Stuff happens. Stuff collects in our homes, in our yards, in our offices, and on our calendars. You think you have physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual space, but then you wake up one day and trip over that pair of shoes that just don't feel good when you wear them longer than an hour, and you wonder... how can I have so much stuff and still feel sort of empty?

In a world of activities, stuff, and Instagram ads for more things I could find a use for, it can be tempting to convince ourselves that we got a great deal or will need the item someday.
But what if your stuff is taking up space that wasn't meant to be filled? What if your calendar was meant to show you the openness you have in a day rather than the task list of opportunities to go go go?

I have an idea, and you might hate it at first, but hear me out. What if you gave yourself the gift of mental space this week and tried even a tiny bit of minimalist thinking heading into the new school year?

Here's how that could look in your home, schedule, and work life.

1. Your Home: Your home is meant to be a sanctuary. Whether you live in your dream home or a well-loved someday fixer-upper, you don't have to be surrounded by things you do not want or need. When you own less, you manage less. Donate or sell items that no longer serve a purpose in your home. By removing the items you don't need to continue managing, you open up space in your head and home for what God has for you to manage this season.

2. Your Calendar: Let's talk about your schedule, your calendar, and your agenda. Are the activities on your calendar aligned with your values and your family's priorities? When was the last time you had a family meeting and tried to cut back on even one thing? Every activity in which you say "yes" is a "no" in another direction. Heading into the fall, block out time for self-care, family, and personal time with God. Fill your calendar with some open space, and pray about how you can use it intentionally in this season.

3. Your Workplace: Your desk or office might seem like another category with many challenges to decluttering, but I promise that your workspace (at home or at an office) directly impacts your mental clarity. Keep only the essentials to help you stay productive and focused. Or think about digital decluttering. It might be time to tackle the folder on your computer that you've been burying files in for years or spend 10 minutes going through your inbox and finding 10 things you can "unsubscribe" from. You won't miss that email clutter, and you'll get some time back when you don't have to delete or archive all of that.

Confession: I claim to be a minimalist, and I currently have a few boxes ready for a thrift store drop-off. And by a few boxes, I mean a carload. Even a minimalist can grow in this!

In the Bible, Isaiah writes, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) When our minds are cluttered, certain activities and items can offer a respite from the relentless daily grind. But, friend, if your stuff is disturbing the peace in your heart, home, and headspace, then it might be time to make space.

When you simplify your home, calendar, and workplace, you open up new spaces for you and your family to connect with God and one another. Remember, minimalism isn't about perfection; it's about making intentional choices that bring you closer to the life you want to live.

I’m cheering for you!