Spring Cleaning for the Soul

by Debra Loader

Letting Go, Moving Forward, and Growing

Winter can be beautiful with snow covering the trees and blanketing the ground. As much as I can appreciate that time of year – time to be quiet and hibernate a bit - when I see the first touches of spring, I come alive. The green grass is peeking through the snow and the other day there was a whole flock of robins in my crabapple tree! YES!! Spring is coming! I feel the urge to refresh my space —decluttering closets, deep-cleaning spaces, and making room for something new. Do you go into the spring-cleaning mode?

But what if we approached our inner lives the same way? Just as we clear out physical clutter, we can also clear out the emotional and mental weight that holds us back from stepping into a fresh start.

Spring is a season of renewal, a perfect time to release old burdens, embrace growth, and move forward with clarity. And while personal transformation is powerful, it’s even more meaningful when shared with a community of women who uplift and encourage one another.

The Weight We Carry

When I hear “the weight we carry”, my mind immediately goes to my physical weight – especially after the long winter months! While there is something about spring time that has us wanting to shed those excess pounds, there is so much more to “weight” than just that. Many of us hold onto things long past their usefulness—grudges, regrets, self-doubt, or even outdated versions of ourselves. We carry the weight of past failures, disappointments, or relationships that no longer serve us. Just like we can feel overwhelmed when our home or office is cluttered, an overcrowded mind and heart can make it hard to step into new possibilities.

THE POWER OF LETTING GO

Letting go isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we cling to the familiar— even when it’s not healthy—because change feels uncertain. But releasing what no longer serves us isn’t about loss; it’s about making space for something better.

Spring cleaning for the soul starts with small, intentional choices:

• Let go of perfectionism and embrace progress. Celebrate the small things!

• Release negative self-talk and replace it with grace and encouragement.

• Forgive yourself (and others) for past mistakes, allowing space for healing.

DECLUTTERING OUR MINDSETS

Just as a cluttered space affects our mood, a cluttered mind can keep us stuck in old patterns. Spring is an opportunity to refresh our perspectives, shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility. These are my most favorite and powerful shifts!

• From “I have to” → “I get to” (reframing obligations as opportunities)

• From “I’m not good at this” → “I’m still learning” (embracing growth)

• From “It’s too late” → “Now is the perfect time” (letting go of self-imposed deadlines)

GROWING TOGETHER: THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Letting go and moving forward isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Women thrive in community—encouraging one another, holding each other accountable, and offering a safe space to share struggles and victories.

Think about the women in your life who inspire and support you. How can you nurture those relationships? Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend, joining a supportive group, or simply having open, honest conversations about your own journey of renewal. There are many groups in our midMichigan area with women just like us – wanting to develop friendships, needing encouragement, and having some fun!

CREATING SPACE FOR WHAT’S NEXT

Once we’ve cleared out what no longer serves us, we can begin filling our lives with what truly matters. This might look like:

• Setting a new personal or professional goal

• Prioritizing self-care without guilt – this may be one of the hardest for us to do!

• Taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle

• Saying “yes” to opportunities that excite you

Spring reminds us that no matter how long winter has been, new life always returns. You have the power to embrace a fresh start, let go of what’s weighing you down, and step forward with renewed energy and purpose.

Journaling is a powerful habit to create transformation. Here are a couple journal prompts to get you started:

1. What thoughts, emotions, or habits have been lingering in your life that no longer serve your wellbeing?

2. What is one belief, habit, or past experience I’m ready to release so I can move forward?

Happy Spring! What beautiful new beginnings will you make room for?

Debra Loader is a Christian Health and Wellness Coach, a Christian Life Coach, as well as a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). She helps women integrate their Christian faith into their health and wellness journey to find greater motivation and resilience. You can contact Debra at debra@ debraloaderlivingwell.com or 810-2874096.