by Heather Gerson

Spring is in the air. The trees and bushes are blooming. People are out in their yards trimming bushes and trees, and everyone is talking about spring cleaning.   And there is only a little bit of snow in sight on top of the Mesa.  Spring is definitely in the air.  

 Spring brings a renewal of spirit.  People are getting outdoors and enjoying our amazing area.  From hiking to biking, tennis, golf, soccer, or just hanging out, everyone is getting outside.   Longer days gives us, even more, time to enjoy the outdoors. My son is out in the cul-de -sac playing with the neighborhood kids well into the evening.  My daughter is golfing daily and enjoying the exercise, and I have been taking longer hikes with our dog Archie.  

What exactly does spring cleaning mean to you?

For everyone, spring cleaning means something different.  For me, it means really cleaning all the nooks and crannies in the house and the garage.  I clean out the pantry and the fridge of any unwanted or expired foods, reorganize and assess the pots and pans and utensils in the kitchen.  Throw out things that have seen better days.  Wash all the family’s ski clothing and put away the hats and gloves and sweaters and boots.  

Getting rid of unwanted things is very therapeutic.  Countless books are written on the subject.  I haven’t read any of them.  But I do know that donating and or selling things is going on all over right now.  It makes you feel lighter, physically and emotionally.  Clearing the stuff out helps us all.  

I write about this because I am spring cleaning and clearing the clutter in my home here in Grand Junction while I am clearing out my parent’s home across the country at the same time.   I have found that being burdened with unwanted stuff is physically and emotionally draining.  Many people cannot bear to get rid of things.  What makes one person happy to fill a garbage bag to donate with clothes versus another who can’t part with any clothing whether it fits or not?  

Maybe it is because we live in a society of consuming.  We are barraged with emails, ads on TV, computers, phone solicitations, even social media is involved.  What are the stars, buying, eating, wearing?  We all have too much stuff.  

 How can we avoid all of this “stuff?”  

We don’t need all of this stuff, and we certainly can’t wear all this stuff.  But we hold on to this stuff in case we may need it, want it, or wear it one day.  

I, for one, don’t want to be burdened by stuff.  I want to feel happy and calm in my surroundings and to enjoy the things around me.   If it doesn’t serve a purpose to you, if you don’t enjoy looking at it, wearing it, or having it, then it is time to let it go.  

Spring clean your closet and your yard, but more importantly, spring clean your mind, body, and soul.  Enjoy the last breaths of spring because summer is just around the corner.