When we start drilling down into this ‘simplifying the soul’ business, it has to be about more than just cleaning out the cluttered parts of our homes. If we’re truly looking to make a difference then we must declutter our hearts and minds of the things we no longer need. It’s about taking a hard look at what has to be discarded and make the decision to cut the ties; as in so long, see you later, don’t need this anymore.
When it comes to cleaning out the clutter I find myself right there with you–my readers and friends. I’m still a work in progress too and I can identify with many of the things that you said are unhealthy to cart around.
As l looked at the things you shared I saw commonalities. As I continued going through the list I kept thinking that God never intended for us to hang on to the heavy burdens and lug them around like we are super women.
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Why do we carry this stuff with us when we can give it all to Him? 1Peter 5:7
The list below isn’t an exhaustive one and there’s no way to include everything you want to dump from your mind, but I think you will find it’s a good place to start. Some things may not apply but I hope the list motivates you to weed out the untruths for good. The whole point is to pare down what occupies your heart and head. It’s about healing your soul. Practice a life of simplicity through Christ.
UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS ~
Stop trying to meet others expectations. You will not make everyone happy. It’s not healthy to carry around that kind of pressure. If you lose friends over not meeting their expectations, then it wasn’t a genuine relationship or friendship.
OVERDOING IT ~
We cannot plan for everything. No matter how hard we try, it just won’t happen. Avoid taking on too many responsibilities. Pretty soon you discover that all you do is plan and plan some more. You never get caught up and you never have any free time. Everybody needs to be spontaneous occasionally. Free yourself from the busyness of chaos and disorder and relish in the simplicity of a day. It’s good for the soul.
HIDING THE REAL YOU ~
Sometimes society tells us it isn’t acceptable to express our emotions. For example, if we are firm with a situation, then we’re labeled as difficult. If we break down and cry, then we’re labeled as weak and whiny. Just be you. We are to care for others and be kind, considerate, and compassionate, just like Jesus. Being judgmental is not on the list.
THE PERCEPTION OF PERFECTION IS EVERYTHING ~
Give up the world’s perception of who you should be. You are not perfect, but you are enough–just as God made you. Be content with who you are and explore the possibilities.
JEALOUSY AND ENVY ~
Avoid letting these emotions take over your life. Don’t get caught up in wanting what others have. Not stuff, not people or jobs. Not homes or money. Nothing is ever greener on the other side.
LOOKING FOR SUPERWOMAN ~
Forget about it. Who wants or needs to be everything to everyone? It’s not worth it, I promise. We simply need to do the best we can and accept the things we cannot change. God didn’t intend for us to do it all. That gets into busyness and that’s another story.
CONTROLLING THINGS YOU CAN’T CHANGE ~
Everyday of our life we deal with a multitude of things. Some things you can take care of. Others you cannot. But what you shouldn’t do is let the things that you can’t control occupy too much space in your mind. When you let it consume you then you become bogged down in worry and details and control becomes a vicious cycle.
CARRYING GRUDGES ~
If your feelings get hurt, deal with the situation and be done with it. If you can’t deal with the situation, pray about it and ask God to help you let it go. You can’t give your worries over to God and still carry them around. Holding a grudge doesn’t get you anything but miserable. Let. It. Go. For. Good.
GIVING UP ~
Carrying around a defeatist attitude is a no-no. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you aren’t enough. Setting goals is a natural part of life and you are to trust God to point you in the right direction. Go after your dreams. Find what makes you happy and do your part. Plan, prepare, and pray about your goals and let God lead the way. In the meantime, enjoy what you’re doing and do it well.
NO TIME FOR ME ~
Avoid these negative thoughts at all cost–taking care of yourself is never selfish. Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. Eat healthy. Workout. Laugh….a lot; It’s good for the soul. Get plenty of rest. Pamper yourself occasionally. Take time to clear the clutter from your mind. Practice gratitude and thankfulness–you’ll build a stronger you.
Did you find something on this list you CAN live without? I hope so. You see it’s easy for your heart and mind to get lost in the shuffle of juggling all the unwanted things. So starting today, make it a goal to get rid of any negative or untruth you don’t need. ONCE AND FOR ALL.
Tweet This“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” 2 Corinthians 5:9
Blessings & Hugs! I’ll be praying for you this week.
This is so good. Mitzi! Such truth in these words! This series has been a blessing to me!
Thank you Kimberly. It’s has been a blessing for me too. Always good to be reminded what we are up against and that it takes Jesus to help us through it. Time to let go.
this is EXACTLY what I needed today- Wonderful read!!!!!!! and Wonderful advice!