Intentional Living

The Purge

When looking at the word purge it may have different context meanings to you. For some purge may mean to get rid of unwanted clutter around the house. For others, it may mean to purge or cleanse the soul or body. I would say that however you view the word purge, both meanings go hand in hand. I, myself, think of purge as both. This is the beginning of 2021, so let’s make it a great year with lots of intentionality and purge the unwanted. Whether you want to declutter your home or purge the not-so-good eating habits and lack of exercise, let’s get started.

I have started to purge in areas of my home this past year by reorganizing so things are easily accessible. For me, since starting the process, it is getting easier to purge unused or no longer wanted items. Also, we are more intentional about using and appreciating the items we have chosen to keep. I sometimes have a hard time when thinking about items to possibly purge, but the feeling of clearing out the clutter is rejuvenating.

Now that I have talked about the purge regarding stuff let’s talk about the purge or cleanse of the soul, mind, or body. I believe in eating as healthy as you can, taking vitamins, and getting plenty of rest. Even though challenging, we should try to eliminate stress.

Hmm, maybe I should have said find ways to help manage stress. I have found that since I purged the unused items in my house I feel less stress because I am not always spending my time trying to organize unwanted items. Also remember to purge or as I call it refreshing the mind, take time out for yourself. As a mom, I know all too well the daily demands of children, husband, and being self-employed have. (I am not complaining I love every moment of it and wouldn’t trade it for anything.) Perhaps it is reading a book that you like, even if all the spare time you have is 5 minutes. By golly take the 5 minutes to read and enjoy! Before you know it you’ll be finished with the book and your mind will feel refreshed that you have done something for yourself. 

Another thing that may help is to have someone help you. Having someone there when decluttering may make it easier to let go of things. I am fully looking forward to getting through the rest of my home to see if there are any items that I should or need to purge.

Also having someone there to make you accountable when exercising and trying to eat healthily. Trying to have better eating habits, taking little tidbits of time to read books, exercising, spending time in nature or with God, all bring me joy and refreshment are all great endeavors, but sometimes we need a little encouragement to stay focused.

I feel I am already being more appreciative of the time I have with my family and being intentional about the time we have when we are together. I have included 4 downloadable cards that you can put in your planner, use as a bookmarker for that awesome book you’re reading,  or put on the fridge/bathroom mirror to help and encourage you to purge.

I would love to hear your stories about how you purge and how you have been intentional. Let’s make this a year where we are intentional with all areas of our life and have the best 2021.

Contributed by Carrie Guthmiller

Here is a link to a later article we published on purging.

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