Spring clean your life in three [not so easy] steps

Living in Puerto Rico, spring doesn’t have quite as much meaning to me as it did when I lived in Chicago or Utah. There is no looking forward to the leaves growing, the flowers blooming and to the arrival of warmer weather for outdoor activities, since we have all of that year ’round.  As I truly disliked winter, I was thankful that I didn’t have to experience one this year. But I have to be honest and admit that I’m kind of missing the whole spring thing. To me it was always the time when the world cleaned itself up, sprayed on a little perfume and stepped out of the darkness looking brand new, in its Sunday best.

Just as the world cleans up and reinvents itself each spring, so can must we. We must take the opportunity of a new season to get rid of the negative thoughts that are keeping us in darkness.

If you’re feeling stuck, in a rut, and know that where you are is not where you wanted to be, then you must get ready to do a little mental and emotional spring cleaning. Like anything that makes us better, it’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

1. Assess where you are by asking yourself some questions and be honest with yourself. It’s your life only you know the truth. Is there a break between who you think you are and who you want to be?  Where does the disparity lie? Have your daily priorities consistently matched your goals? If not, why? Is fear playing a part or are you really not that committed and/or passionate about those goals?
2. Change your perspective from one of a vision of obstacles and perceived failures, to one where you visualize your dreams and work backwards to how you will make them come true. It’s okay to look back at your life to make assessments about how to proceed. It’s counter-productive to obsess over the couldas, wouldas, and shouldas.
3. Change the vocabulary of your thoughts. We are often our own worst critic. So much of what we say to ourselves, we’d never think to say to those we love, so why don’t you act like you’re someone you love. Be your biggest fan and supporter rather than your own worst critic. Give yourself all of the adulation and encouraging words that you would give anyone else you admire.
4. Do, apply, and repeat.

“Thought is the sculptor who can create the person you want to be.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Be your own best friend and this spring join the world in its rebirth.