Sticky Note Labels

Hey friends! I have to admit, I’ve had a hard time getting started with this month’s post – there has been way too much clutter filling my mind. Although things in my outside world are pretty good at the moment (living with teens prevents me from saying that life is perfect!), what’s been going on inside me is another story. While we can all relate to feeling scattered and overwhelmed, how do we deal with such paralyzing emotions? I know a great question to start any decluttering process is: “What’s in the way?” so I asked myself this very thing. As I reflected on this, an image came to mind: I was standing in front of a huge mountain, stuck in place. I then began to notice a bunch of negative ‘sticky note’ labels all over my clothes, which were preventing me from moving forward. They were words of defeat and discouragement – this was an eye opener!

Just like the spaces in our homes that need a little (or perhaps a lot!) of organizing, our mind and souls can become similarly cluttered and full of chaos. Our minds are powerful, and our thoughts shape what we are and who we become. Dr. Caroline Leaf says in her book Switch On Your Brain: “As we think, we change the physical nature of our brain. As we consciously direct our thinking, we can wire out toxic patterns of thinking and replace them with healthy thoughts.” If we are not intentional about what we allow in and remain to stay, we may just find ourselves stuck in sticky note clutter.

Last week while doing some coaching with Linda (name changed for privacy), we talked about this. I noticed how weighed down she was, often saying degrading things to herself, about herself. As we explored this topic a bit more, it became apparent that these unkind, cruel words were things others had said to Linda over the years. They had become unhealthy patterns of thinking within her – negative sticky notes! Similar to the approach used to clear physical clutter, I shared with Linda how we can apply this skill to our mind clutter as we sort out our thoughts. The goal is to identify the keepers, toss the rest. We talked about how God wants us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). I reminded Linda of the amazing woman she is, with so many wonderful capabilities. She felt affirmed and valued – which motivated her to keep working towards her goals. Now, these are the positive sticky notes worth keeping!

Coaching Connection

1. What negative sticky note clutter is in your mind?
2. How has this kept you feeling stuck in life? 
3. What truthful, honest, and sincere things do you want to replace them with?

I’d love to hear your responses!

Carrie Cooper is a Certified Life & Grief Coach, and Professional Organizing Coach who is passionate about helping others clear clutter of the home, mind and soul. She loves working with overwhelmed women who are feeling stuck in life transitions, grief and loss, helping them move forward with peace and purpose. If you (or anyone you may know!) happen to be feeling alone and in need of help, contact Carrie here to schedule a complimentary, get acquainted 30 minute call!