I’m curious if this spring cleaning motivation is instinctive in all of us or a hit-and-miss gene that some are blessed with?  In autumn, when the days draw shorter and colder, the need to nest and cozy-in seems to gently take over.  Outside projects decrease and more time is spent on the couch reading, writing and channel surfing.  All of a sudden March comes along, daylight begins to sneak through the blinds earlier and the spring awakening begins.

These longer days spur the need to clean out the cobwebs both physically and metaphorically.  I see deep cleaning projects all around.  The lists grow longer along with the daylight.  The rays of sun through the windows begins to reveal dust in forgotten areas cloaked by shadows in winter’s darkness.  Cupboards seem to have more fingerprints and corners of drawers suddenly have an accumulation of rogue counter crumbs.

I’m so glad that the spring-cleaning mood eases into the days gently.  It’s perfect timing!  I long to do more outside but the temperatures prohibit my overzealous desires to hit the trails or dust off the Vespa for a coffee scoot.  Instead, I balance the days with time outside for the daily walk, a weekly visit to the local mountain for a few snowboard runs and deck flower planting.  When the chill becomes too unreasonable, it’s back inside for cleaning and crafting.  When the warmer days of summer arrive, inside time wanes with the desire for sunshine moments.  The seasonal cycle is perfect for those of us who get bored easily with repetitive activities.

The natural changes coming into our days is an ideal time to take account of our mental and emotional household as well.  Complexity of our wellbeing needs spring cleaning too.  Are there cobwebs gently taking residence in our routines?  Has dust settled into neglected corners of our emotions?  How do we approach tidying those hardest-to-reach areas?

Are you being the best version of yourself?  If your emotional roller coaster has been stuck on the downhill track, find a way to reset the system.  Are you comfortable with prayer?  A few words spoken or written daily can help reset your trajectory.  I find resetting is easier if I am moving.  While I walk, I process.  As I process, I pray.  When I pray, my soul is replenished.

Reach out to a trusted friend to air out the stagnant thoughts.  Sometimes, others closest to us have a valuable fresh perspective.  If you find yourself in deep depression, seeking professional counseling may be the direction to pursue.  You do not need to do life or its struggles alone.

Spring cleaning has huge benefits.  Doing the work brings fresh, bright rooms ready to welcome the new season.  In our hearts, removing the old hurts and emotional baggage frees us to have greater capacity to love others.  A sparkling clean home in tandem with a fresh disposition creates a springtime welcome mat!