Renewal, Cleaning, and the New Year!

I love New Year’s goals! I love the feeling of renewal, of letting go of the old and looking to the new. Here are a few of mine:

  • Work towards becoming an Environmental Educator. Do 40 credit hours by June 30.
  • Buy only new items that Spark Joy!
  • Read two thoughtful news articles every day.
  • Be more environmentally-friendly.
  • Volunteer 25 hours by June 30.
  • Create a sample bullet journal.
  • Foster a cat.

I’ve had some vacation time during the holidays, and I’ve really had an opportunity to clean up my house! I have gotten rid of two carloads worth of “stuff.” I am currently reading a book by Marie Kondo, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” From her book, I’ve learned how to fold my shirts so I can see all my shirts at once! I’ve also re-organized my closet. Kondo recommends taking EVERY item you own into your hands, and deciding if it “spark’s joy.” If it doesn’t, then throw it out or recycle it! She recommends doing all of this in one fell swoop. If not in a day, then in a 3-month or 6-month time period. She says once you truly purge, you’ll never need to do it again. Afterward, it will be just maintenance.

I’ve also started my Capsule Wardrobe. I’ve worked through the lessons in Dressing Your Truth, which is a free course where you learn to dress based on your energy profile. I learned that I am a “fire” or “Type 3.” One of her recommendations for Type 3 is to never wear anything black, including pants, shoes, or even mascara! I am starting to see the difference, though I will need to buy a few more clothing items. It’s a slow change, but worth it, and I’m starting to get more compliments on my outfits!