A few years ago, Marie Kondo, famed organizational expert, gained world-wide notoriety and became a household name. If you ever viewed her show on Netflix, then you know that this petite, quiet woman’s superpower was empathetically guiding people through the challenging yet rewarding process of decluttering their homes. 

As a therapist, it was such an intriguing process to witness-to see how people accumulated things over the years; how they clinged to things out of comfort and how that need for comfort and familiarity led to clutter; how they endured the emotional rollercoaster of emotions as they processed memories attached to certain items, etc.; and ultimately how they chose to fully commit to the purging process in order to reap their very personal and differentiated reward. The decluttering was not simply a physical process, but an emotional one as well. Ms. Kondo famously stated, “Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.” What must you confront to live a tidy, happier life?

As I cleaned out my own closet this weekend, I had an epiphany. This decluttering and purging process was the very thing I needed to do with not only my possessions, but my life as well.  I needed to Marie Kondo certain parts of my life in order to make room for the things I wanted to manifest this year. This was the perfect time to start!

So, obviously, I wonder, as you read this, what areas of your life could you declutter in order to make room for your best hopes and desires to manifest? Oftentimes we tether ourselves to things, people, relationships, mindsets, experiences, and behaviors-whether they are good for us or not- because they are comfortable, familiar, part of our identity (or at least that’s what we tell ourselves), and in order to move on from these weights, we have to take an introspective look within and possibly experience some hurt and emotional discomfort. The prospect of discomfort paralyzes us and keep us from making progress in our life; however, in order to move forward, we have to experience the discomfort of letting go; the good thing is that the discomfort is temporary, and on the other side of that pain, is purpose, growth, newness, happiness, and peace. “The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t” (Becker). 

Consider the following tips to help you begin the rewarding process of purging what no longer serves you:

• Identify your best hopes for the coming year. When you begin with the end in mind, you can align your daily actions with your ultimate goal.  

• Assess the things, people, mindsets, and behaviors, etc. that are beneficial and those that stifle your growth. Create an action plan to remove or address those unhelpful and possibly harmful aspects of your life. Create goals to be more intentional about those helpful and fulfilling aspects of your life. 

• Welcome all emotions with self-compassion and acceptance. The purging process can be uncomfortable, and you may experience emotions that you have been actively trying to avoid. Acknowledging and accepting all feelings helps you grow through the process. Welcome your feelings- uncomfortable as well as pleasant- as guides teachers, leading you safely along your journey.

• Commit to the process of purging in order to realize your purpose. Understand that in order to welcome the new, you have to let go of the old. 

Remember, begin with the end in mind. Begin your year with intention- changing unhelpful habits, reframing negative  mindsets, and purging non-utilitarian things- in order to manifest what you deserve. Remind yourself that you deserve all the best that this year has to offer. 

Kindall Tyson, M.Ed., LPC, NCC