Clearing out "End of the Summer Holiday" Blues

"At times the weather was thirty nine degrees celsius; we were sweating in the shade.  The pool was cool and crisp and we could dive right in whenever we wanted.  There were no day to day responsibilities; we did what we liked, when we liked.  It was only two days ago and yet, now feels like a lifetime ago.  For now we are home; surrounded by piles of washing; with the rain falling steadily outside and our tans hidden under long sleeves.  Uh oh!  The "end of the holiday" blues are kicking in!"

Having just returned from a wonderful relaxing family holiday, I am feeling slightly overwhelmed by my home environment and what feels like a mountain of tasks to do.  For the past two weeks I have lived successfully with a capsule wardrobe and a self catering apartment with minimal living the order of the day.  Now home, and following a total break away, I am suddenly stuck by how much "stuff" has accumulated in our home.  Given our successful survival living with less, the last two weeks, I'm wondering do we really need all this stuff - is having it actually creating more work for me, or helping?

Not only do I not want to be home, but I find home is just too overwhelmingly full!  While away, I left behind the routine, the long to-do list, the bills and all things that need sorting.  So to settle myself back in and hold onto a taste of that lighter holiday freedom,  I feel a huge clear out and a home de-clutter is in order; although the thought of it at the moment is overwhelming in itself.  Even opening the cupboard to a shelf packed with mugs and glasses has me sighing.

A fresh break from home, without all the day to day distractions we have available at home, has helped me to prioritise what is important in my life and to realise that I can live perfectly comfortably without all the extra "stuff".  Not just physically, but mentally too.  With that in mind, I intend to embark upon the big clear out; with headings as follows:

1. Keep it!
   Physically: I can't live without it or I will definitely put it to good use!
   Psychologically:  I value myself and my space and will only fill it with those things that serve a positive purpose!
   
2. Give it!
   Physically: I can live without it but it's in good enough condition to be of use to someone else - so I'll sell it or donate it!
   Psychologically: I am lucky to have plenty in my life and I have enough to share with others, knowing that in order to attract abundance, I must allow abundance to flow from me also!
   
3. Dump it!
   Physically: Eh why is it still even in the house/garage/garden?  If it's too big for the domestic bin, it's going in the skippy bag!
   Psychologically: Holding onto that which no longer serves a positive purpose in my life, prevents new and fresh energy to enter.  By releasing that which no longer serves a positive purpose, I become bouyant and can flow with life.

Not only is a physical decluttering good for my physical environment; but from a psychological and spiritual perspective, allows a recognition of what is important; what I have plenty of to share; and what to release and let go of for personal and spiritual growth; allowing a flow with life, rather than fight against it.  Creating a wonderful clear space for the new and fresh to enter.

One sight that has not managed to overwhelm me on our return home is the beauty of all the flowers in bloom in the garden.  Some of which have only blossomed since we were away.  Granted, the grass needs a good trim; the roses need dead heading and there is some serious weeding required; but the sight of beautiful, colourful Gladioli in bloom has certainly helped to lift my spirit. 

So when I'm covered in dirt and dust from all the decluttering, I can take a tea break in the beauty of the garden to brighten a blue spirit!

How do you cope with "end of the summer holiday" blues?  Do you have any tips and thoughts to share?  Let me know below!

Warmest wishes, Emily xxx