Decluttering… but not in the way you think

Content.

One of my personality traits is that when I find something that works, I feel an obligation to pass the news on (which is partly why I love writing on Substack).

Anyway - if you follow me on Instagram you may have seen me rave about Roxie Nafousi. She recently released a short podcast episode on decluttering (only 15 minutes!) that was honestly a little life-changing. Dramatic, but true.

She reframes decluttering as a process of letting go, trusting yourself, reducing mental load and creating a calmer, clearer space - and therefore a calmer mind. And she’s so right. You can literally feel the difference.

When thinking about decluttering, two areas came to mind:

1. Decluttering the kitchen

I have a lot of stuff in my kitchen. Turning on the oven sometimes means relocating a skillet and about four other pans.

After listening to the podcast, I started being more ruthless about what is actually essential. Throwing out expired spices and long-forgotten freezer items (yeeesh, the freezer was a project). Donating kitchen tools I literally never use.

It has genuinely changed the energy of the space. I feel so much more at ease operating in the kitchen and I’m enjoying cooking there again.

2. Wardrobe decluttering

I also think wardrobe decluttering is incredibly relevant.

When there are items of clothing in our wardrobe that eg no longer fit properly or don’t make us feel like the best version of ourselves, they can subtly (or not so subtly) influence how we feel about our body - and therefore our relationship with food.

One powerful question Roxie shared was:

“Would your future self want this?”

Game changer.

When we shift our focus to our future self, it helps move us out of nostalgia - or holding onto an older version of ourselves - and instead creates space for who we are becoming.

Sometimes creating that space is exactly what allows the next version of us to emerge.

So I’ll leave you with a question:

Where in your life could use a little decluttering right now?

PS: @mum - I know you’ll be reading this. You were right. Sometimes less really is more. You’re always so wise.

Recipe Recommendation. Viral Beef, Sweet Potato Bowls.

Such a quick and easy dinner that also keeps really well for leftovers.

I love the little touches that make a dish feel more elevated, and the hot honey drizzle at the end does exactly that.

For an extra gut-loving boost, I served mine with some sauerkraut :D

Product Recommendation. Remedy Sodaly Yuzu.

You know those moments when water just doesn’t cut it?

I’m not a big alcohol drinker, but there are some evenings when I get home and reach for one of these Sodaly Yuzu drinks in the same way someone else might reach for a glass of wine while cooking dinner.

I’m kind of obsessed with anything yuzu, and these definitely didn’t disappoint. They’re light, refreshing, and feel a little more special than plain sparkling water.

I often recommend them as an alternative to soft drinks, and many clients have found the switch surprisingly easy.

Quote.

“We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are”

- Anaïs Nin