inspiring joy filled living
Simplify to Make Space
October 23, 2025
Clearing the Clutter from Your Mind, Home, and Calendar
Have you ever opened a drawer, your inbox, or even your mind and thought… there’s just too much?
Too much stuff.
Too many plans.
Too many thoughts swirling around all at once.
Same.
Clutter has this sneaky way of taking over our homes and our hearts at the same time. It’s not just the pile of mail on the counter — it’s the mental load that never really goes away.
But here’s something I’ve learned: simplicity is an act of peace.
It’s not about becoming a minimalist or having a Pinterest-perfect home — although I’ve dreamed of that too.
It’s about creating space — space to breathe, to think, to enjoy the life you already have.
✨ The Weight of “Too Much”
We live in a world that praises more.
More hustle. More doing. More achieving.
But “more” doesn’t always make life better — sometimes it just makes it louder.
When our homes are bursting, our calendars are overflowing, and our minds are spinning, peace has nowhere to land.
Simplicity gently asks,
“What if you didn’t need more — you just needed less?”
Because every time we say yes to something, we’re saying no to something else. And the things that matter most often need space to grow.
🕊️ Simplifying Your Home
Let’s start small — seriously small.
One drawer. One counter. One corner.
Put on your favorite playlist or light a candle and just begin.
As you sort through things, ask yourself:
- Do I love it?
- Do I use it?
- Does it make me feel peaceful?
If not, let it go with gratitude.
A funny thing happens when you clear physical space — your mind starts to unclutter too. Suddenly you can think again. You breathe easier. You even feel a little lighter. In the middle of writing this post, I literally went and cleared out the drawer next to me. It truly is amazing what happens when we can release the weight of “stuff” around us.
🗓️ Simplifying Your Schedule
Your calendar should feel like an honest reflection of your priorities, not your pressure.
Look at the week ahead. Circle the things that bring you energy. Cross out the ones that drain you. Then ask:
“What would happen if I said no to this?”
We’re so used to packing our days full that stillness feels uncomfortable — almost rebellious. But that white space on your calendar? It’s not laziness. It’s life returning to balance.
Rest isn’t something you earn; it’s something you need.
I’m so guilty of this. Right now I’m the team mom (to two teams!), room mom and the music docent at school. Every bit of advice I’m trying to soak in because I know my life is better when I simplify but it is SO dang hard. In this season of life I’m learning to modify. I love to cook, but cooking full on meals every night is just not realistic. Instead I’m shifting my expectations to include very easy meals and take out thrown into our weeks because I simply don’t have the bandwidth.
And it is OK!
In my younger years I would have really beaten myself up…kids need home cooked food, my inner critic would yell (not to mention a lot of dinners went untouched, especially when they were little!) and the guilt would pour over me. Nowadays, I try to keep fresh fruit and veggies in the fridge and they make for an easy side along with whatever we are eating.
I’m also learning how to streamline (batch emails, calls and texting together) and continue to give my kids opportunities (aka chores) to help out. I know someday they will be living in a dorm or apartment with friends and I want them to be able to do their own laundry!
💭 Simplifying Your Mind
Sometimes the clutter isn’t visible. It’s the constant swirl of thoughts — the mental to-do list that never turns off.
When your mind feels full, try one of these:
- Journal for ten minutes without worrying about spelling or grammar. Get the bees out!
- Go for a walk & don’t let yourself look at your phone. It is amazing what fresh air can do.
- Sit somewhere quiet and just breathe. Bonus if you sneak in some stretching!
- Write down three simple things you’re grateful for.
It’s amazing how peace sneaks in when we give our minds permission to slow down.
I struggle with a swirling-whirling mind pretty regularly. It wasn’t until my later 20’s that I learned that the craziness that would creep in had a name: anxiety. Anxiety likes to tell me I’m not doing enough, not moving fast enough and tries desperately to push me to the brink. But what I have learned over the years is that anxiety only gets what I give it.
One phrase I have started to use is:
What if it all works out? (check out this blog post for more!) and I have started to create wish lists instead of to do lists. Telling myself that things will work out somehow, brings down the temperature almost immediately. A deep breath also helps tremendously. It reminds my brain and my body that we will figure this out. And by making a wish list (it would be so nice if these things got done) rather than I need to conquer all of these things today, has given me room to get the most important things done first and grace for whatever doesn’t get crossed off the list. Taking the pressure off provides the relief that has actually made me more productive because I am able to focus rather than pulled in a dozen directions at once!
☀️ The Beauty of Space
Simplicity isn’t about having less — it’s about making room for what matters more.
When we stop filling every inch of space and every minute of time, we create room for joy, creativity, and calm to show up again.
So this week, take one small step toward simplicity.
Simplify one thing — your schedule, a drawer, or even your thoughts — and see how it feels to breathe again. I’d love to hear what you did! For me, I’m staring down my calendar for next week and my closet! Let’s do this together!
🌸 Coming Next Week
Saying No with Grace — Boundaries as an Act of Self-Respect
Because every “no” creates space for a more meaningful “yes.”
🪷 Seeking Roses Philosophy
At Seeking Roses, we believe joy doesn’t wait for perfect — it grows in the small, intentional choices we make every day.
Seeking Roses: Stop & Smell Them
