Sometimes things happen that are totally out of our control. And it can throw us out of balance.

Like the time I got the news that the delivery system for my programs was being cancelled. What??? And I had less than a month (way less) to figure out what I was going to do next. Which involved choosing a new delivery system that I’d need to learn how to use.

Which = too tired and stressed out to do much more than that.

Stress takes its toll.?

It’s different for everyone and I’m sure you’ve had your fair share of health declines. Mine manifested as insomnia combined with my old friend anxiety for about a month. I was tired, but unable to sleep. Which made me feel anxious both day and night. Not a pretty sight.

So I did what I always do when the scale tips towards sickness: I looked at my diet, added supplements that support my adrenals, added acupressure to my evening routine (self-administered ~ since I wasn’t sleeping anyway I figured I’d make myself useful) and then when things started to turn around …

I cleaned.?

I know that probably sounds weird, but there’s a saying that?the state of your outer environment is often a reflection of your inner environment. So I tackled the one space that was an absolute disaster area: my bedroom.

Let me paint a picture for you. Clothes (clean and dirty) everywhere, books piled up so high on my nightstand that they often toppled over, more books on the floor, a bookcase that was crammed in a corner, shoes (summer and winter) under the bed, summer clothes still waiting to be put away and tufts of dog hair piling up in the corners. Did I mention the dust?

In case you didn’t know, our bedrooms are sacred spaces.?

They should be light, airy, free from all clutter and visually pleasing to the eye. That’s what helps us rest and feel restored. Clearly, I had my work cut out for me.

When I made the decision to clean my room, I felt a lot of internal resistance. The voice in my head said things like, “you don’t have time for this,” and “what about work – today is a work day.” But I wasn’t hearing it.

I was on a mission.?

Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that taking a few hours (ok it was more than a few) to get things in order would help me be more productive in my work. And get the rest I so desperately needed.

I’ll spare you the clean up details, and skip to the good stuff. My room is clean and orderly. Seasonal clothes and shoes have been either put away or donated. Laundry washed, dried and put away. I got rid of the cramped bookcase on my side of the room in favor of a larger one that I placed on the other side of the bed. Which, by the way, replaced my husband’s nightstand. Someone had to take one for the team!

The best part is when I walk into my bedroom, it makes me really happy.?

I instantly feel like I’ve stepped into my own little nirvana. And the best part is, I’m sleeping through the night again.

Which brings me to my last point as I wrap up:

Don’t wait until Spring to clean …

if you’re feeling the mid-winter blahs, stressed out and tired. You’re stuck inside anyway, so pick a room and create your own transformation. If you want some tips (like how to fold your clothes so you can see everything you have or how to position your hangers to know what you wear the most), I invite you to join my?Clutter Cleanse. The best part is, not only will you get support and ideas on how to transform your living space, the price is just $17! Plus you can do it with the group or as a DIY. Your choice!

I still have a few rooms to tackle and would love to have you along for the journey. We’ll make space to breathe, and lighten our loads. Together.