For a long time, I thought January required a fresh start. New routines, new habits, new expectations.
January doesn’t need a dramatic reset. First and foremost, it needs rest. Second, it needs honest reflection. Third, it needs to be edited.
Most overwhelm comes from carrying too much that no longer fits into your life: old clothing or decor styles (that aren’t classics); the incessant knickknacks your kids bring home or that build up in corners of the house; well-meaning organization systems that have gone awry and were impossible to keep up (hint: this usually comes from OVER organizing); worn-out or expired items that are taking a physical and mental toll on you.
Editing your life isn’t about starting over. It’s about gently asking what still deserves space. Here are things I look at editing, not only in January but at each transitional period throughout the year. I will take a look at these things again in the Spring, Summer and Fall to help simplify life.
Commitments That Don’t Support This Season
Not everything that once worked still belongs. At the start of the year, I look at commitments through a simple lens: Does this support the life we’re actually living right now?
If the answer is no, it’s worth revisiting.
Editing commitments is not quitting. It’s choosing alignment and where (and who) to spend your energy on.
One thing I will be ADDING to our life to keep track of our commitments is the Skylight digital calendar. Not only does it keep track of what we add to our calendars, but it can also serve as a chore list and a grocery shopping list.
Expectations (Especially My Own)
One of the most freeing shifts I’ve made to simplify life is letting go of unrealistic expectations around productivity, perfection, and pace. A well-lived life doesn’t require constant output but rather clarity and intention. Not only does it stress me out, but it stresses out my family. My goal this year is to be the thermostat, not the thermometer for my family.
Decisions That Don’t Need to Be Remade
Decision fatigue is one of the biggest sources of quiet stress, especially for women. We make thousands of micro and macro decisions in a day and one of the best ways to reduce the number of decisions to make is through habits, habit stacking and sticking with what works.
When I find myself repeatedly deciding the same thing: meals, supplements, outfits, routines, I simplify and repeat what works. I automate what can be automated:
- autopay for bills
- repeating meals that everyone likes
- keeping a small rotation of outfits that work
- sticking with routines that don’t require constant tweaking
- scheduling emails and content
For certain things, repetition is supportive, not boring.
Things That No Longer Serve Us
In the past I have held on to things in the hopes of one day fitting in them again or that they would come back in style. Items I have invested in (like nice handbags, sunglasses, shoes or jackets) I keep. I also keep the classic styles. Things that were a trend of the moment or I didn’t spend a fair amount of money on, I donate or toss if they are overly worn or stained. Because donations or not, no one deserves to wear disgusting clothes.
What I found works better is having quality pieces that can be worn multiple ways. Favorite layering tank tops, a blazer or two, good jeans and sticking to classic color palettes like white/cream, black, navy and brown, with some pops of color mixed in, as well as a few statement pieces (embroidered or leather pants, a sequined skirt or embellished top).
I do the same for my kids, a nice pair of dress shoes, a few pairs of chinos, a cool weather and warm weather dress shirt and a few nice sweaters. Most of the other time they are in crappy sweatshirts and sweatpants.
Editing Creates Space
An edited life isn’t smaller, it’s clearer. And clarity makes it easier to say ‘yes’ to what actually matters.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start by letting go, not reorganizing what doesn’t work.
Letting go or changing direction doesn’t mean you’re failing or giving up, it means you’re paying attention. In business, doing tasks or things that no longer benefit the company or team is seen as wasteful of time, energy and money. Why would be approach things any differently for our personal lives?
A simpler life isn’t emptier, it’s more intentional.
How are you approaching the new year? Is it through rest, discernment and editing or is it with energy, resolutions and big changes? There is no right or wrong way to approach life if it works for YOU!
If you are looking to simplify your wardrobe with pieces that can be worn multiple times and ways without looking like you’re wearing the same outfit, here are some of my favorite below. I stick with neutrals and change up the accessories to make it look like an updated look.
You can see more by going to my LTK page below!
Here are some of my go-to recipes that are simple, nutritious and not incredibly time consuming.
Dutch Baby (Puff Pancake) Recipe Easy Rustic Bread Recipe
