Spring Cleanup: Lessons For Decluttering

As I stand in my yard, it’s obvious I didn’t do as much as I could have last fall. The flower beds are overgrown, weeds are enthusiastically sprouting up, there are leaf piles and sticks everywhere. And now, staring down at all that needs to be done, I feel a little embarrassed and overwhelmed.

It’s so easy to slip into that familiar loop of self-criticism. Why didn’t I take care of this earlier? What was I thinking? That voice in our heads is quick to judge, especially when we’re staring at a mess.

But here’s the thing: that version of you who didn’t rake the leaves or clear the flower beds had their reasons. Maybe they were tired. Maybe life was heavy. Maybe they were just trying to get through the day. That person was doing their best and that voice you hear should be full of compassion, not blame.

When I work with people to organize their homes, I often hear the same self-judgment: I should have kept up with this better. I let it get out of control. And I try to gently remind them that what happened in the past was shaped by real-life circumstances, challenges, and choices that they had at that time. We don’t always remember why we made those choices or what time or energy we ACTUALLY had.

As for my yard, I’m reminding myself that nature isn’t something I can control. Weeds will always grow just as laundry will always pile up and dishes will always reappear. So I’ll pull the weeds when I have the time and energy. I’ll ask for help. It’ll get done. Maybe not all at once, but bit by bit. And that’s enough.

So let this be a reminder: be more gentle with yourself when you look back. Whatever didn’t get done in the past — forgive yourself. You’ve carried a lot. You’re still here, still moving forward, and that’s what matters most.