo by Itai Aarons on Unsplash

Engaging in this mental dance means confronting the stress and fear associated with renewed ambition, akin to riding a rollercoaster called "This Is Your Life." The ascent is thrilling, the anticipated drop is nerve-wracking, and once that initial plunge happens, the rest of the ride feels completely different. This mirrors the entrepreneurial journey.

You might be pondering how this connects to decluttering. I assure you, I’m not losing my mind (yet!).

During my organizing frenzy, I noticed a parallel between my possessions and my life goals. I had delayed many ideas because I believed I needed certain prerequisites before I could start. About a year ago, I was eager to film an art class but felt I needed the perfect microphone, lighting, and other equipment. I kept postponing my plans, trapped by a mindset of scarcity.

I thought that without A, I couldn't achieve B. I was focused solely on what I lacked, rather than recognizing what I already possessed.

As I progressed through my organizing mission, I realized I already owned much of what I thought I needed. Aside from fear, I had no real justification for delaying my projects. Yes, perhaps a $1000 camera would be impressive, but my iPhone 8 would serve as a perfectly good starting point.

My initial videos might not be flawless, but that’s all part of the learning process. After the initial drop, momentum carries you through the rest of the ride, making subsequent twists and turns feel manageable. That heart-stopping plunge is often the most exhilarating part.

This is where resources are tested, ideas explored, and lessons learned through failure. It’s a zone where fear and anticipation coexist, where you recognize what you have, combine it with your knowledge, and use that momentum to propel you toward your aspirations. It’s the training ground for aspiring masters.

As Master Yoda wisely said, “The greatest teacher, failure is.”

My two main takeaways from my decluttering journey are that I already possess what I need to begin—no matter how imperfect that start may be—and that I should practice using the resources I have now. As I refine my skills, I’ll be better equipped to understand what future investments are necessary. This choice will prevent sleepless nights over financial worries.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my “Bee” process was finally letting go of items that no longer served me. It turns out that a lack of resources was never the issue; I had accumulated items in every conceivable form. Fear of parting with things or worrying about letting go of the wrong items kept me attached to belongings that needed to be released. These items were useful in a past phase of my life, but my needs have since evolved.

Parting ways with things that once benefited me has not only created physical space but also opened my mind to receive the future I aspire to. It symbolizes releasing anything no longer serving me to make room for what will.

This simple act can transform how you choose to move forward, trusting that you will receive what you need when the time is right. By clearing out mental clutter, you make room for new opportunities. Organizing my space has proven to be a cathartic experience.

My Feng Shui has been restored. I achieved this. My confidence grew as I made and stood by each decision. My mental, physical, and spiritual spaces are prepared for what’s to come. Start where you are—one drawer at a time. This act of discipline is an excellent way to begin spring cleaning your mind toward the clarity and direction you seek.

Chapter 2: The Benefits of Decluttering

The first video discusses the unexpected benefits that spring cleaning can bring to your life. It outlines how a clean space can enhance your mood and overall well-being.

The second video explores the connection between decluttering and mental health, emphasizing how cleaning can lead to improved emotional states and clarity.