Change Your Environment, Change Your Life

Last weekend, a visit to my hometown to see a dear friend turned into a spontaneous, eye-opening decluttering bout.

She'd just moved into a historic home, which I couldn't wait to see. The tour started—and then halted—in the living room; we were too engrossed in catch-up-conversation to continue viewing rooms. I slid into an oversized accent chair as the conversation topic drifted from her cross-country move to her sales job.

Her job felt stagnant and draining. She described the weekends as her time to resurface for air—to breathe again. And she lived for them.

Her angst was tangible as she talked.

Instead of brainstorming alternate job ideas aloud or delivering a motivational, you've-got-this talk, I asked her one simple question.

Can I see your office?

She shrugged, said sure, and led me up a steep staircase to a quaint, upper room.

The door creaked open and we stood in silence watching the afternoon sunlight filter through the corner window, resting on piles and piles of stuff.

Two desks, four monitors, a couch, multiple unopened boxes of books, totes overflowing with mail, and haphazard cords piles, all sprinkled with a random assortment of inspirational note cards, supplement bottles and dog toys.

Now, my friend has severe endometriosis that's flared lately, slowing the rate she can settle into new her home. When energy is limited, work and basic activities of daily living win out.

Regardless of the reason, her office reflected chaos. And she was spending her working hours in this environment.

No wonder her job felt stagnant and draining.

Thing is, a cluttered environment has power. And it isn't a positive one…

Read the full article here!

Julia Ubbenga is a freelance journalist whose teachings on minimalism, simplicity, and intentional living have reached thousands of people worldwide through her blog. Julia also practices what she preaches in her Kansas City home. She resides with her husband, two extremely lively young daughters, three-year-old son, and baby girl. You can also find her on Instagram.

Looking for some inspiration to declutter this weekend?

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Inside the conversation: my minimalist story, the inner-outer clutter connection, my journey out of consumer debt, tips for talking to loved ones about gift-giving, and what life is like as a minimalist.

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