Before we create, it helps to first clear.
At the start of the year, I was craving spaciousness. My mental and physical space felt messy and untidy. I was antsy, simply because I was surrounded by so many things that didn’t add value or ‘spark joy,’ in Marie Kondo’s words. This led to a week-long stint of deep decluttering. I donated clothes, books I had read before but no longer fit my current life chapter, shoes that were cute but uncomfortable, bike jerseys and helmets, pots and pans, and a ton of old art supplies that I knew I’d never use. I tossed old journals, photos, and worn-out clothes that I knew I’d never wear again. I felt like a snake, shedding old skin that represented a former version of myself. I thanked that former self, but understood I needed to rid myself of it to emerge as a newly upgraded version.
Clearing things out allowed me to see everything that I owned. It was eye-opening just how many things were occupying my physical space that simply didn’t add any value to my life. With those things cleared out, I could create space for everything I cherished and loved and wanted to welcome into my home.
My mental space also needed a deep decluttering. I deleted all social media apps from my phone starting on January 1st. For the first time in a long time, I feel like my brain can finally breathe again. I’m no longer scrolling while waiting in line at the grocery store or during free moments between seeing patients. My nervous system can finally relax. Ideas have returned because I’m inviting boredom back into my life. Time slows down now, enough for creativity to plant its seeds in the fertile soil of my quiet and spacious mind. Without the onslaught of reels and dopamine hits and seeing into the intricacies of strangers’ lives whom I’ve never met on the internet, I now have the time and capacity to reflect and intentionally choose how to live my life.
With more spaciousness, I can begin to create from the center- starting with my theme of 2026. From that place, I can begin designing experiences and goals around that theme in ways that feel meaningful and deliberate.
I know this year will be filled with growth opportunities, sweet moments, challenges, and beautifully joyful memories. I hope to arrange everything that comes my way with grace, ease, humility, and patience.
It starts with clearing out space to create from a blank canvas. A tabula rasa, waiting to be filled with life’s art that has yet to unfold and be revealed.