Hey friends! Welcome back to There Will Be Joy. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the clutter—whether it’s the physical stuff in your home or the mental load that seems to keep piling up—this episode is for you. We’re diving into how to simplify your life and make room for what truly matters because joy isn’t found in the chaos; it’s in the clarity.
Take a listen now:
My Journey to Simplification
Up until a few years ago, I lived by the "more is more" mentality. My home was filled to the brim, my calendar packed with activities, and I even had a farm with 90 animals! But eventually, I began to feel overwhelmed by everything around me. I realized it was time to declutter, minimize, and simplify.
This was no small task, especially after losing my husband at 29. I had held onto many meaningful items, but as I moved forward, I felt a strong need to let go, even of things that brought back good memories. It was a necessary part of my healing process. I also made the difficult decision to sell my farm and the house I had longed for and dreamed of. This place helped me heal, but I eventually knew it was time to move on.
The process was hard—there were tears and tough moments—but the release I felt afterward was incredible. By simplifying, I made space for the better things God had planned for me. If I hadn’t let go of the overwhelm, I don’t think I would have been ready to embrace motherhood with two little ones so suddenly. Simplifying my life made me ready!
Identifying the Sources of Overwhelm
Ask Yourself the Hard Questions:
I encourage you to take out a journal or open the notes app on your phone and reflect on what’s causing you the most stress right now. Is it your endless to-do lists, an overflowing calendar, clutter in your home, or the expectations of others (or even yourself)? Identifying the sources of overwhelm is the first step to simplifying your life.
Biblical Perspective:
Ecclesiastes 3:6 reminds us that there is "a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away." There’s wisdom in recognizing when it’s time to let go of things that no longer serve us. God calls us to live freely, not bound by clutter or unnecessary commitments.
Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind
The Physical Declutter:
Our physical surroundings have a profound impact on our mental state. Think about your home—are there areas that feel heavy with "stuff"? Start small. Pick one drawer, one shelf, or one corner of a room and clear it out. Decluttering is more than just tidying up; it’s about freeing up mental space so you can focus on what really matters.
Practical Tips for Decluttering:
Set a timer for 15 minutes of decluttering each day.
Try the “one in, one out” rule for new items.
To help you get started, I’ve created a free decluttering checklist that you can download from our Patreon community. Once you get going, you’ll find it easier than you thought to keep moving forward with your decluttering journey.
Simplify Your Schedule and Commitments
Just Say "No":
Overcommitment is a fast track to burnout. It’s okay to say "no" to things that don’t align with your family’s values or bring you joy. When you say "yes" to something, you’re often saying "no" to something else—usually something that matters more. Give yourself permission to say "no" to things that don’t serve you in this season.
Create Intentional Rhythms:
Establish daily and weekly rhythms that prioritize rest and connection over busyness. This might look like a family game night, a quiet morning with coffee and a good book, or a weekly walk with your spouse or kids.
Biblical Perspective:
Matthew 11:28 reminds us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." By simplifying our schedules, we create space for the rest that God promises us.
Digital Detox and Mental Space
Minimize Digital Clutter:
Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Take a moment to audit your digital life. What’s serving you, and what’s just noise? Consider unfollowing accounts that don’t bring joy, setting screen time limits, or designating tech-free times during the day.
Mindful Consumption:
Be mindful of what you’re consuming, both online and in your daily life. Choose content that uplifts, educates, or truly entertains you. Remember, what we consume can either feed our joy or drain it.
Action Step:
Consider a digital detox this week. Take a day, or even just an afternoon, to unplug and be fully present. Share your experience in our free Patreon community—we’d love to hear what you discover!
Embrace the Beauty of Less
Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures:
There’s beauty in slowing down and embracing simplicity. It’s in these moments that we often find the most joy—whether it’s a home-cooked meal, a walk in nature, or a quiet evening with loved ones.
Living with Intention:
Simplifying your life isn’t about having less for the sake of less—it’s about making room for what truly matters. More connection, more peace, more joy. Let’s commit to living with intention and finding joy in every season.
Biblical Perspective:
Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God." There’s a profound peace that comes from stillness, from simplifying our lives so we can truly hear God’s voice and feel His presence.
The Joyful Life Community is a wonderful space where you can connect with others who are also seeking to simplify their lives and find joy in less. Share your decluttering progress with us, ask for advice, and encourage each other along the way, plus grab all the free resources i mention in the show!
Grab your free download of The Joyful Life Goal Planner to help you navigate this entire process!
I hope you’re feeling inspired to simplify and create more space for joy in your life. Remember, it’s a process, and it’s okay to start small. What’s one thing you’re going to let go of today to make room for joy?
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Thanks so much for stopping by! We so enjoy sharing our life alongside you. We are so grateful to each of you reading and being a part of our life and our story! We hope to be part of yours, too! And, we'd love to connect.
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With joy,