Spring Clean up the REAL you

Spring! (Maybe?). In Wisconsin, even on a late Easter weekend we are required to be patient for the arrival of spring. That being said, our internal clocks are still telling us that spring is near by- it's the "itch" to spring clean.

You know the familiar feeling. Maybe today, I should wash those windows. Maybe today is time to tackle that closet. Maybe today I will clean up the back yard. What if we took the motivation of "maybe I will clean", and applied it to sprucing up the REAL you?

If you do strive to spring clean the REAL you, the first thing you should polish off are your glasses. You don't wear glasses? I'm talking about the virtual glasses you wear- the ones that taint your view of yourself and the world. Be sure those glasses are clean. Don't allow something or someone to skew the way you see yourself and your potential in your life. You can be and will achieve exactly what you set your mind to. If you are unable to visualize those goals, then start here. Clean off the lens.

The second thing that is important for the REAL you is managing your environment. Be sure that your REAL you has fertile and encouraging soil in which to grow. If you have weeds growing, the ones that spread quickly and strangle off your growth, get rid of them. You don't have to be all controversial about removing the weeds. There's no requirement to loudly proclaim you are removing them or post a sign saying they have to stay out- you can choose to very quietly redirect your energy away from them. It's amazing- once you move your energy and your focus, those weeds can't continue to grow (at least in your garden).

Lastly, to do a good spring clean, you have to assess the well being of you. Have you been taking enough time to just "be"? When is the last time woke up and treated yourself to a to-do list that was empty? Are you feeding your REAL you nourishing, strength based foods? Vitamins and supplements? Fruits and veggies? You don't have to be perfect to be REAL, but you do have to feed your core. Despite what we'd like to believe, our REAL cores crave foods that are healthy (it's my mind that's relentlessly hungry for french fries!). How about feeding your mind? Allowing yourself to be inspired is very important food for your REAL soul. Make a "bucket list", take a step closer to achieving a dream, journal and capture the presents around you (the love, the caring, the laughter) -- your soul will smile with appreciation.

Being REAL is not something you achieve. It's something you strive to maintain. It requires discipline and commitment. Spring is the perfect time to refocus and gear up. It's time- let's do it!

Keepin' it REAL,

Holly and your friends at REALiving