“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
-Dr. Wayne Dyer

Summer is here!  The sun seems to shine brighter, birds are singing, we tend to eat lighter, the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air and warmer temperatures have arrived. Summer is a wonderful time to declutter our homes and spruce up our lawns and gardens. It’s also a good time to clean out our mental and emotional spaces.  We tend to hold on to old patterns, thoughts and feelings that keep us too busy to explore how we could change things and make ourselves happier. Shining the light on our mental health can provide a sense of relief and renewal. 

American philosopher Dr. Wayne Dyer says, “The more beliefs that you remove from your inner space, the more room there is for new energy.”  When we hold on to negative patterns, beliefs and judgements we allow those things to occupy good space in our minds, recreating a reality we didn’t like when it was happening then and probably like even less now.  Reflecting on old issues may be painful, but if we examine these issues in the context of bringing them to the surface to send them on their way, it’s worth the risk and gets easier with practice.

Take stock of your beliefs about yourself and the world around you and see if they still fit.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does holding on to my beliefs make me a happier, heathier person now?

• Am I holding on to past hurt that I would be willing to let go of?

• Why do I continue to hold on to this resentment?

• Is there someone in my life that I need to apologize to for my part in miscommunication or hurt feelings?

• What can I clear out of my heart or mind that will allow me to become a calmer, more centered person?

Shining the light on our mental health also reminds us of what we want to hold onto and explore further.  We may be inspired to revisit forgotten ideas and dreams that needed to be dusted off.  We could rediscover the things we once loved and give ourselves permission to explore them without the judgement of others that discouraged us from pursuing them before.  If recalling these memories seems impossible, keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings to help you get started.  

Plan some alone time to take an internal inventory and identify issues that have been cluttering your emotional space.  Meditation is one practice that promotes internal reflection and allows you to tune in to your inner world.  If this doesn’t appeal to you, browse around a bookstore or online and see what sparks your interest. 

Summer is a beautiful time to free up emotional energy that you can invest in other, more positive areas of your life.  If you would like to examine the emotional clutter in your life, EAP is here to help. Methodist Healthcare EAP offers free and confidential counseling to you and members of your household.  Please call us today at (901) 683-5658 or toll free 1-800-880-5658 to schedule an appointment. 

Karole Shorter

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Certified Employee Assistance Professional

Karole Shorter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional with over 20 years of counseling experience. She received her Bachelors in Social Work from Florida A & M University and her Masters in Social Work from Florida State University. She has been a counselor at Methodist Healthcare EAP for nineteen years.