Welcome back to the Set Her Free podcast! I’m Dana Lyons, and today we’re kicking off a new series titled **Decluttering Your Life** in celebration of spring. I’m someone who truly enjoys seasonal changes, and springtime speaks to me. With the longer days and sunlight, it motivates me to get outside, walk, and refresh my surroundings.

Spring cleaning is one of my favorite activities. Let’s be honest – when it comes to decluttering, some people are not quite as enthusiastic. In my house, I live with family members who don’t share my disdain for clutter. It can be frustrating! I often find myself insisting, “When in doubt, just throw it out,” particularly when my loved ones don’t see the clutter as a problem. 

Clutter represents chaos to me. It drains my energy, especially when I have to pick up after others. I prefer a clean, organized environment, which makes spring cleaning so satisfying. The windows open, fresh air flows in, and I can see the clutter more clearly – it’s the perfect opportunity to take action.

In this series, I will share my experiences and insights, including concepts I’ve discussed in my book, *Revive*, which you can find on Amazon. While today’s episode will be an introduction, I hope it will encourage you to reflect on your own desires for a decluttered life and renewed joy.

So, consider these questions: do you often find yourself too busy, too tired, or lacking joy? You’re not alone! These sentiments echo in the conversations I have with friends and family, as well as within myself. Each year seems to bring similar feelings; it’s a cycle where we feel exhausted and overwhelmed by responsibilities. Finding relief can be a struggle, and when we finally take a breather, more tasks appear on our plates.

The pursuit of joy often leads to frustration if we don’t find effective ways to create space for it. I’ve savored countless resources – videos, books, and articles on simplification and joy – but I often found myself gulping down tips that didn’t stick, returning to familiar feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction instead. 

During moments of desperation, my prayers turned inward, embracing frustration and questioning what I was doing wrong. I realized that many are in this space of longing for something more, grappling with their to-do lists while feeling depleted. The stress of daily life can feel overwhelming, leaving us in survival mode rather than thriving. 

What I’ve learned through this reflection is that we must actively create room for joy and spaciousness in our lives. During a challenging summer, I kept hearing an internal whisper asking, “Will you make room for me?” This phrase became my guiding mantra. It was a call to prioritize my connection to a deeper purpose and presence in my life.

In this series, we’ll unpack these concepts, explore practical decluttering strategies, and discuss the importance of making space for joy and renewal in our routines. It’s not merely a seasonal endeavor; it’s a continuous journey toward a more fulfilling life. 

I invite you to join me as we delve into the art of decluttering, ultimately finding not just physical space but also emotional clarity and joy in our lives. This journey is not about achieving a perfect state but embracing the process and recognizing that creating space takes time and commitment.

Let’s open the windows, clear out the clutter, and make room for renewal together! I look forward to sharing this journey with you in the weeks ahead. The journey of feeling overwhelmed often begins with the realization that there isn’t enough room for joy, energy, or peace in our lives. At times, we may feel like we're merely observing our own lives, caught in a cycle of busyness without truly engaging with what matters. Many have heard a whispering call, asking, "Will you make room for me?" This may resonate with you, prompting a reflection on where to simplify your life.

Even when uncertain of God’s direction, I began to implement small changes in response to that call—clearing clutter from my schedule and life. Initially, I thought simplifying would allow me to listen to God more deeply. To my surprise, I found rejuvenation and excitement for each day, feelings I hadn't encountered in a long while.

The goal of this series is to help others who may feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or disconnected. I’ll share practical tips that cater to every aspect of self—physical, spiritual, and emotional. The journey towards simplicity often leads to deeper enlightenment and energy. Observing others, I'm struck by how many look drained, overwhelmed, and lacking joy. Being busy often leads to feelings of distraction rather than fulfillment.

I come to you as a friend sharing insights from this journey—not as an expert issuing commands. It’s important to recognize that each person must decide for themselves where they need to declutter. While it seems apparent we are living in an era of distraction, the real challenge often lies in saying no. 

Busyness is not exclusive to social media or work; it permeates all aspects of life. Many people feel exhausted by their myriad commitments but accomplish little in terms of fulfillment. It’s vital to take a step back and assess where we can say no so we can redirect our energy towards wellbeing.

If you recognize yourself in this state of overwhelm, this series is especially for you. Together, we will explore decluttering—whether it’s emotional, mental, or spiritual clutter weighing you down. I invite you to embark on a journey of simplifying your life and re-energizing your spirit.

This series may be short, but it’s important to take each section at your own pace. Don’t rush through; allow yourself time for reflection and personal growth. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and slowing down can help you absorb the lessons intended for you.

Before we dive deeper, I encourage you to take a candid selfie—no pretense, just a raw capture of how you currently feel. This simple act can serve as a powerful reminder of where you started and how far you can journey toward revitalization and joy.

As we conclude this introduction, reflect on the question of whether there is room for you in your own life. Ponder on the changes you seek to make. Over time, you can reclaim your energy, fulfill your desires, and experience true joy.

Let’s begin this journey together, making space for what truly matters. In the next episode, we won't delve into specific actions. Instead, I want you to focus on being mindful. Pay attention to your words and the thoughts you express until then. Reflect on these ideas, take a moment to capture your feelings, and get ready for a refreshing experience ahead. Enjoy your day, and I look forward to seeing you next time. Take care!

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/REVIVE-Declutter-Awaken-Spirit-Re-energize/dp/B0D2B3CPYF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RQYUTUDGN7LA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._lNESf8frBrA3IDooA_nzw.KfaGBKxkZor4Mu8ivTewCjDnA9R1gAcqC-cMr58_nvY&dib_tag=se&keywords=revive+dana+lyons&qid=1744936459&sprefix=revive+dana+lyon%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

Grit & Grace Enterprises

https://gritandgraceenterprises.com/podcast/

The Lyons Group

https://thelyonsgroupconsulting.com/