Nadine J Walters – My Life

Question to myself for Day 12: Decluttering -How do I approach it? How does it make me feel?

My answer: I love decluttering—sometimes. When done mindfully, it can be incredibly rewarding. But when it’s rushed or done in a panic, it makes me anxious.

A clean, decluttered home and yard feel amazing. The open space, the freshness—it’s like I can breathe a little deeper, and the world feels just a bit lighter. If I had to describe it in color and flavor, it would be a crisp, minty green. I declutter frequently and always have a donation bag ready, so it’s a constant part of my routine. If I let things pile up even for a few days, I feel unsettled and have to pause everything to do a deep “sparkle clean.” I’ve even managed to declutter my books, carefully choosing what to keep and what to pass on. Letting go doesn’t scare me—I’m more than willing to toss or donate what no longer serves me.

But there’s one area of decluttering that always trips me up: papers, photos, and digital files. These things make me incredibly anxious. I sit down periodically to sift through documents, weed out unnecessary apps, and organize my photos—but it never feels like enough. What if I need that file later? What if that photo is priceless? What if I delete an app only to realize I need it the next day? AHHH!

I know I need a system—and the discipline to stick to it. Maybe that’s my next decluttering challenge. Because at the end of the day, clearing space isn’t just about the physical stuff—it’s about creating room to breathe, think, and enjoy life more fully.