Isn’t it an interesting theory to be able to spring clean our minds just like we do our houses? To get rid of the debris that swirls around in our minds from the past and pops up every now and then to cause trouble?

We tend to hang on to all the old patterns, insecurities, and dramas to keep ourselves so busy that we don’t look at how we could change things and make ourselves happier. The dramas and the patterns keep us occupied—perhaps too occupied to make changes.

The more we can toss away what no longer has a purpose, the more determined we will be to get to the bottom of things that need healing and make the effort to pursue that healing. By searching through the dust and debris to find our current truth—not the truth that was spoon fed to us when we were younger, we will be able to release our old selves and live life with more meaning for us personally.

I used to joke around and say that I couldn’t remember current phone numbers and names because my brain was too full of old information that I no longer needed. It was a joke, but in truth, I still remembered my childhood phone numbers and addresses that were no longer relevant in my life. I know the experts say we only use 10% of our brain so there’s no reason that we couldn’t, in theory, remember many hundreds of phone numbers and addresses, but it doesn’t seem to work that way, not for me anyway.

When we refuse to let go of old patterns, family dramas, insults, dogma, judgments, etc., we are using all that good space up in our minds to keep recreating a reality we didn’t like when it was happening and probably like even less now. So how about doing a spring cleaning and taking stock of the beliefs we have about ourselves and our worlds and see if they still fit? Do they make us happier and better people now?  Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “The more beliefs that you remove from your inner space, the more room there is for new energy.” Of course, sometimes looking at old stuff may be difficult and thinking about old hurts may be painful, but if we look at these issues in the context of bringing them up and sending them on their way, it will get easier with practice.

Engaging in spring cleaning our minds does not always have to be a painful experience. Sometimes we may discover the beginning of something brand new and shiny, a treasure chest of wonderful ideas and dreams that need to be dusted off and brought out into the light of day.

This spring cleaning of our minds could be the second chance of a lifetime, a time to remember that we once loved music, we loved dancing, we loved art, we loved animals, and to give ourselves permission to rediscover those urges we had long ago before responsibility and the judgment of others made us forget our dreams and what made us happy.

Remembering that you once loved to make cookies and now are entranced with the Food Channel, shows you that you have an interest in food and may be what is currently called a “foodie,” not in the sense of gluttony but in the sense of enjoying well-prepared, tasty and/or unusual foods and wines. Maybe hanging out in William Sonoma might be just what the doctor ordered, and preparing meals for friends and family helps to bring happiness to yourself and others.

Finding out what we once loved and set aside enables us to bring it out again and make it part of our lives. If you can’t remember what once made you happy, perhaps you could browse around a bookstore and see what books and magazines attract you. See what television stations you most like to watch. Look in the local papers and see what activities are advertised and what volunteer needs there are in your community. Sometimes you won’t get paid for what you love to do, but the payment is in the doing of it.

For instance, I know that rock climbing will never be something I’ll want to do, but working with animals in some fashion brings me great joy. I love books and words and art, but I know I’m not much into car repair or building model airplanes. Just starting with what you know about yourself already can set you off in the right direction to spending more time with the things that bring you joy.

Spring cleaning our minds should occur in every season as we get rid of what no longer fits us and make way for the things that do! In the words of poet Mary Oliver, “Doesn’t everything die at last and too soon? Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

Get to Know Yourself: You Are the Most Important Person in Your World, a book by Sherry Kulakowski, is now available. You may purchase it at the A.R.E. bookstore in Virginia Beach or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .