Once a year you grab a mop, broom, and garbage bag to make your home sparkle. You don’t think twice about rolling up your sleeves in an effort to partake in an annual spring cleaning, but how many of you put half that effort into cleaning up your emotional clutter as well?

Signs it’s Time to do an Emotional Cleanse

1. You keep encountering the same drama with virtually the same people.

2. Loved ones have commented on your less than upbeat mood.

3. You catch yourself complaining or recycling old negative talk from the past.

4. Lately, your job, your friends, and your situation seem to be ill-suited for your life.

These are just a few signs that you’re unconsciously attracting what you don’t want. You may be harboring past grudges, replaying negative tapes of unworthiness or haven’t let go of an idea or belief that is currently weighing you down.

The best way to get back on track?

Recognize that you are responsible for your life. Take back control by letting go of unhealthy and toxic clutter that’s been weighing you down so you can make room for what you really want.

Cleaning Tips to Change Your Life

• Work on being more mindful of what you say to yourself. If you catch yourself saying things like, “I’m such a loser” or, “I’m not good enough,” immediately replace them with more positive, hopeful, yet honest thoughts. For example, you may want to try saying to yourself, “I’m doing the best I can,” rather than, “I’m successful” if that feels true to you. You’re more likely to listen to self-statements if they sound believable.

• Create a daily gratitude list. Spend time focusing on what’s working on your life instead of what’s not. This 10-minute activity can change the way you perceive your life and attract more good things to come.

• Get rid of thoughts, ideas, and people who aren’t align with your purpose. Just as you throw away an item of clothing that no longer fits, you may need to reconsider the things and people in your life who aren’t serving you.

• Focus on one goal at a time. It’s just as easy to get overwhelmed with cleaning up your soul as it is with cleaning up a room. Realize that change takes time. Be patient and kind with yourself as you work on loving the whole of who you are, while doing the necessary work to improve your life.

What are you willing to let go of this spring to better your own life?