We all hit different breaking points. I got hit — literally — when I tried to get an extra blanket down from the top shelf of the linen closet, only to have an avalanche of blankets and related items come down on top of me.
I’d been meaning to tackle that closet for ages, overflowing with towels, sheets and blankets, some that were recent gifts, and others from bygone eras with no memory attached.
When I looked at the pile on the floor, I decided there was no way I was going to try to stuff them all back in. So what started out as a few selective removals quickly turned into a rampage, gutting the entire closet, looking through every item, sorting them into piles:
- Donate to shelters
- Move to “rags” bucket in the laundry room
- Trash
- And finally, KEEP.
When the remaining “keep” items finally got refolded and put back on the shelves, the closet was beautifully sparse, organized, and accessible.
I smiled from ear to ear, and exhaled.
The fire in me was lit, and I moved on to the bathroom closet. Filled with everything from beauty supplies to opened economy-sized packages of soap or razors from Costco, to random things that were there simply because the bearer didn’t know where else to put them.
I took every extra shoebox or mid-sized Amazon box and started sorting, labeling each one with masking tape and a Sharpie:
Cosmetics, Skin care, Hair care, Oral Care, First Aid, Travel items, Shaving Supplies…
And of course, plenty of ancient, expired, broken or otherwise unusable items that went right into a giant trash bag.
When I was done, I stood back and admired my handiwork. Shelf after shelf of two or three clearly labeled boxes. Perfect in its simplicity.
I smiled and exhaled again.
The rampage moved on to my son’s room, where several years of outgrown shoes, snowpants, pajamas, T-shirts and more were sorted and given to neighbors, donated to Good Will, or trashed.
Next was the dreaded “junk drawer” in the kitchen. (You know the one.) 90% of the contents: trashed. The rest were sorted into ziplock baggies or little container boxes of some sort.
Get this – the drawer actually closes now!
Then the grand finale: my own wardrobe. As an image consultant friend of mine used to say: “It’s a closet, not a museum.” Anything I hadn’t worn in two years or longer: Gone.
What was left: Clothes that fit, that feel good, that are useful, that I like. And space to create as needed.
Smile, inhale, exhale. Smile bigger, repeat.
When my husband came home, I gave him a tour.
“Holy cow,” he said. “What brought this on?”
I thought about it and realized I was sick and tired of being “just a little frustrated” every time I needed something and had to work around the clutter.
I realized I couldn’t work around all the clutter anymore.
I needed to start from a clean slate.
And the physical clarity allows space for mental clarity.
It’s the same with planning to kick off the new year.
Starting the new year strong begins with clearing space — physically, mentally, emotionally — so we can see where we’re going and move freely.
Just like the closet, when we purge what’s outdated, broken, or no longer fits, including outdated beliefs, practices, and goals, we make space for what’s useful, beautiful, and inspiring.
Speaking of inspiration — last week, I asked you to think of a song (or a few!) that could be your theme song for the new year. Something that makes you feel strong, hopeful, clear, energized, or bold.
If you haven’t responded yet — or have new songs to add — please hit reply and share them with me! I’m compiling them into a collective “inspirational playlist” and I’ll send it to you next week.
And now, your simple challenge: Clean out one thing.
- Your sock drawer.
- The junk drawer.
- The fridge.
- One shelf in the basement.
- One corner of the garage.
Because it feels good. The results are immediate. And it gives you a sense of physical, mental, and emotional freedom.
This is your kickoff. Your foundation. Your fresh canvas.
Because whether it’s your personal goals, professional strategy, or business plan for 2026, this is how we begin:
Purge. Organize. Create space.
Then smile. Exhale.
And begin.
And if you've already created that space and you're ready to move forward — but want help with the planning, creation, or execution part — reach out and let’s talk. 
Here’s to your success, and a very happy and prosperous New Year!
Laura
