(Photo by Selma Komisky)

Decluttering Your Mind: Let Go and Let God

By Maxine O’Loane

It’s a new year, a new decade and most importantly a new day. Everybody knows that New Years is a time for reflection, nostalgia, celebrating accomplishments, coming to terms with losses and the most common topic…CHANGE! Although this may be something we do throughout the year, there’s an added social pressure when we label these changes “Resolutions” and feel the need to take immediate action. But, a close friend recently explained to me that this approach shouldn’t be “saved” for the first of a new year, but rather implemented throughout the other 364 days as well. So, before you grab a container and start going through your closet and ever-growing shoe collection, find a comfy spot, stream your favorite playlist and let’s “declutter” a bit.

Declutter (clear out) your inner circle, if need be. The people you surround yourself with have more to do with your mental state than you may think (at least it was in my experience). You are who you socialize with, and just because someone has been around for a long time doesn’t mean that they’re good for your mental state (well being). With that being said, take into consideration how having certain people in your life has affected you. One, can you rely on them? When life hits hard and you need someone to turn to, do they come to mind? Two – are they encouraging? For those days when nothing seems to go right, can you trust them to lift your spirits and help you see the bright side? Three – do they help you grow? Can they be honest with you, even if it hurts to hear sometimes? After taking these things into consideration, think about the types of people you want to invest in and who will invest in you as well. As the body of Christ, we’re called to uplift and encourage each other, so keep that in mind when going through this list.

Reset the way you look at things, not just this year but everyday day. Life isn’t always easy. Things come up, situations happen, we get hurt (disappointed), but the way you perceive it makes a world of difference. Stuff like breakups, losses, school, and family carry a heavy weight on your mental state. This added weight can easily lead to anxiousness, melancholy, stress, worry, among other things. Which is why having a mental reset is key to seeing the brighter side and being able to deal with what comes your way. This can be done with blasting your favorite playlist when you’re feeling down. Meet up with your go-to and talk it out over boba or coffee. Set some time aside to read or decompress. And most importantly, remind yourself to Let Go & Let God. Because, though He knows all of the emotions you’re going through, He still wants you to be open with Him about it.

Here are a few verses that I’m going to try to keep in mind from now on, and you can do this with me. Jot them down on a post-it and put it somewhere so you can see it daily. Take them to Pinterest and find a new wallpaper. This is what I do so I can be reminded whenever I check my phone. Or just read them over a few times and if any resonate with you, repeat it to yourself when you need a little extra encouragement to get through the day. But, like I said, the choir is up to you.  As this new year takes off, don’t forget to take some time to break away from the craziness that is life, and clear your head, and take care of yourself. Trust me, this year WILL be different from the last!

“Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.”

– Philippians 4:8

“Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

– 1 Corinthians 6:19

“Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.”

– Proverbs 4:23

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust you.”

– Isaiah 26:3