Traditionally de-cluttering, sorting and reorganising is part of annual Spring-cleaning projects however, the two-week break at Christmas gave me the time and opportunity to de-clutter my surgery and re-decorate. As with most projects preparation is the most important part of the process and if not tackled in a methodical and orderly fashion success may not be guaranteed. Physically challenging, it took me several days to empty my surgery of furniture and equipment, sorting paperwork as I went. Filing away what was important to keep and discarding the rest. I was then able to move to the painting and decorating, mixing the exact shade of lavender paint and applying it to the walls was incredibly therapeutic and with the new flooring professionally laid the task of reinstating furniture, reference books and important files gave me a sense of restoring order. With the surgery ready for patients the effect of achieving my goal was enormously satisfying and boosted my positive optimism for the coming year. Reflecting that this was mostly a physical exercise with mental effort focused on sorting what was important and needed to be kept and to let go of the unnecessary, I was left with the feeling that it had been a much-needed job well done! When embarking on any de-cluttering project timing is an important consideration, taking time to plan, to prepare and to complete. Setting achievable goals throughout the process to reduce stress and risk of failure is also important, so is the ability to make the fundamental decisions of what to keep and what to let go. Sometimes simple and sometimes difficult these decisions nearly always have an emotional hook. Possessions that have been accumulated over years are tangible objects that evoke happy memories of experiences from the past. Often these personal objects are difficult to let go and get passed on (with their stories) to family members and friends. Good past experiences and memories are easily mentally filed and kept (in the heart) whereas sorting and letting go of the not so good may require some professional help. It is not always straight forward deciding what emotional experiences are worthy of head space and what are not and for some individuals fear of making the wrong decision may hinder the process causing confusion and delay any forward movement. Others may find it difficult to emotionally move away from feelings of sadness, loss or loneliness stuck with the hurt and physical symptoms of a painful experience. Talking things through can help, borrowing the ears of a trusted friend or seeking professional counselling where confidential conversations may help identify issues, explore problem solving strategies and help re-build self-confidence in decision making. There is much debate of the therapeutic benefit of “sorting out stuff” to create a simpler and a less stressful way of life. I am often asked by patients how they might reduce stress in their lives. My reply is to suggest they begin by distinguishing the difference between Needs and Wants. When Needs are identified the Wants may then be seen as unnecessary clutter! If you are feeling stressed, having difficulty making decisions or would like to talk through any worries, please get in touch.
