You Deserve to Live an Uncluttered Life.

Something Warm:: Last Week 3/3

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She watched me over the rim of her coffee cup and said,

"You look so free."

We laughed as we sipped our coffee and discussed the chaos of life.

We both understood the season I've been through—like a fall on black ice, dark and unpredictable. Yet here we were, grinning at its fortunate outcome.

I had embraced perfectionism and people-pleasing early on.
Neglecting my mental health led to severe anxiety attacks during my adolescent years. I sought others' approval at the expense of my own well-being.

As we sat in the coffee shop, discussing this "free" version of me,
I admitted that my freedom wasn't easily attained.

Over the past three months, I had delved into profound healing work, leading to a heart of surrender. It wasn't expected, but it shattered the walls I had built over my thirty-two years of life.

“It hasn't been easy, but I no longer feel the need to hide.”

I said with a smile as I embraced the freedom I had found.

For so long, I allowed other people's thoughts and emotions to dictate my life.
I believe I had to earn joy, seeking affirmation from others for security and peace.

But recovering from a hard fall has made me aware of the baggage I carried, keeping me on the floor for too long.

Recovering from a hard fall has made me aware of the baggage I carried, keeping me on the floor for too long.

As I find my footing and gather my bearings, I see the clutter that bound me—longing, discontent, and a lack of self-love and self-awareness.

As I tend my inner garden, I also see what I need in order to continue growing freely without finding safety in things that will hold me hostage.

I am learning that in order to experience freedom, rather than extracting, one must substitute. We must be willing to open our hands in order to release and receive.

Instead of seeking validation, I am affirming myself.
Instead of forcing relationships, I am cultivating my support system.
Instead of holding on to things because they once brought joy,
with love and gratitude I gracefully part ways with it.

As we embrace this new month and prepare to enter spring,
I am honoring the pruning and shedding that is taking place.

I am taking the time to asses my surroundings, while asking myself
What does it look like to experience true freedom?

I am taking the time to asses my surroundings, while asking myself
What does it look like to experience true freedom?

I am reclaiming my joy by embracing discomfort as I make room for freedom. Remembering that as I let go, I am making room for what could be.

I am decluttering my heart of things that have kept me in this toxic cycle of chasing perfection and people-pleasing. No longer forcing myself to stay in spaces that impede my healing but creating spaces for rest, reciprocity, recovery and replenishment.

As I release control, expectations, and validation, 
I create space for growth, healing, and abundance within and around me.

May this season be one where you choose growth over comfort.

May it be one where you release control and receive peace.
Because you deserve to live an uncluttered life.

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mindful minute: a time to reflect and respond

Let’s take a moment to breathe deep and exhale together.
Inhale through the nose for five seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds
and exhale for eight seconds.

Listen: A Sweet Sound
Brown Melodies - Jordan with a Why

Reflect: Journal Prompts (Feel free to share in Comments)
- What brings you joy?
- Identify three areas in your life that feel cluttered
- Fill in the spaces. In order to receive …. I must release …

Remember:

As I tend my inner garden, I also see what I need in order to continue growing freely without finding safety in things that will hold me hostage.

I am learning that in order to experience freedom, rather than extracting, one must substitute. We must be willing to open our hands in order to release and receive.

---

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