Such a strange world we have awoken to this month. A pandemic, a worldwide virus outbreak and fear of death by coronavirus have got all of us feeling a little uneasy and anxious these days. As we scramble to come to grips with thoughts of “social distancing” and a new, unprecedented way of living our lives, I can’t help but think about how grateful I still am. As we continue to quarantine ourselves away from the world within the four walls known as home, I am blessed to have such a beautiful place to practice the art of self-isolation. Birds singing, flowers and trees in the yard exploding in color, mountains greeting me out the front and back doors and a patio to sit on while taking in all the nature that surrounds me. Most importantly, during this time of crisis, I have my partner, my friends, my family and my health to be thankful for each and every day.

This virus has really turned all our worlds upside down and has all of us on mental overload as we constantly tune in to how we’re physically feeling and if that cough might be something more. We notice other symptoms that might be a sign we’ve become infected and drive ourselves crazy wondering if we’ve been exposed to the virus somewhere along the way. In spite of this, most of us have also become experts in hand-washing techniques as we continue wiping down every imaginable surface with Lysol and bleach. During the weeks and months of quarantine, I’d bet my last dollar that we’ve also been able to find the time to Marie Kondo the hell out of our closets, cabinets, garages and numerous other storage spaces within our homes.

So as April typically signifies the beginning of the spring season in most parts of the country, spring cleaning naturally comes to mind as well but while the virus already has us cleaning like company is coming for the holidays, this is also typically the time when we take a look at all the clutter around us and decide it’s time for “out with the old and in with the new.”

We decide that spring is the time to get rid of the things that we no longer need or find useful and are just simply taking up space.

I recently found myself disinfecting the countertops and rearranging the cupboards for what seems like the millionth time and I began to think about the cleaning and clearing out that my mind, body, heart and soul also needs. Just as I’ve collected and held on to material things throughout my life, I’ve also stockpiled emotions like pain, regret, emptiness, sadness and loss. However like the clothes I no longer wear or the dishes I haven’t used for years, these emotions must also find a way to be purged so that I may make space for newer and happier thoughts and feelings. I must work to wipe and sweep them away with as much diligence as I do the virus. Only then, will I remain mentally, emotionally and physically clean and healthy so that I, like my countertops, can sparkle and shine.

So, the next time you find yourself reaching for a container of Clorox wipes or donating the softball equipment you don’t use anymore, remember to take a moment and get to work spring cleaning and clearing out all the emotions that no longer serve you.

Always Live inspiHERed,

Misti

The Finding HERself blog is written monthly by Misti Graham, inspHERation® Life Coach and is inspired by her personal life events, experiences and encounters.

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