Spring Cleaning

       Another snow day meant spring cleaning for me. Today was originally a day I would have had off but with all the snow days from February and March we were suppose to make up one of the days missed today, but that isn't what happened. Instead I spent my day scrubbing floors, counters, vacuuming, and readjusting item in my home. The winter decorations went away and bright spring flowers and colors were put in their place.
     Spring is always a time of rejoicing for me. As you've heard me say a thousand times over winter is extremely challenging for me and I often feel my mood deeply impacted by the dreariness winter can bring. Spring however brings a smile to my face. Sunshine streaming through the windows, breezes flowing through the house, color beginning to reappear outside, and warmth hitting my skin as I walk out the door. Spring is a regenerating for me. It allows me to recenter myself by being outside and taking in the beauty of the world around me. Today as I cleaned it was just like this. The snow was over mid morning and by the time I got to cleaning after my morning coffee the sun was streaming in, warmth was hitting my skin when I was close to the window, and I was smiling. I found myself feeling empowered in a way I haven't felt in a while.
    I have been trying really hard for the last few weeks since visiting my best friend in Texas to step out of my comfort zone and take more time for myself as I shared in one of my last blog posts. Often times I let my anxiety take over and don't take the extra step to get myself out of the house or do something new. And lets be honest when you stay in the house and don't get out its easy for your spirit and mood to be greatly impacted. So I've been working on that and some days I'm doing a great job of spending some extra time for me and some times I'm not. Sometimes I step out of the box, and other times I don't. Today I took time for myself by cleaning up and reorganizing so I felt more at ease that things are in their place and the clutter is cleaned up. There is something about a clean house that makes me feel like I can rule the world. It lowers my anxiety as everything is back in its place and everything just feels brighter and lighter.
    Following cleaning I continued my day by working out and meditating for some time. After spending time for me I felt clear headed and energized. I felt the fog I have been feeling lift a bit. Sometimes with my depression and anxiety I feel foggy. I feel as though I can't focus, I'm overwhelmed, and have no energy; but when that fog begins to lift I can feel everything change. I can feel the way I carry myself change, my anxiety lessens, and suddenly things that have felt impossible seem possible. It was like a spring cleaning mentally and spiritually. And sometimes we all need that spring cleaning. That time to clean up our physical space, but most importantly my mental and spiritual space.
     I continue to work each day at taking more time to recharge and 'fill my cup'. I work to clean my physical, mental, and spiritual place more often. I am working on stepping outside of my comfort zone more often. I'm a work in progress but spring cleaning was a good step. I continue to take steps and I hope that you are taking steps to take time for yourself and recharge in this world that often has 'no time' to relax and recharge.

Think Spring!