Spring cleaning

Spring is my favourite time of the year. Days get longer. Weather is nicer. A season of re-birth and emerging from hibernation. It's also a time of decluttering - in every sense of the word.

Andrew and I spent last weekend doing a massive spring cleaning - including cleaning under our beds in the main and guest rooms - for the first time since we moved in Summer 2006. Vacuuming the ocean of dust was one of the most disgusting and therapeutic things I've done all year. By the end of the two-day marathon, we threw out and recycled a lot of shit.

Being a minimalist and someone who strives to live very simply, exorcising my space from its physical clutter is immensely satisfying. Even Oprah's in on the action - by regularly featuring expert Peter Walsh to help viewers declutter. Check out these great tips posted on her site.

Having just turned 28 - and feeling time fly by so quickly - I'm also finding a lot of time clutter. By that, I mean my schedule is continuously populating with activities - but not necessarily things that bring me satisfaction - whether it's wasting too much time Twittering about scratching my crotch or taking on volunteer tasks. The latter is actually very hard not to do, as I do find these jobs fun and meaningful - but I also feel like I sometimes fill up my schedule, just to avoid focusing on the bigger picture.

I think I need to pause, declutter and focus on stuff that will truly bring me long-term satisfaction and closer to fulfilling my long-term goals. For those who know me - you know what I'm talking about! And believe me, I'm a work in progress!

So in the spirit of Spring, I wish you the best and hope you'll find a moment to just stop, examine and declutter. Large or small scale, this exercise in exorcising is worth the trouble.