Starting Fresh In 2022
Do you feel a bit down after the holidays? It’s common for many of us and inevitable for me so I like to fill the lull between Christmas and New Year with activities that help me clean out some clutter. It always helps energize me to start the new year feeling refreshed and unburdened.
Get organized
For many of us, that requires decluttering so we can organize what we have. My dog-eared copy of Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui gets reread almost every year. I’m always surprised at the number of things I’ve accumulated that I really don’t want or need in my life. A lot of the offenders are in my garage, but my wardrobe has its fair share too.
My wardrobe is getting a thorough go-over as well. I can honestly say I won’t need to buy another pair of blue jeans for many years. The thing is, I know I will, so I’m donating the duplicates I purchased that didn’t measure up. Mid-season may seem like a weird time to do a closet cleanout, but this is a well-deserved mini purge and it feels so good. I’m forgiving of things I’ve owned for many years, but if it was a new purchase in the last 12 months and I’ve decided it’s not making me feel confident or happy, I bag it up and donate it to the women’s shelter.
I’ve removed 95% of my old black exercise gear because frankly, it depresses me and that’s the last thing I want to feel when faced with whether or not to do that yoga class or take that walk. I’m finding fresh, happy colors everywhere on sale, so I’m having fun replacing them.
edit your email box
If you’re anything like me, your email box has accumulated lots of subscriptions you really don’t want. At one time or another during the year, I either decided I loved a brand’s products, or I signed up to get an initial discount. No matter the reason, if I’m no longer excited to see them in my inbox in the morning, I unsubscribe. Labeling an email as spam won’t remove you from their list, it just prevents you from seeing them so to really clear that clutter, unsubscribe.
FYI- some of you may wish to do that for this blog and you can do so at the bottom of every email I send you. 🙂
Bedside Drawer
Bedside tables seem to collect more than their fair share of “need to do’s” which is counterproductive to getting a good night’s sleep. My bedside table drawer houses my essential oil collection which has gotten out of hand so it needs to be cleaned out. I diffuse oils in several rooms daily and love to combine scents but along the way, I’ve bought several I really dislike. Just because I spent money on them doesn’t mean I have to keep them. If we allow things to make us feel guilty (you paid good money for this, you need to get your money’s worth out of it) then they own you.
Choose a word or theme
I gave up on resolutions many years ago and now like to choose a word instead. It sets an intention and acts as subtle guidance to keep me focused on a path I hope to go down. Merriam Webster chose ‘vaccine’ as the word of the year for 2021 because the word vaccine saw a rise of 601% year-over-year from 2020, which should surprise no one:) I have chosen easy. I’m pretty hard on myself about most things and finding it just isn’t serving me well so easy is my word for 2022.
What would your word be for 2022?
My word for 2022 is BLESSED. I am blessed with a home I love, family, friends, financial stability and too many clothes. I have been widowed for 9 years and when I start feeling sorry for myself I remind myself of so many less fortunate than I. This year I need to rid myself of clothes I not longer wear and “stuff” I no longer use, so that others less fortunate can enjoy it.
I’m going to use, or remember, the word try. Try to do anything, try to do something, etc. The past few months have been horrible, but if I “try” something good may happen. Enjoy a blessed New Year’s.
That’s the spirit. Hang in there. Happy New Year, Peggy.
My word for 2022 is kind- to others, or course, and to myself. This doesn’t preclude being upset or disappointed, but it does mean not being disrespectful. And, reminding myself that sometimes the kindest thing to contribute is nothing.
My wardrobe goal is to have a “one in,
one out” practice. I hope this reduces impulse purchases, because anything I bring home means a similar item has to go.
I am doing the same thing. One in, 2 go out
I recently did a clean out, and included a lot of heavily reduced clothes I bought to cheer myself up during lockdown. Most of it is not me, not my style at all. I am going to be much more careful and targeted about future purchases.
My word for 2022 is PRAISE. I am going to praise and acknowledge others more, including not being so hard on myself. This morning I told the young person who packed my groceries that he had packed them beautifully, and his face light up.
Great post! I love your ideas for clearing out; especially the wardrobe/jeans and the black work-out clothes.
Never thought of it that way. It’s almost like a uniform; wearing black work-out clothes. The new bright colors are so happy! Why not have them!
My word for 2022 is re-decorate. I’ve been putting off doing my living, family and dining room walls and floors. I have decided that the first quarter of 2022 will be dedicated to that.
Good luck with “easy.” That’s a good one! Happy New Year!
My word this year is GIVE. I like the idea of giving of my time and money to worthy causes. I enjoy your posts. Thanks.
I think my word will be “release”
Release the stress
Release the worry
Release what I can do nothing about and work on things that I can make better.
Hi Jennifer,
I agree with what the other ladies have said, in so many words this is a meaning full post.
I was thinking what would be my operative word for 2022 last week and I have to have three, having just one did not feel right. My words are, HOPE
SUCCESS, VICTORY. My word for 2021 was LOVE.
Nice post Jennifer.
I adapted easy this year and am carrying into 2022.
Cheers to you and your family!
My word would be Begin – as in Begin new things – Begin to understand – etc. There are so many new things to Begin to enjoy in the coming year. So many things to learn to Begin to understand.
I’m always amazed at how much “stuff” as in the clothes you have but that relates partially to the blog – showing us wardrobes etc.
So nice to pass the clothes on to the women’s shelter. Coincidence – I too went thru a lot of “unsubscribe” emails this past week.
Enjoy the coming year!
Happy New Year Jennifer!
No need to purge my home as we moved 3 months ago and we are down to very little clutter!
My word for 2022 is patience and I plan on practicing it every day as my husband is ill and my life has been turned up side down but I know with the right attitude I can do it!
Look forward to your blog every day ❤️
Coincidentally, I just bought a book on Feng Shui and look forward to applying it to all of the rooms in my house😊
The word I’ve chosen for 2022 is “Stretch”. For example, I intend to stretch my limbs and body each day to gain flexibility. I intend to stretch my comfort zone by campaigning door to door for the county commissioner office I’m pursuing. I want to stretch my time by being more intentional about my tv and screen time. I will stretch my spiritual growth by following a daily Bible devotional plan. Thanks for your daily blog posts and inspiration!
Brilliant Idea! Happy New Year, from Vernon!
(The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia Canada)
I like the week between Christmas and New Years. It’s a time of no expectations.
Not at all a slump for me.
We have a tradition of doing a photo of something meaningful each day which becomes the annual photo journal of the year. It gives us enormous enjoyment both in the creative doing and the in the priceless final product.
On New Year’s Day we make “vision boards” using old magazine cutout words & images, which inspire us daily.
I like the idea of choosing a central word to evoke the hearts desire. Crystallizing it all down to simplicity.
What a wonderful idea – end the year decluttering for a fresh year/fresh start. I like your word “easy.” My word is “healthy” (I need to finally put my health first) but my second word will be “easy.” Happy New Year to you, Jennifer, and your lovely family. I look forward to your new posts.
I’m finding that the older I get the more I want JOY in everyday. That is my word for 2022.
I’ve been thinking about my word for 2022 for awhile and I finally settled on FREEDOM. I also choose a Bible verse to go with my word each year, so the verse for 2022 will be John 8:32, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” This is a good transition from this year when my word was TRUTH. I’ll be writing a blog post about my new word and why I chose it sometime in the next few days.
Appreciate is my word.
I always seem to like to change my decor after putting away all the Christmas decorations. Purging clothing is always something I need to do because I just love buying clothes! Not always good choices so it’s an ongoing thing. I think easy is a great word, just makes you feel relaxed about things.
Word for 2022
Ust which comes from ‘just trust’
Ancient Christian: “All will be well and all manner of things will be well”.
Calms me down, so I can think,What things are in my control and do I need to do and for the rest Ust
Abbreviation for JUST TRUST.
After living with a small wardrobe for the past seven weeks, I realized that there was no need for all the clothes that I buy. Going forward, I’ll be more careful about my purchases. And, I’ll be purging many pieces from my closet. It is easier to get dressed with a few favourite choices.
I’ve been going through my Instagram and unfollowing anything that doesn’t bring me joy. Same with blogs. I always do this after Christmas before a new year.
It feels like a fresh start.
Wonderful word
Any time is a good time to purge a closet. When I do finally get to it I feel so well organized and don’t miss the donated/tossed items. No point in keeping that expensive dress/sweater or anything if it just takes up space.
My word is “accept” as another reader (GK) wrote. So wise for the “I have to fix this” people like me.
Thanks for your great ideas to keep us stylish and up to date.
Happy New Year
I am an “I have to fix this” person too. It’s not fun
My word is also “intentional.” I have been working toward cleaning out the clutter with the aim of surrounding myself just with things that are useful, meaningful or bring me joy. I am also trying to be more cognizant of the new things I bring into my life, particularly clothing, to determine whether it is something I need, love and makes me feel confident, attractive and happy. If it doesn’t meet all of those criteria, it is a “no.” I have an appointment with my local resale shop in a week to bring in the items I have culled out. This gives me a deadline to declutter the closet and get those things out of the house! I have spent a lot of time over the last year considering what is important to me. While I still love fashion and cultivating a beautiful, comfortable home, what I really enjoy are experiences–eating out, traveling, attending concerts and plays and spending time with my family and friends. Spending less on “stuff” frees up more money (and time) for those other things that I enjoy. In 2022, I plan to be more intentional with how I spend both my money and my time.
That’s wonderful, Kami. It does feel so good to clear things out.
My word for 2022 is partnership. I just discovered my husband and I have the same numerology and this year it is partnership. My tarot reading also shows me this year will be transformative. A bittersweet letting go in order to move to the next big cycle of my life.
That sounds fascinating, Lisa. I don’t know anything about numerology but it is intriguing.
If I had to choose one word, it would be Breathe. About a year ago I started to get serious about meditation and it has truly made a difference in how I approach life. It helps me to be calmer and more thoughtful in how I respond to both people and situations. Within this last year, I also discovered your blog. I LOVE it and all the wonderful thoughts you share. My closet is also looking a lot better now that I have started to realize what looks best on me. I did a substantial clothing purge when I brought out my winter clothes this fall. Your remarks on night table cluttering definitely hit home. I try to limit it to my journal and daily pills, but it always fills up with stuff. The biggest culprit is my stash of chocolate! I’ll be eating less of that come January so it will be a good time to clean. Thank you , Jennifer. I really look forward to your blog!
Thank you for sharing, Jeanne. I would like to recommit to meditation and journalling this next year. They’re so good for me.
“Fun” which popped into my head upon reading your suggestion.
I bought and read the fascinating book Fashion Feng Shui by Evana Maggiore. Now I plan to re-read the Kingston declutter book to help clear the old and make way for fun.
Great suggestions, thank you!
I’m glad you like that too! Evana’s first book on the subject is a fun read too.
Really like this post. Feels so good get rid of clutter including e-mail sign-ups and clothing. Still trying to get rid of a least one item of clothing for every new item. As a result I am buying so much less. This is the first winter that I have not added new shoes/boots because I still like what I already own. Now if I could just force myself to get rid of the huge accumulation of outdated and non-essential paperwork. For me that is a hard task.
My word for 2022 is Gratitude. Finding gratitude in everyday life helps me to stay positive, humble, and encourages happiness. Happy New Year!!
Hi Jennifer! I love this post. Such good advice on purging and organizing. I’m a very organized person and having just moved in 2021 into a new house with my sweetheart, I was able to organize and purge as we were setting up the house. We converted a small bedroom into my walk-in closet so another big purge was done setting it up. On top of all that I lost 23lbs this year and had to do yet another clothes purge and replace with smaller sizes or alter a lot of clothes (I’m a clothesaholic). I would NEVER unsubscribe from you! You’re the best one in all the other blogs I follow-TRULY! Keep up the good work!
My word this year will be – RELAX! Being newly retired, I don’t allow myself to do that enough. I stress myself out with my to-do list all the time.
Congratulations, Mona! It feels so good to purge unwanted paperwork, I need to do that too. I am buried in the stuff:)
One of my favorite books as well.
It can take me the entire month of January but declutter I will. I do feel especially satisfied with myself afterwards!
Love this, Jennifer! My word for 2022 is “grace.” Grace for myself. Grace for others. For example, I will give myself grace when I don’t complete a self-imposed deadline on something. As for others, if someone is short with me, cuts me off in traffic, etc., I’ll give grace as I don’t know what that person may be going through – it’s certainly nothing personal that I should be getting upset about.
I love this
Great post today. I do find after Christmas, the decorations strike me as clutter and want to get them down and put away which also then carries over into decluttering. I feel Barbara’s comments. Suffer from guilt for spending money on something I haven’t or don’t use, but it’s getting better. Out you go !
Curious that we spend the 1rst half of our lives accumulating stuff and the second half of our lives getting rid of it !!
Don’t laugh…my word would be “slimmer.” I feel so good when I keep my weight down to a pleasing (to me) level…not thin, just slimmer. Having some control over snacking makes me proud and gives me a feeling of accomplishment and it is one of the few controllable areas of life.
Nothing to laugh about!! I totally agree with you, Lee. Life is challenging these days and feeling good about ourselves is critical for self-care
I know what you mean Lee. I’m thinking of maybe ‘Lighter’ …lighter in weight, lighter in attitude, lighter in feeling more free…makes me feel happier thinking of it. Happy New Year to you!
I love your website! And I think the word I choose for me is: Imagine. After my husband passed I attended a silent retreat for five days. Absolutely no talking for five days. It was exactly what I needed to start the healing process. During the Retreat, one of the attendees had purchased these tiny little stones with inspirational words. And she went around the room, letting each of us take a stone, not knowing what was written on it. Well, the one I took said: Imagine. I still have that tiny little stone. It sits on my kitchen window sill and I see it every morning. It reminds me of where I was, and all the possibilities in the future. Which, is definitely needed, because, like you I am purging my clothes closet! Have a safe and peaceful New Year.
Sending hugs your way, Rhoda! That’s magical. I love your word.
This was a great post. Helpful and positive and I LOVE the words other readers have chosen. They all made me think and each one is applicable to me! I have chosen “relax” as my word. I get so caught up in things whether family issues or what I should have done or shouldn’t have that it brings me down. I will repeat that word (it’s not good when someone else says it to me but if I do to myself…not so bad! :o)
Enjoy reading your postings every morning. Happy New Year!
I love your word! Happy New Year Monique!
Great ideas, Jennifer. I have been unsubscribing from junk mail to clean that up. I have a pile of outwear to donate. Somehow, my husband and I have a ridiculous number of coats for TX weather. I am continuing my 2021 word for 2022. “Consistency” is taped to the bathroom mirror. It’s a reminder to continue working out and using my skincare (taking time to use tretinoin) daily. Your blog will not be expunged from my inbox. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
Good advice. I’m finding that the older I get, the more I need less of everything to sort through. I’m gradually overcoming the guilt over sending something I paid good money for, on to a better home.
This was a great blog to start me thinking, and I just love the community. Paulette talked about embracing change and that has been my mantra (not word) for many years, starting with the ‘new normal’ after the 2008 recession. In the current environment, it doesn’t work for me as well: who wants to embrace the change we’re going through now? I feel as if I need to be more deliberate about my life and the choices I make, so that’s the word I am choosing for this year.
Don’t laugh…my word would be “slimmer.” I feel so good when I keep my weight down to a pleasing (to me) level…not thin, just slimmer. Having some control over snacking makes me proud and gives me a feeling of accomplishment and it is one of the few controllable areas of life.
Don’t laugh…my word would be “slimmer.” I feel sogood when I keep my weight down to a pleasing (to me) level…not thin, just slimmer. Having some control over snacking makes me proud and gives me a feeling of accomplishment and it is one of the few controllable areas of life.
Maeve, I like your choice, as it can be both adjective and verb!
Agreed!
That’s a wonderful word! I love this community. Thanks for being part of it, Maeve.
Always love your posts.
Happy New Year yo you and your family and friends from Cardiff, Wales, UK.My word is Accept.
Accept that you can only do your best, the rest is up to them.
Beautiful!! Happy New Year
My word is breathe. I have found that anxiety is affecting my life and I don’t like it. So I am telling myself to remember to breathe. Great idea to clean out the email and yours will not be unsubscribed. I love your blog.
Happy New Year, Janette. You’re not alone with that anxiety. Breathing deeply helps burn off that stress. If I can only remember do it.
I am definitely NOT unsubscribing! But I did clean out my inbox yesterday. There are now 5 items in it, including the email from you. Have a Happy, Healthy, Easy 2022.
Happy New Year Gayle! I wish I could get mine down to 5:)
I’m choosing the word “pause”. Slow down and think before I say or do anything. Good or bad. Is it really what I want, or need, to happen? Speed kills.
I agree. Your word is so timely and wise.
As a retired professional organizer I can echo your comments and say you nailed it. Great advice and inspiration Jennifer! Happy new year!
Happy New Year Kate
For 2021 I chose the word “intentional “ to guide me through each day. It worked so well for me in so many ways! I intentionally approached even my smallest daily tasks and I intentionally built stronger relationships with those who are so important in my life. For me, good things don’t always just happen, it sometimes requires an intentional plan. So, this may be my word for my remaining time. It works for me!
I love this blog and appreciate all the time and research that you put in to create it! Thank you!
Beautiful Jan. Wise and so timely. Happy New Year!
I really like your word for 2022. I have tried to do that too for the past few years. Easy is a great word!
Acceptance is my word for 2022. The old adage of “accept the things I cannot change” so I can focus on all the positive things in life. I find on my not so positive days I tend to ruminate on negative things. My goal is to stop that and put my energy and my thoughts into all the good things in my life.
I often do the same thing, Janet. It’s all to easy for me to focus on the negative and I hope to change that.
My word for 2022 is Positive! I’ve gotten my vaccines and booster (so far) unless a 4 th is offered so I’m counting on bring positive in 2022. This doesn’t mean reckless, but my positivity includes soapy scrub-washing hands when I arrive home from anywhere- even quick trip to pharmacy or grocery. Using sanitizer and the correct mask when going into public places! I put a positive spin on my new systems and I feel good about it! Being able to see and embrace change is positivity! Loving life!
Beautiful, Paulette! I love your attitude.