‘Tis The Season For Spring Cleaning

By Brian Maynor

 

 

One of the things I love about spring is the motivation everyone has to clean out, dust off and spruce up their lives.

Whether it’s a garage, closet or pantry, spring seems to inspire us to discard things that no longer work or serve a purpose, but that doesn’t just apply to tangible things.  There are a lot of beliefs, feelings, resentments and regrets we hold on to for years that we also need to let go of, because they no longer serve us either.

So while you’re dusting baseboards and cleaning blinds try a few of these tips to spring-clean your soul as well:

1.   Dust off resentments.  Resentments are a lot like books and knickknacks in that we tend to put them on a shelf and leave them there.  However, unlike books and knickknacks holding on to them is bad for our health.  Unresolved grudges and resentments not only wreak havoc on your hormones they don’t simply disappear over time.  You actually have to acknowledge them before you can let them go.

2.    Recommit to live in the present.  I’ll admit I’m a ruminator, which means if I don’t stop myself I can lose hours of productive, quality life simply reliving the past or worrying about the future.  I’ve found the best way for me to stay engaged in the present is to slow down.  When I’m rushing around it’s easy to let my mind wander, but with slower, deliberate actions it is easier to stay grounded in the moment.  And let’s be honest, the present is all we really should be focused on anyway because it’s the only thing we can affect.

3.    Clean up any current conflicts.  It’s hard to imagine forgiving and forgetting something when it’s like a fresh wound, but instead of delaying the painful, inevitable confrontation suck it up and take care of it now.  While it won’t be pleasant in the moment, isn’t it better to have it over with than hanging over your head?

4.    Practice gratitude.  It’s easy to dismiss the simple act of listing things you’re grateful for as ‘good in theory’ or ‘a waste of time’, but there are scientifically proven benefits to the practice.  So whether you use an app or a traditional journal, regularly practicing gratitude is guaranteed to improve your life.

Just a few months ago we made New Year resolutions that probably have fallen by the wayside, and that’s ok.  Capitalize on the inspiration of the season to either revisit them or simply work on yourself while you switch out wardrobes and dust the corners and moldings.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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