Letting Go and Redefining Enough, Embrace Intentional Living for Wellness

How Decluttering Brings Peace and Clarity

Letting Go and Redefining Enough

We are wired as humans to chase dopamine — the neurotransmitter that gives us reward and pleasure. That chemical hit makes us feel good when we buy, scroll, or collect. But that happiness is temporary. Over time, clutter creeps in — filling our homes, overwhelming our minds, and weighing down our lives.

Rebuilding After Divorce

After my divorce, I lost many of the possessions I had carefully curated. My ex left with trucks full of belongings, and I was left with just a few pieces of furniture and boxes. It was overwhelming to start over personally, emotionally, and materially — but also a chance to rebuild.

A Year Without Mindless Shopping

During this transition, while also launching my psychotherapy practice, I committed to a bold challenge. Inspired by “Tidy Moose” on Instagram, I vowed to stop all mindless shopping for a year. I only bought what I truly needed. To make it even more meaningful, I added another rule: remove two items from my home every day.

By the end of the year, I had released over 600 items. And something unexpected happened, as the physical clutter disappeared, my mind became clearer. My world felt bigger. I no longer shopped for comfort.

Living With Intention

Now, I buy with purpose. A handmade item from a trip. A meaningful find on Facebook Marketplace. A piece that tells the story of my current life.

When I crave a dopamine hit, I choose experiences instead of things — coffee with a friend, a walk in the woods, a scenic drive, or cuddles with my dog. I’m far from perfect, but I feel proud to be defined by more than possessions.

Redefining Enough

My ex once defined success through image and “stuff.” But all that striving led only to emptiness. For me, letting go brought space, peace, and a new definition of enough.

Where Minds Bloom, Genie