Nuala Duignan Life Coach

Our Fantasy Selves

Another category of things to consider decluttering are ones related to our fantasy self.

Those items are the ones we imagined or hoped we would use, but that are Not benefitting our life now.

These items often carry emotional weight with them.

Life does not always turn out how we planned and it can be tough to let that go.

But holding onto things out of fear or because we wish things were different does not allow us to be fully present in the life we’re living now.

Items That Are Not Serving You

Do you hold onto items for someday when… or what if…? While there are some things that are good to have on hand (emergency supplies, food etc.......) there are other ‘someday’ items that can hold us back from completely embracing life now.

When you have too much stuff, it’s important to evaluate what you love and actually use now. Those are the items that take priority. The excess and ‘what if’ items are often what gets decluttered.

And for good reason. If you aren’t using that item now (and haven’t used it within the last year or so) odds are you don’t need it.

Will there be some exceptions? Yes, but holding onto too much stuff for imagined potential scenarios can keep your home cluttered.

“You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.” ~Louise Smith

www.nualaduignanlifecoach.com/interview-with-dublin-south-radio/

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Unrealistic Expectations

Another thing to declutter that can change your life is unrealistic expectations.

Those expectations can be ones you put on yourself or that you perceive from others.

Social media has influenced how we view other people’s lives. We see the highlight reels which can quickly set up unrealistic expectations.

But it’s important to keep in mind that comparison is the thief of joy. There is nothing to be gained from comparing your life to anyone else’s.

We each have our own journey with our own unique experiences and challenges.

It’s also worth considering that how another person defines success may not be how you do.

You get to decide how to define success in your life. It’s up to you to determine your top priorities and values.

When you focus on your own path and the things that matter to you, you can find a greater sense of contentment and purpose.

“We won’t be distracted by comparison if we are captivated with purpose.” ~Bob Goff

Items that can Generate Negative Feelings

How does the stuff in your home make you feel?

There are many reasons for holding onto clutter but often we’re holding onto things that aren’t bringing us joy.

If you’re holding onto things because of how much you spent on it, it’s time to let it go. If you don’t love and use that item, it is simply reminding you of a past purchase regret. No one needs that kind of negativity in their life.

Similarly, if you are keeping gifts you were given out of guilt or obligation, let them go. Gifts are meant to be enjoyed, not to evoke negative feelings.

If you’re holding onto items only because they belonged to someone you loved, it’s important to remember that people are not their things.

The memories you shared are what mattered. You don’t need to hold onto all of their stuff.

It’s important to know:

What you own,
Why you own it,
and
How it makes you feel.

If you feel you could benefit from support with your "decluttering journey"

Contact me today at
087 2532675
[email protected]
www.nualaduignanlifecoach.com

If you’re ready to declutter for a fresh start consider which of the areas on this list you want to tackle first.

Reflect on where clutter is negatively impacting you and what changes you can make now to benefit your life.

Imagine feeling more light and free this November week end and ready to welcome the final two months of 2025.

If you do decide to wait until January to declutter? No judgment. Anytime is a good time to let go of the things that aren’t serving you well.

Items that Are Not Serving You

Do you hold onto items for someday? when… or what if…?

While there are some things that are good to have on hand (emergency supplies, extra food etc. particularly following our COVID experiences!)

There are other ‘someday’ items that can hold us back from completely embracing life now.

When you have too much stuff, it’s important to evaluate what you love and actually use now. Those are the items that take priority.

“You can’t reach for anything new if your hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.” ~Louise Smith

The excess and ‘what if’ items are often what gets decluttered.

And for good reason. If you aren’t using that item now (and haven’t used it within the last year or so) you may not need it.

Will there be some exceptions? Yes, but holding onto too much stuff for imagined potential scenarios can keep your home and your mind cluttered.

Autumn as The Leaves Fall

Can you take a litte time to consider what may be getting in the way of your goals?

Are there any habits or beliefs that are getting in the way of your goals?

We all have habits. Some of them are good and some of them not so great!

Habits that waste your time keep you from reaching your goals and can leave you feeling frustrated with much time lost (e.g. hours spent scrolling your phone)

Self-limiting beliefs can also hold you back from achieving the things you want to achieve.

After you’ve identified those beliefs, replace them with the truth.

Set yourself up for success by changing your mindset to shift your perspective and get on a more positive path.

Letting go of negativity and adopting positive mindset habits will improve your outlook and your outcomes.

Many thanks to Trevor and his great team from Aughrim/Kilmore.

What an amazing job in restoring the beauty of an old water pump and it's surrounds. (See before and after pics.)

Those water pumps are dotted all around the country but not all areas are lucky enough to have a great local working group to involve themselves in restoring them to such a high standard.

Congratulations Trevor and team.

Already half way through 2025, this award feels like yesterday. Why do we feel that there s never enough time in our day?! We all get the 24 hours! It's how we spend it that makes the difference......

Nuala Duignan Life Coach (2020 Winner: Irish Enterprise Awards) - EU Business News Nuala Duignan Life Coach is one of the 2020 winners of Irish Enterprise Awards.

As my final contribution on Digital Diversion.

What better time to have a Digital Detox than this May Bank Holiday week end.

A chance to inhale the outdoors. Enjoy blue skies, the sea or mountians and relishing the beauty without the distraction of constant phone checking.

Make It Work for You

A digital detox can be whatever you want it to be and it can take many forms.

Some ideas that you might consider trying:

• A digital fast: Try giving up all digital devices for a short period of time, such as a day or up to a week
• Recurrent digital abstinence: Pick one day of the week to go device-free
• A social media detox: Focus on restricting or even completely eliminating your social media use for a specific period of time

Digital Detox Tips

Some people find giving up their devices fairly easy. Others will find it much more difficult and even anxiety-provoking at times.

There are some things that you can do to ensure that your digital detox is more successful:

• Let your friends and family know that you are on a digital detox and ask for their help and support
• Find ways to stay distracted and keep other activities on hand
• Delete social media apps from your phone to reduce temptation and easy access
• Try getting out of the house; go to dinner with friends or go for a walk when you are tempted to use your device
• Keep a journal to track your progress and write down your thoughts about the experience

Going device-free can be uncomfortable and stressful at times. You might feel annoyed, anxious, and even bored without your mobile phone and other tech tools.

While it may be hard, it can be a rewarding experience that will help you better understand your relationship with your devices and be more present and mindful in your other activities and experiences.
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iBest of luck with any small effort you make towards living more i