Life is full, and overflowing with the new. But it is necessary to empty out the old to make room for the new to enter. Eileen Caddy

Spring is a GREAT time to clear out the old and make room for the new; sweep the decks! Ship-shape – and Bristol fashion ;-) Think of it as weeding. (And let me tell you, if you’ve ever gardened, this can be a relentless – yet infinitely satisfying task! Scary but true!) Make room for the goodness in the soil to nourish the fruits of your harvest. Mmmmm….imagine those strawberries…mmm…mmm! And the champagne…!

For those of you in the southern hemisphere – you’re not off the hook! For you, it becomes a time of ‘drawing in’, a time to look within and prepare for a slower pace of life, and more time spent ‘in-doors’ - in the physical, mental and emotional sense. ;-) So what can you do, to make that space more accommodating for the cooler months where you will be require a little extra room for comfort (and not just the chocolate variety!).

How often, do you review your wardrobe situation and realise you don’t ‘have a thing to wear’; in the desired shape/colour/style. The wardrobe is full and bursting at the seams, yet we’re still style challenged! Why is it then, that we hold on to clothes that no longer suit us, even those we bought and NEVER wore – with the labels still on? I’m not alone here – right?

Think of the times you’ve looked at that same bottle/jar/packet of something in the kitchen or bathroom, knowing that you would probably never use it – keeping it all the same. The old ‘fav’ shoes/jacket/jeans we never wear…those ‘bits and bobs’ that fill our drawers & cupboards - don't get put to task – and yet we hold on to ‘just in case’. The CD’s, the books, the papers, the bathroom products etc etc. The sentiment is lovely – but really - what we are doing here is holding on to old energy – which all takes – you guessed it – energy!

When we hold on to things in our ‘external’ world – you can guarantee that we’re holding on to things in our ‘internal’ world. (Old beliefs, fears, limitations etc.) That is why we feel so GREAT and energised when we do actually have a throw out. It’s kinda like getting that radical haircut – remember that feeling? It often takes some building up to – but is every bit worth the effort.

Imagine for a minute, how you might begin. Is it possible to free some energy and space in your life, in preparation for the new?! I’m not talking about the shopping spree kinda ‘new’ ;-) I’m talking about new perspectives/patterns/behaviours/horizons – got it? New is good yeah? Agreed? GREAT! Come on then – this can be FUN! What's the first step?

In these interesting times of economic challenge, of ‘make do and mend’, it is wise to develop strategies to ‘share the love’, by being more resourceful within your community. There’s always someone who could use those things that you do not – ‘one mans trash is another mans treasure’ ;-) Groups of friends can get together to clothes swap – individuals may donate goods to charities, businesses can have clearance sales etc, etc.

Years ago, I stayed with a dear friend whose mother had passed away the previous year. She had a huge, walk-in wardrobe – it was absolutely bursting at the seams, with both her and her mothers clothing - and my friend was exhausted. No surprise! All that stuck energy. One night I encouraged her (with the aid of a fine bottle of red!) to go through her clothes and eliminate the surplus. We had such a laugh, and by the end of the night (er…morning), we had filled 8 garbage bags!!! (and emptied 2 bottles...) The local charity was very (!!) grateful (as was one other mummy!). The whole exercise had that essential feel-good factor and freed my friend up to make room for her own needs, and gain the necessary perspective.

Sooo…what can you do today, to make room? What can be let go of, so that you can fully enjoy the freedom and spirit of the season? Let the focus be on the FUN stuff – the stuff that GIVES you energy.

Do it – do it today – do it with glee – do it with celebration – do it with reverence - just do it. You will feel soooo good – and that - is the BEST reason that you will find, to do anything; simply to feel GOOD!

Enjoy the ride!

Jodie xx