The new year is right around the corner, and this is a perfect time to throw out unnecessary or unwanted parts of our past to make room for what the new year will bring.  I personally have been on a roll since this summer, when I finally made time to sort through 21 boxes of old client files in storage that needed to be shredded.  Once this was done, I felt so much better– and I decided to continue with this process at home in 3 phases:

-Sort through your closets– what are you holding on to that is no longer worth keeping?  Get rid of clothes that no longer fits or has gone out of style.  If you have not worn something in years, let it go and then maybe splurge on new hangers that match, it actually makes a world of difference.

-Do you have filing cabinets or old boxes full of documents?  Now that it is a bit nippy outside, take time to go through them and throw out what you don’t need.  Declutter your home, including the garage and basement, and let go of the past.  Take it in small chunks at a time if you have to so you don’t get overwhelmed, but soon you will find that a little each day will take you a long way.

-In this digital era we also need to remember to discard our digital data– clean out your emails, electronic files, social media posts and pictures.  While you are at it, see if there is any information you need to update.  One thing that became obvious to me during this exercise was the desperate need to update my firm’s website and organize the blog (with over 650 posts on topics ranging from love, dating, finances, marriage, parenting, divorce, and wellness).  Please check out the new site: www.reginademeo.com

In the end, you will feel really proud of yourself.  These small changes, while perhaps imperceivable to anyone else, will make you happier, and that is something people will observe.  The more positive your energy is, the more likely you are to attract positive people  around you.  Now, isn’t that a great way to start the new year?

So what are you waiting for?  Go put on some good background music, and start the purge process– let go of the past, and give yourself the gift of a fresh start for 2017.

By Regina A. DeMeo, Esq.

www.reginademeo.com