Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning.

A large act of cleaning, usually met with an obligatory feeling, because all your neighbors are.

But "spring cleaning" has always meant so much more to me.

Spring. What a wonderful time to take off our heavy sweater, and uncover our skin. To open windows and give homes a breath of fresh air. Spring, early spring, is usually calving season. A time of birth.  The heavy winter snow melts away, life slowly emerges from the dirt, and the air smells fresher than it has ever. Cars emerge from car washes, making the streets sparkle, and the sun warms the air, later into the day, giving extra time to soak in its rays.

Not to mention, its my birthday. (Yay me. Thank you, mom)

This year, spring cleaning was especially important and meaningful to me. As most of you know by now, I am engaged to my best friend, William (Billy) Wisor. However, I also turned 20 this year, AND the rest of the world is also celebrating a new decade. What better time to pause and clean?

In Chile (Check out my last blog to read about it, I'll link at the end), I learned so much about who I am as a person, and also about what role I want to play in the kingdom of God, that in itself was refreshing, and an awesome kick start to the changes I am planning to see, in my own life. I always have such a hard time in the winters. My heart grows heavy, my body aches for the sunshine, and my bones hurt from lack of heat. I'm like a lizard, I guess. My body shuts down in the cold, and I need to sit under a hot lamp to reach full energy and mobility.

Spring is always an amazing time for me. Not only is my physical body, exploding with happiness, my mental state is alive with anticipation. Summer is coming. Endless nights, lake days. Oh, the HOURS of laughter with my brother, yard camping. High energy at work... All of my favorite things (possibly including a trip to see my love!!) But spring, spring is the starting line, before the race. Spring is shaking off the snow, and welcoming another adventure around the sun. Spring showers wash away the salt on the roads, and spring sunshine washes away the burden that winter lays on me.

This year, I went a little crazy. I feel justified, though. Seeing as I, myself, am starting a new decade, I am getting married soon, and I have a fresh outlook and direction. I got rid of pretty much all of my clothing. Like, donated all of it. I had four shirts in my closet. It didn't fit, didn't feel right, and the rest of it, I knew probably wouldn't fit by next winter (or I just didn't like it anymore) and guys, let me tell you.

Ok I spent like, $60 and I redid my entire wardrobe. Hello thrift shopping!! Seriously, go thrift shopping, especially if you're my age (or size). Most people that thrift shop, are looking for clothes for kids younger, or older than us. So we have tons of really awesome options! (especially because our moms donate the clothes we don't take to college, so we have lots of options. Not everyone wares the same styles or clothes, so there is usually a good variety.)  Plus, if you don't like it, you can donate it back and you're out, 25 cents. No return hassles, you don't have to keep receipts, and you will probably find a quarter on the ground somewhere soon. I also love the look of shock on people's faces when they ask me where I got my outfit, and  I tell them I got the whole thing for a dollar. To add a few statement pieces, find a nicer store having a sale. I was lucky enough to stumble across a Macy's that was closing, and everything was like, 80-90% off. I got a vest, a really heckin cute tee, and a really nice purse!! Little pieces that make me feel really confident when I wear them.

I also love to change my hair. Outward appearance is the best way to show a change, quickly. Plus, it feels fresh and fun! I try to avoid looking in the mirror too much, because I can leave my house feeling good, until I catch my reflection, and I don't look how I remembered and I feel discouraged and ugly for the rest of the day, so its always fun for me to get the peaks in the morning while I do my makeup, and see a new person smiling at me!

Remember though, outward appearance is not what is most important. Its a fun accessory to match your awesome personality. I always strive to be more kind, to laugh easier, and stress less. Spring is also a time for me to refresh my heart, and check where I am at. Sometimes, I can get really down on myself, and that bleeds into how I interact with others. I am also perceived as the girl that is always awake and happy and excited, so I feel like its important for me to always put on that front, especially when I know that the people around me, need me to be a little bit of sunshine in their day. Spring is a wonderful time for me to take a moment and relax. Cleaning is relaxing for me, and its always refreshing for my mind to be able to look around me and see order in my physical life, giving me peace on the inside of my heart.

I love to have clean, and empty space. I don't like clutter. I am not a fan of having stuff, just to have stuff. Pretty much everything I own has more of a purpose. I know that everyone is different, I just think it feels really good to walk into a mostly empty room, with just a few items that are needed. Its easier to keep clean, easier to organize, less to dust, and I feel like it allows a space to really breathe, and I love love space that breathes.

Spring cleaning for me, has always felt like as I threw open windows, I was opening my arms; letting myself out of the entrapment I have been stuck in all winter. I love spring. I love spring cleaning, and all that it can mean. I love how randomly beautiful life is. I pray that this spring season, we can all find peace in the midst of the is corona virus, and enjoy the world blooming around us. Stay clean, hydrated, and a healthy distance away. Don't forget to share the toilet paper, and above all, BE KIND to your neighbors and those struggling around you. Spring is a wonderful time. Maybe today is an awesome chance for you to open your windows, invite some brisk air in, and kick the stale air of winter, out!

With love,
Georgia

CHILE BLOG: http://justgeorgetta.blogspot.com/2020/03/party-in-potato-field.html