“Did you find what you need?”

“Yes, I mean, I think so. Thank you, Janet.” I said glancing over her Macy’s name tag as she folded and gently padded my new jeans into a bag.

The truth is, I definitely didn’t need another pair of jeans, but in this case, I did ‘get what I want’… Sorry Mick. (And for those of you who don’t know that reference, look up one of the most legendary songs of all times by The Rolling Stones.)

The trick is… how do I make room for all the other various things in my closet, my drawers, and my head? How do I merge and purge, let things go to Spring clean, and not Spring cling?

While we are approaching Spring, it’s a great time to roll up our sleeves. (Or just pretend if you are wearing a tank top and live in a hot climate like I do.)

Getting rid of the “old” can feel freeing and there are treasures to be found by making room for the “new”. Think of it this way, space is a compartment, and if you clear it out, there’s no dust that can collect, no reminder to do, and no squeezing to fit other things around. And it’s not just for those new jeans, shoes, sweaters, dresses, t-shirts, or beanie babies – this is applicable to all things emotional too.

I’m a spinner. Anyone else? Not of records, or of spin class, but of thoughts. I can play a thought over and over and over in my head wondering if it will somehow play out a different tune, but it never does. The only way to stop it from playing is to figure out why it’s playing and whether or not I need it, and then turn it OFF.

As much as we love something new, we should make room and get rid of what we’ve outgrown and what isn’t serving us or others we care about. Chances are, if you haven’t worn that dress in your closet, or that pair of shoes, or if that third pair of jeans needs another new patch, you should make room. It’ll free you up.

If that situation in your head keeps playing over and over about what you did or didn’t do right/wrong, listen to it, but then find a way to lower the volume and turn the noise down. It will be a comfort, not only to yourself, but to others around you.

Here are 3 tips to help you Spring clean and not Spring cling: 

1. Make a “will do” drawer. For a week, put inside what you think you may use, wear, or need. Then make a “did it” drawer. See if the “did it” drawer fills up by the end of the week and if anything is left over in the goal drawer. If so, clear it out, rinse and repeat. You may be surprised to see that what we think we need, we really don’t!

2. If you drive, clean your car and see if the route feels any better. A road trip in a clean car can fill the tank with positivity and laughter.

3. Give a name to the bag of items you are going to give away to charity. Know that “Tina, that turtleneck sweater” is now going to warm someone who is really in need. Giving character names to items can create a whole new meaning when clearing space and paying positivity forward.

About the Author: Susanna SPIES is one of Your Monthly Mentors, a seasoned educator and Founder and President of Comedy Playground, LLC, showcasing at The Hollywood Improv located in California. With a performance background, Spies has worked within mediums of television and film, and has performed stand up comedy on stages throughout the nation. Known for her many “faces”, in 2013 she debuted over 30 characters in her one-woman show “The Dryer” and was featured on Nuvo TV’s Stand & Deliver, E-One Entertainment’s Uncontrolled Comedy, and the Youtube sensation “Carol” of “Carol & Claire in The Angela Hoover web series, as well as dozens of national commercials, and Independent Feature Films. Read More… 

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