Renew Your Spirit Just in Time for Spring
Spring, the loveliest of seasons, is finally here, and the world is ripe with new beginnings and hope. This palpable sense of rebirth is perhaps why so many of us feel inspired to throw open our windows, scrub our floors, and make room in our homes and hearts for the wonderful new things in store for us. For me, springtime is the perfect occasion to dust off the cobwebs (literally and figuratively) and welcome a fresh new start. This is a good occasion to adopt new healthy habits, indulge in a little self-care, and set a new intention to live more simply, purposefully, and be more present. Here are a few of my favorite springtime rituals that I use to invite a new season of harmony, sunshine, and joy.
Have an “out with the old” exorcism… Chances are, you’re dealing with some clutter in your home that you’d like to get rid of. Get into the spring cleaning spirit by setting aside some time to go through the junk that’s accumulated over the past year. Devote a morning or afternoon to decluttering each room in your house and determine which items should be recycled or disposed of, and which items can be donated.
…and do a closet purge while you’re at it! While you’re taking stock of what should stay and what should go, pay extra attention to your closet. It’s not enough to swap out your winter coats, sweaters, and accessories for your springtime essentials. Really take stock of any items that are worn out, outdated, or simply no longer bring you joy. It’s time to move these items on to make room for clothing that makes you shine. Be sure to rehang items that have fallen to the floor and reorganize unruly belts, scarves, and other accessories. This is also the perfect time to clean and vacuum out your closet—especially your shoe shelves, which tend to accumulate dust and debris.
If you are having trouble with your wardrobe purge, consider working with me to spring clean your closet. I regularly assist clients in letting go of clothes that no longer work, organizing the clothing that stays, and creating totally accessorized outfits that reflect their true selves. To book an appointment, please email me at marla@marlatomazin.com.
Make your home sparkle. A fresh and clean home dramatically improves your quality of life. Make time to do a thorough “spring cleaning” and you will reap the benefits of a tidy home for the rest of the year. Take time to sweep or vacuum your floors, wipe down baseboards and window sills, and dust all surfaces. And if you want to go the extra mile to kill any lingering germs, I recommend using Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner to safely sanitize your home; it’s chemical-free and its light scent will freshen your rooms.
Diffuse an uplifting scent. Nothing says “let the sunshine in” like a fresh, inviting scent. Use a diffuser and your preferred essential oil to purify and fill the air with the fragrances of springtime. Not only will your house smell wonderful, but you may also benefit from the therapeutic qualities of some of the oils. My personal favorites for daytime include peppermint, lemon, and lavender. At night, diffuse Young Living’s Peace and Calming essential oil to relax you into a peaceful slumber.
Step into TOE-tal renewal. Nothing feels more renewing than a good pedicure after months of hiding your feet from winter’s chill. After a little pampering, you will be more than ready to break out your sandal collection. Be sure to choose a spring-worthy color for your toes like the one I’m wearing here, OPI’s Living on the Bula-vard.
Embrace uplifting shades. For even more color, celebrate springtime hues, including pastel pink, lavender, and Pantone’s color of the year, “Greenery.” Try wearing a soft pink T-shirt with crisp white jeans, or pick out a great new pair of lilac-tinted sunglasses. And if you’ve really got spring fever, brighten up your living room with a few green throw pillows in this vibrant and captivating hue.
Try a few on-trend tops. Spring fashion is in bloom, so update your wardrobe with a few new shirts and blouses. This year, it’s all about ruffles, ties, lacing, and arm details. The off-the-shoulder look is also back and better than ever. Here’s a hint: If your shirt is really frilly or otherwise embellished, keep the rest of your outfit and accessories neat and simple.
Bring the outdoors inside. Indoor plants help clean the air and cheer up any room with a fresh pop of color. Celebrate spring by bringing home a few new potted plants from your local nursery. Or, start a window-sill herb garden to brighten up your culinary creations. I recommend growing a mix of basil, dill, parsley, or cilantro.
Commit only to activities that fill your spirit. Too often, we overcommit ourselves with activities that don’t resonate well with us. Whether you have joined a club that doesn’t bring you joy, agreed to organize yet another fundraiser, or sit on one too many boards, take a step back and reassess your motives. Life is too short to commit to obligations that don’t really fill your soul with joy. Reflect on your current commitments and decide what, if anything, should be edited from your schedule. Trust me, you’ll increase your energy and joy tenfold once you cut out the commitments that don’t enhance your life.
Start a new healthy habit. (It’s simpler than you think!) Now is the perfect time to start taking better care of yourself. Many people delay on making these types of changes, because of time and energy concerns. But remember that you don’t have to overhaul your schedule or routine to make impactful changes. Five minutes of deep breathing in the morning, or a 15-minute mid-day walk will greatly affect your health and happiness. So whether you choose to swap your fries for a side salad, or opt to go to bed a half hour earlier, choose to invest in your own health today. It will pay off in more ways than you think.
Just as the Earth effortlessly bursts with new life and color, springtime joy comes naturally. Your job is to clear away the things that diminish that joy…and then gratefully allow it to flourish in your heart and life.
