Decluttering Tips and Support

Dear Reader,

My youngest son Sean just learned how to ride his bike. When he started, we ran beside him, holding onto one handlebar as well as the back of his neck to keep him steady, and helping him get started again with a gentle push.

Eventually, he didn't need us to hold the handlebar. Then, he didn't need us to hold the back of his neck. Then, he was able to start on his own. I'll always remember when he said, "It's OK. You can let go." Little does he know that he'll need to remind me of that many, many more times in his childhood. 😭

When I see my kids learning new things, it gives me hope that I am able to learn new things as well. I don't need to stay stuck in overwhelm, but can experiment until I find something that works for me.

It may be uncomfortable at first, but like most things in life - they're hard until they're not.

On the Podcast

I loved talking to Lisa Roers from the Sunshine Cafe Podcast about how to become more resilient using the power of neuroplasticity. Here were some of my main takeaways:

💪🏻 Constantly putting out fires and being in reactive mode causes us to be in a state of chronic stress which impacts our physical and emotional health.

💪🏻 One of the main ways to overcome overwhelm is to set better boundaries. Perhaps this means limiting the number of activities your kids participate in each season, or encouraging them to contribute to the household rather than you doing everything yourself. This gives you the margin to respond, rather than react. It also helps teach your kids valuable life skills.

💪🏻 Creating light structure to your days can provide predictability to your days, rather than chaos, which can help support you in overwhelming seasons.

💪🏻 While it may be hard to try something new (like trying out a new routine or setting a boundary around your kids' screen time), that uncomfortable feeling is your brain forming new neural connections, which makes you more resilient to change. So embrace the discomfort!

To learn more, listen to Episode 202 or check it out on YouTube!

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Things I'm Loving Right Now

✨ One of my favorite tools to stay organized and decluttered is No Sidebar, filled with helpful articles about decluttering, minimalism, and simplicity. I've contributed several articles that you're welcome to read!

✨ My decluttering/organizing resource of the week is my conversation on Lisa's podcast, where I share more about my story and some great decluttering tips!

✨ My favorite recipe of the week is ground beef stir fry. Use fresh or frozen veggies!

What are some things you're loving right now? Hit reply and let me know.

On the journey with you,

Emily

P.S. Skipped to the end? No problem! This week on the podcast I chatted with Lisa Roers about how to become more resilient using the power of neuroplasticity to get out of overwhelm.

​*Note- affiliate links may be included, which means I get a small commission if you use my link - thanks!​