There are secrets to unlocking your inner peace. Today, we will look at one secret that helps you create the inner peace you need to flourish.
When I walked into the home office, it looked tidy. That is on the surface.
Open the closet, and it was another story.
There were blank canvases, cut-out magazine images, an air purifier, empty notebooks, boxes of fabric for upcoming projects, a container of incense, binders with courses I have offered, candles, oracle card decks, Feng Shui remedy supplies, and a whole lot more.
I realized that even though my stuff was organized in labeled containers, it did not mean I had my things under control.
The Three to Five Second Rule
My friend, Sandy, asked me, “Can you find whatever you want in 3 to 5 seconds?”
I answered, “No.” Then she said, “You might have too much stuff.”
My first reaction was to tell myself that everything in the closet was essential to me and I needed everything. It has a purpose; you never know when you need it.
The Secret to Creating More Inner Peace
Sandy was giving her home office a makeover, and I loved the photos she sent me of her progress.
This is what surprised me. After she was finished, she said, “I can’t believe the difference. It’s really peaceful in here.”
I wanted that peaceful feeling, too, when I was in my home office.
That’s when I realized that just because it looks tidy outside does not mean I am home-free.
The clutter in my closet impacted my feeling of peace, clarity, and well-being. Besides, I could not find what I wanted in 3 to 5 seconds.
I told Sandy I would clear the stuff in my closet and make my life easier, more fun, and more peaceful.
I wondered:
- How do we collect so much stuff? What influences our buying decisions?
- We want or think we need it when we buy it, right?
- It feels like the stuff breeds. One container becomes two containers.
- It grows if we don’t remove an item for every new thing we bring in. And it breeds without any warning.
Here are the steps of my “Clutter Warrior” journey to inner peace.
Step 1 – Decide to Begin
Choose a place to begin. I decided to remove everything from one area of the closet.
Step 2 – Sort
I put the items on a table and began sorting through them.
I threw away a few items: old file folders, yellowing graph paper, old essential oils, an empty lighter, and old wrinkled drawings. You know, the easy stuff.
Step 3 – Ask the Tough Questions
I thought I was doing great. I was reorganizing stuff and putting it back into the closet.
I told myself, “Wait a minute. This is not about organizing; this is about getting rid of stuff. Remember, you have too much stuff holding you hostage from your peace.”
I had to figure out how to overcome my intense emotion about releasing my stuff. I felt sick to my stomach. Has that ever happened to you?
Here are the three questions I asked myself to decide what to do:
- Have you used this in the last year or a few years? If not, let it go. Here is an example I had a picture enlarger given to me three years ago, and I had never taken it out of the box. Nancy, you are not going to use this. Yes, it is brand new but it does not fit my current activities. I donated it.
- Does this item add to my happiness? Maybe I don’t even know it is in the closet; how could it add to my happiness? If the answer is no, time to let it go. I use a couple of portable easels to mentor clients in the “Paint your Heart’s Desire” process. Witnessing their insights, growth, and inspiration makes me happy, so those easels are keepers.
- Is keeping this item worth my inner peace? I used this question for those hard-to-make decisions. When I looked at the collection of candles I had in a container, I decided not all were worth keeping. Do you have things that may be robbing you of your inner peace?
Step 4 – Take Action – Choose Inner Peace
Slowly, I answered the questions and acted. It wasn't easy; breaks were essential to escape the emotional whirlwind. One break led to a revelation – moving furniture to another room made letting it go easier.
With each step, the process became smoother. Clutter busting became an exercise in reclaiming my strength, clarity, and peace.
Conclusion
The heart of the matter is this: clutter is a barrier to inner peace. It accumulates without notice, multiplies when neglected, and exerts control over our lives. But it doesn't have to stay that way. You can choose to follow the secrets to inner peace present here. The steps to creating more inner peace are:
Step 1 – Decide to Begin: I selected a starting point and braced myself for the task ahead. First, empty an area of the closet.
Step 2 – Sort: With items laid out, I began sorting through them. Easy decisions came first – old folders, yellowing graph paper, unused essential oils, forgotten lighter, and crumpled drawings.
Step 3 – Ask the Tough Questions: I initially believed reorganizing was enough. Then reality struck – this wasn't about the organization but letting go. My attachment to stuff was holding me back from peace. I had to confront my emotions. Sick to my stomach, I asked three vital questions:
- Have I used this in recent years? If not, it's time to release it.
- Does this item enhance my happiness? If not, it's time to let go.
- Is holding onto this item worth sacrificing my inner peace? This question was my compass through tough decisions.
Step 4 – Take Action – Choose Inner Peace: I answered the questions and took action. I needed breaks to give myself time to fully answer the three questions so I could let go of my stuff.
As I approach the finish line, I can feel peace inching closer. I'm making space for serenity in my home office and every corner of my life. Use these secrets to inner peace to make a difference in your life.
Picture the possibility of peace filling every room. The prospect is invigorating!
Inner peace is the secret sauce that brings harmony to your life.
- It paves the way for meaningful relationships, vibrant health, and boundless creativity.
- It helps you navigate the twists and turns of life with grace, reminding you to breathe, trust, and embrace the present moment.
I am here to let you know it is possible for you.
So, my friend, prioritize inner peace like it's your most precious gem.
Nurture it through self-care, self-reflection, and your Soul insights from Intuitive Painting, Feng Shui, and personal growth.
When you cultivate inner peace, you unlock a world of possibilities and become the unstoppable force you were always meant to be.
Get ready to radiate that inner peace, and let it guide you towards a life of joy, fulfillment, and endless adventure!”
Resource: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo. Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts, and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles? Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes tidying to a whole new level, promising that if you appropriately simplify and organize your home once, you’ll never have to do it again.
I wrote this article in honor and memory of my dear friend Joan Silva who passed July 22. She founded a Facebook, From Clutter to Tidy, where she inspired and taught many of us to make our lives easier, more fun, and freer by eliminating clutter and the stuff we do not use. Thank you, Joan, for sharing your love and wisdom. Peace forever be with you, my friend.
I'm an Artist, Feng Shui Expert, and Entrepreneur Nancy Dadami. My mission is to help you achieve peace within yourself, your relationships, and the world around you. I am known for my talent in harmonizing the energies of your outer and inner worlds, cultivating a sacred space for inner peace, personal growth, and holistic well-being. Explore my transformative services and embark on your journey toward inner peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
Thank you for sharing that, it is a gift to have gotten to read and be moved by it.
What a wonderful post and tribute to Joan ❤️ she is so missed!