An invitation for spring cleaning

In the Northern Hemisphere, we’re well into spring now, a season I love because it has a magical way of inviting us to clear away the old to make room for the new. “Spring cleaning” can be so liberating, whether it’s re-organising the wardrobes and purging the clothing we know we will never wear again or, more deeply, clearing away personal doubts and fears. I find spring a great time to refresh my mindset and check in on my intentions for the rest of the year.

I recently found myself reflecting on this during a conversation with a friend about the transformative power of a good spring clean. This discussion couldn't have been timelier, as it reminded me of a pivotal moment in my own life journey almost exactly 2 years ago in 2022.

That year marked a significant transition for me: I stepped away from a long corporate career to dedicate myself to my passions of coaching and starting my healing practice. After two decades of building a corporate identity, I suddenly found myself a little adrift, experiencing the dissolution of that identity and needing to re-define myself and build my confidence in this new phase.

I distinctly remember one particular day that felt especially challenging. I was attempting to write some marketing material, trying to force the words to flow when they wouldn’t, and frustration was mounting. Feeling kind of desperate, I reached out to Spirit to ask for some sign or guidance on what to do next. The response I received was unexpected and, frankly, unwelcome: "go and clean."

Confused and a bit annoyed, I resisted. How could cleaning help with the email I needed to send? I continued to sit at the laptop, forcing something to flow, and it didn’t. As my frustration peaked, I finally decided to heed the advice. I got up and started cleaning, sweeping the entire kitchen thoroughly and vigorously. Eventually, I found myself sweeping out our fire pit.

As I cleared away the last of the leaves, something caught my eye: a five-cent coin. At this point, all I could do was burst out laughing. You see, years ago I had asked the universe to send me a coin as a sign during tough times—a reminder that I wasn’t alone, that I was right where I needed to be and that everything was going to be okay. Here was that sign, literally unearthed during an act of cleaning, prompted by a moment of angst and doubt.

This incident was an important reminder to be open to unexpected guidance and to trust. It was a literal and metaphorical clearing of debris that allowed me to reconnect with the universe’s support and reassurance. (Thank you, Spirit!) As we enjoy the fresh bloom of spring and flow out of the intensity of the recent eclipse season, I invite you to pause, meditate, and reflect on how you are cleansing your body and mind now, so you can continue to be a powerful creator in your life.