Have you ever gone on vacation and come back feeling no less exhausted and still in need of a vacation? Why is that? Because, when you and I only change our external location but take our problems and worries with us, nothing has really changed!

Similarly, when you and I only clean our physical surroundings without cleaning our interior landscape, we are not likely to experience anything more than temporary gratification of effort spent We can only have true change, lasting relief, freedom and joy when we do the deep cleaning.

Spring is the time of year we most associate with “cleaning out” and getting rid of the old. Over the next couple of weeks, as you consider what physical cleaning needs to happen in order to create more space around you, reflect on what thoughts and emotions are cluttering you up inside. The truth is you and I will not feel better until we face our inner “naggings” and make quality decisions about how we will deal them. This deeper cleaning is harder work and takes more thought and emotional effort however; avoiding the problems doesn't solve them. You must get to the bottom of what is causing the stink!

As March 21 st approaches and the first day of the new season comes upon you, I'm encouraging you to search the rooms of your soul: your mind, your will and your emotions. See what needs to be thrown out in order to create more space, clarity and freedom.

What is holding you back? What is cluttering your internal space and causing stress, discomfort or blockage in your life? Is there bitterness in your soul? Are you angry or frustrated with someone? Is that person you? Maybe you need to forgive someone. Or maybe you need to forgive yourself. Why don't you decide today to clean up, not just the surface but the root, of the problem? Decide to change your internal landscape: your inner dialogue and thoughts about yourself and others.

Now that you've decided the importance of deep (inner) cleaning where do you start? Take out a piece of paper and investigate how you are doing in these 7 “rooms of the soul”:

1. Relationships with others (friends, family)
2. Relationship with GOD (time spent in prayer, devotion, gratitude, spiritual study for growth)
3. Finances : give some, save some, spend some
4. Health – Exercise? Nutrition?
5. Eliminate clutter – are you overcommitted? Learn to prioritize usage of your time and energy
6. Work – is your work dictating your life? Your health? Your relationships?
7. New Horizons – what is your inner voice trying to lead you to?