By: Tartanita Nowell
Are you still recuperating from the 2019 woes? The holidays are considered “tis the season to be busy”. Busy shopping. Busy feasting. And busy fellowshipping with family and friends. Now that your pockets are empty, credit card debt has ballooned, gained a few pounds and your social meter is operating on low fuel; it is time to regroup.
It is time to regroup from the memories both fond and indifferent from last year. It is time to regroup from fall and winter festivities. It’s time to regroup from what goals weren’t met, what money wasn’t saved, and which person, place, or thing did not provide gratification to your personal or professional endeavors. It’s time to regroup from the New Year’s Resolution you implemented and disregarded within a 30-day span.
I participated in a four-week life cleanse challenge December 2019.
- Week 1 personal items such as clothes, shoes, purses, cosmetics, etc.
- Week 2 household items such as clearing closets, pantries, cabinets, living areas, etc.
- Week 3 technology to include old emails, texts, contacts, pictures etc.
- Week 4 cleanse the heart and mind such as burying old grudges, unforgiveness, anger, sin, etc.
The objective was to enter 2020 with clean homes, hearts and minds. Needless to say; I’m still working on week one. It’s still a work in progress because of life, however, I am determined to regroup and renew for 2020; even if my 2020 begins in February. Every day is a fresh new start to live life in full blossom; therefore, seize the day- “carpe diem”.
Hey Spring Hey!!! I’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival. I’ve seen three other seasons (summer, fall and winter) and have monotonously counted 272 days for your debut. Now that you are here, it’s time to do a little spring cleaning. Spring cleaning isn’t merely decluttering, dusting, sorting, tossing, and redecorating; It’s also about renewing who you are, whose you are, and the perception others have of you.
Spring breathes new life in the once cold, drab, and dismal winter months. Spring flowers are in full bloom, clear blue running streams and brooks are flowing like the calmness of serenity; daylight savings creates more time for outside enjoyment and unbeknownst to me, people tend to be happier during the Spring. A renewal of the external environment creates my happy. What does mother nature do for your renewal?
It is time for a renewal of mind, body, and soul. It is time to get into rhythm with your spring renewal. 2019 was a bit crazy for me as I was totally out of balance with a stressful job, then a job shift, personal projects and commitments, family, bills, personal issues, growing businesses and a plethora of other events. I didn’t quite grasp what I emergently needed
HERE ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS I FOLLOWED TO RENEW ∞ CLEAN HOUSE
- Streamline my life- I created balance. I learned how to say no and not attend every event, meeting, seminar, etc. I purchased a to-do list notepad to check off tasks as they were completed. I implemented a schedule for both evenings and weekends. Most importantly I made time for self-care.
- Declutter my living space- I rummaged through old papers that have been sitting for years. I tossed them out like a bad habit. I donated clothes that have sat in my closet for more than the 1 year “no wear” cycle, as I soon realized I wasn’t going to miss them anyways. I threw out old cookware and purchased a new matching set. I’m still working on the toddler’s toys as he’s always in my peripheral when I get the urge to sift through his “stuff”.
- Clear out my mind- I always begin and end my day in prayer. I’ve found that emotionally and mentally I’m in a better place because I awake with a clear heart and mind and go to bed just the same. Yesterday’s troubles are gone, and we do not know what tomorrow holds. I also disengaged from social media for 30 days – entitled “Closed for Spiritual Maintenance”. It is not only desired, but it is required. Social media can cause a plethora of emotions depending on the content of the post.
- Begin something new- Start a business. Join a fitness group. Enroll in a new course. Explore new territory. Be kind to a stranger. I relaunched my floral design and event planning business after a three-year hiatus. I contributed to three book and magazine projects. I am also devoting this year to bring my “sexy” back via wellness programs, improved eating habits, and overall lifestyle change. There are so many “new” things that are available for you to experience. Move out of your comfort zone.
- Create a vision board- I scoured Pinterest for different vision board styles. Once I found the perfect match I began with my goals, aspirations, dreams, and affirmations. I also included some far fetch goals that some may feel that are out of reach, but this reminds me that I have something greater to look forward to.
- Enjoy God’s green earth- I’m an outdoors person. I love sitting near a body of water while having meaningful conversations with God in faith. I enjoy sunsets and sunrises in joy. I enjoy smelling the fresh flowers in the air and having the visibility of their vibrant blooms grace my pupils with hope.
- Take a trip- There’s nothing like a road trip. The open highway: as Take a trip- There’s nothing like a road trip.
Tartanita Nowell, a native of Charleston, South Carolina. She is an author, SheO and visionary of Stilettos & Business Plans, as well as a purpose igniter/mentor, motivational speaker, event planner & florist creative for The Richmond Satori Experience. She can be reached at stbpnetwork@gmail.com or rsatorico@gmail.com