Let's Talk About...Spring Cleaning

Ok. It's that time of year again. You know what I am talking about. No, I don't mean Daylight Savings Time even though that is always worth a discussion.

I am talking about that other "spring-ahead" event this time of year. You know what I mean.

As the weather warms, robins hop around your yard, crocuses appear and the air smells irresistibly fresh. If you are like me, you can't stop yourself from throwing open the windows and giving in to the urge to do a little spring cleaning.

Just to be clear, I like to clean as much as the next person. Which generally means, not much. Actually, not at all.

However, something primal happens when the days get longer and the air smells fresh. Is it that ancient annual sense of renewal paying a much-needed visit after a long winter?

Suddenly, you inexplicably want to throw a BBQ. You want to invite people over. Open up the house.

It's time to sweep away the gloom of winter and water your garden. Start fresh. In other words, spring into action.

So, you throw your bedding over the clothesline (if you are lucky enough to still have one), wash everything that isn't tied down. Open the windows and drag out that vacuum. Grab the Windex, move the sofa out of the way and get started.

It's also time to declutter, so you can find all those things you squirreled away and forgot about all winter. Then put your sweaters away in those vacuum sealed bags. Bring out your t-shirts and shorts from the guest room. Fill bags of clothes you haven't worn in a year and call a charity.

And don't forget the garage. Get out the power washer. That place is a mess after the winter roads.

After you have emptied and refilled your closet, wiped down the air conditioning vents and baseboards, vacuumed under the rugs, and scrubbed your grout, don't neglect yourself.

Clear windows mean you can see clearly again. Clean up your garden so that there is room for new growth. Unclog your gutters to get the waters flowing (if we are lucky and it rains).

Put those worries that don't require your immediate attention in their respective boxes. Close their lids, store them at the top of your closet and only take them out if you must.

Take inventory of yourself. Set goals.

It is time for some spring cleaning. You know what I am talking about.