Focus Friday: Let’s Focus on Decluttering

I’ve been on a decluttering mission the last couple of weeks. I emptied one of my bookshelves so I could move it across the room, and then I ruthlessly weeded out a good chunk of my collection. I love books, but I don’t have enough time to reread most of them. It’s time to pass them on to someone else.

I keep looking around our home and thinking about what can go. I’m making a big pile. We’ll see if a garage sale is in our future or if I’ll make several trips to a donation center.

When I used to look at my overstuffed bookshelf, it would make me feel stressed. I knew there were quite a few books I hadn’t read yet (I moved those to a smaller bookshelf and I’m making plans to read them in the months ahead and then pass them on). Now my bookshelf isn’t even full, and I can see the titles of books I love and want to keep (at least for now). I feel a sense of peace.

Clutter in our minds isn’t good for our mental health. It’s stressful to hold on to negative thoughts. Maybe it’s time to declutter so we can focus on more helpful, positive ideas. Write down what you’re thinking and decide what has to go. You may need a counselor to help you learn skills for doing that, but it’s worth it.

I started going back to my counselor in Sioux Falls in July to work on a few things that were bothering me. This week we talked about my tendency to seek knowledge from lots of different sources. I read books and listen to podcasts, getting lots of interesting, helpful info. The trouble is, I let all of that good stuff clutter up my mind and I often don’t take action. For me, it can be a form of avoidance.

So my counselor suggested that I go for one week without listening to podcasts. We both had to laugh as my anxiety about that was clearly visible. She could see it all over my face, and I noticed that my right hand started scratching vigorously on my left arm. She had hit a nerve. “But what would I do instead when I’m out for a walk or something?” I asked. “You could listen to music…or just be,” she said.

Just be. What a concept. I don’t do that very well. My mind is constantly analyzing and excusing and chastising and celebrating and planning and wondering.

I think this week without podcasts is going to be good for my mental clutter if I allow the extra time and space to be something healing for me. Instead of filling my brain with more thoughts and ideas from others, I can sort through what I already know and believe. Then I can make sure I’m putting it into practice as I live this beautiful life God’s given me.

I won’t give up podcasts completely after the week is over, but I might be more deliberate about balancing my time, making sure I don’t just listen to tons of episodes and let it all become clutter again.

It all comes down to catching our thoughts, doesn’t it? Learning to focus on things that are excellent and praiseworthy (and true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable as it says in Philippians 4:8). We can get rid of any thoughts that don’t fit in those categories.

You can check out my free, private Facebook group: Catch Your Thoughts with Robyn Mulder (and my podcast with the same name) if you want some support and encouragement in your mental decluttering process.* You’ll feel more peace when your mind is clear.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21 NIV)

Does clutter bother you? Which is easier for you to see…the clutter in your home or the clutter in your mind? How can focusing on God help you get rid of both types?

*If you want help with decluttering your home, I recommend watching YouTube videos by The Minimal Mom and The Life Tidy. (I’m sure there are lots of other great resources out there, but these are two that have inspired me as I’ve started decluttering.)