Two years ago, I was stuck.

Spinning my wheels. Anxious. Stressed. Not sure who I was or what I wanted my life to look like.

I was surrounded by clutter everywhere I looked. Physical clutter, mental clutter, emotional clutter & financial clutter. (So. Much. Clutter.)

Have you ever been stuck in that place?

It wasn’t until I started decluttering my home that I even realized how cluttered my life had become. So, the first thing I did was ruthlessly remove things from my home. Anything that I didn’t use, didn’t really like or wouldn’t miss left. I donated a ton of things to shelters and sold some stuff on Facebook. With each bag that I got rid of, little by little, I felt at peace.

But, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

As space began to open up in my home, it began to open up in my mind as well. I started having the space to look at my life, look at the people I spend my time with and remember who I was before my life became so full of clutter.

Before I became a mom.

Before I became a wife.

Before we ran into some financial challenges that changed the way we lived.

At first, it was so uncomfortable to look at myself. It can be overwhelming to step back and realize that you aren’t living authentically and to the best of your ability. Eventually however, it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

Two years in and this journey to an uncluttered life is far from complete. I think it is something I will work at for years to come and maybe something that will be a constant journey throughout my life.

So, what exactly does it mean to live an uncluttered life?

It means realizing what is important to your life and making that a priority. Getting deep with yourself and removing anything that doesn’t serve you or bring you joy.

Living an uncluttered life means finding the beauty in everyday moments. Moments like taking a walk in nature or sipping a cup of coffee in front of the fireplace. Reading a new book or listening to the rain fall down on a warm summer day.

It means not apologizing for who you are and what you like. You love shopping for shoes? Great, go get those shoes. You got rid of everything that you own? Perfect, whatever works for you. Be you, authentically, and don’t apologize for it!

It’s living within your means and paying down your debt so you can save for a house or a new car or that purse you really want. Or simply having the freedom you have longed for.

Living an uncluttered life is decluttering the physical possessions that no longer serve you. That are getting in the way of the life you want to live.

It’s practicing gratitude for the beautiful things in your life and adding mindfulness into your daily routine. Deciding to get up everyday and be present in your life. To hold onto your dreams and crush your goals.

It means letting go of the past and learning to enjoy the journey of life.

I want you to know something, it isn’t going to happen overnight. Don’t expect to wake up tomorrow and have a changed life.

It is work. It is growth. It is day by day, taking small steps toward an uncluttered life. Be patient and embrace this journey!