Clair Mellenthin

Child and Family Therapist

How To Spring Clean Your Soul

by Leave a Comment

While we often think of spring cleaning as decluttering our homes, this season can also be a wonderful time to emotionally let go of things that are taking up too much space. All of us have things that are keeping us from being fully present in our relationships and in our work.

Marie Kondo’s famous book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” teaches us that we can honor things in our home for what they meant in our lives at one time, then learn to let them go. When it comes to the soul, some emotions, experiences, and even individuals may have once held significance but now can be released.

To begin this process, you may ask yourself a few questions. What hurt are you still holding onto? What grudges or painful experiences are taking up space in your heart? Do you have any shame that is limiting you? If so, what is at the root of it?

Letting go of these things isn’t always easy, but by working through your feelings, honoring what has some special memory or notable place in your past, and releasing these emotions and experiences, you can find greater freedom and joy in your life.

How To Spring Clean Your Family Time

by Leave a Comment

Spring is a time when we often tidy up our homes, but it can also be a great opportunity to evaluate our family life, reset priorities, start fresh, and toss out any emotional “junk” that we may be carrying. We can also “spring clean” our priorities with our family time as well.  The weather is nicer, so kids (and parents!) can get outside and not get cooped up watching television on the couch. Here are some tips to “spring clean” your family:

Clear out the activities that are old and boring

What habits has your family settled into that may not be enhancing your relationships or personal development? Is the TV on all the time? When everyone is together, are they glued to their individual screens? Evaluate what activities (formal or informal) may be holding you back, and work to reduce of eliminate them! Set limits, like having a “one hour of television a day” rule. Get rid of the same old, same old.

Stop buying toys and start spending time and money on making memories and having experiences

Kids love new toys and gadgets, but the best thing you can give them is your time and your love. Some of my best memories as a kid include going on long drives with my dad; I’ll never forget those trips. Work with your spouse to re-prioritize your budget to spend more on experiences than on “stuff.” If your financial resources are limited, don’t worry! There are likely plenty of local excursions in your area that your family can tour together-museums, recreational centers, parks, swimming pools, etc. Even just making a family night out of making a fun meal can be a great adventure! Your kids won’t remember their gadgets as much as time spent with their parents.

Start a new tradition; it’s never too late!

Some family traditions start naturally, but it’s okay to implement new ones (even if your kids are in their teens!). One great example of a family tradition is exercising together. Why not all sign up for a 5K race and then train together for it? Or maybe every Sunday evening the whole family goes for a walk around the neighborhood together. Think about specific areas in which you’d like to improve, and then create traditions that are fun and uplifting for everyone. Once again, these do not need to be elaborate, high cost activities-try to plan things that are fun, cheap (or free!), and get you all together (and not glued to your phones!). It’s the little things that cement your relationships to one another, so make the most of the new season of Spring.