Our words carry immense power which we often underestimate. They can either build up or tear down. Verbal abuse often has far-reaching effect on people especially if it started during childhood. 

The wounds of negative words can take years to heal. It’s not surprising that many people are carrying these wounds around and have become abusers themselves. This is pathetic and most people don’t know better.

Prov 18:14 says,

“The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters. The wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook."

You’re your prophet. Our words and thoughts are the tools for creating our reality. Words are not just sound waves, they are spiritual forces. Given this, we need to be conscious about what we say and how we say it.

It’s not only the word spoken to us by others that can cause harm. Our self-talk is even more powerful and defines our reality.

Without words, thought can never become a reality. If negative words can cause so much damage, then what’s the way out?

1. Increase the volume of your kind inner voice

That voice is always there but the reason you can’t hear it clearly is that negativity has silenced it over the years. Increasing it will enable you to speak kindly to yourself and others.

2. Change your inner script

This strategy will come in handy when people talk to you rudely, say negative words to you, or about you. If such people say "you’re dumb," remind yourself that you’re super creative and smart.

These people are just trying to project their insecurities on you or trying to use negativity to fill a void in their lives. This strategy doesn’t work 

The best thing you can do for yourself is to change your inner script and move on.

3. Speak with authority

Mattew 7:7 says, 

"Ask and it shall be given to you." 

Say what you want how you want it. Don’t even give room for doubt. Say it as if it has already happened. For instance, instead of saying, “how I wish I can get a better apartment before September end,” switch it to "I’ve already moved into my perfect apartment by September 31^st."

4. Avoid depressing talk

Avoid complaining. It will only dampen your spirit. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be vulnerable or empathize with others, but don’t engage in it to the point of throwing a pity party.

5. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations

Affirmations are powerful. The more you repeat them, the more they will sink into your subconscious. With time, you’ll start believing them until they become your reality. You can design a customized affirmation board with the plain side of an old calendar, sticky notes, and a permanent marker. 

Consider including powerful phrases such as,

“I am extraordinary.”

“I am fearless.”

“I am enough.”

“I believe in me.”

“I can do this.”

“I get better every day.”

Design your affirmation board and use it to shape your reality. 

Different people have said a lot about gratitude over the years. Expressing it comes with many benefits and you can never be too grateful. Gratitude is the key to unlock and multiply your blessings. It’s the perfect answer to a stress-free life.

No wonder the Psalmist says,

“I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

    Photo by Alora Griffiths on Unsplash 

Grateful people are healthy and happy. Their lives are always overflowing with an abundance that transcends money or owning stuff.

If our lives are free from clutter, we can’t just leave the space empty. Gratitude should serve as the foundation before bringing anything in because it’s not dead weight. It’s so fluffy.

Gratitude is the wings that will give you speed and make your vision super clear.

It is one of the powerful tools to develop an elevated mindset.

It changes your perspective and helps you believe in limitless possibilities.

I’ll encourage you to kick start your start day and wrap it up with gratitude for the remaining part of the year. Get a journal or use a journaling app and write at least three things you’re grateful for, including the reasons for your gratitude.

It’s best to take this step the moment you wake up and repeat it before your head hits the pillow, Being consistent with this practice will radically transform your life.

    Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash 

It’s so easy to be grateful when things are going smoothly, but what about when we face a negative situation?

Instead of focusing on the positive things alone, focus on any negative aspect of your life and express your gratitude.

It sounds silly, right?

How do you express gratitude when a beautiful relationship is on the verge of collapse or you’re facing challenges at your workplace?

How do you express gratitude when it seems like all the forces in heaven and on earth seem to keep working against you? 

It’s important to be grateful in all situations. Showing gratitude shouldn’t be under certain conditions.

I understand we can face certain situations that may even look silly to give thanks. We may not even remember how powerful gratitude is at this point. 

However, there is hardly any negative situation that can surpass the power of genuine gratitude. How much more when you have Jesus.

Paul and Silas ended up in jail. They resorted to worshiping and immediately all the doors were opened and every one’s bands were loosed.

This is the power of gratitude in action!

 It opens doors and breaks yokes.

So, back to the question, 

"How do we express gratitude when we face a negative situation?"

For instance, if you’re having a health issue, you can say,

“I’m grateful for this health issue because I have recovered or because my loved ones prioritize my wellbeing."

Being grateful in such a situation will help you to start feeling better. It will also change your mindset so that you can attract the life you deserve. 

Gratitude works! 

Try it today. 

Digital clutter happens when we store too much digital information on our devices or online. It also occurs when we spend too much of our time in the virtual world, scrolling away. The fact that digital clutter isn’t physical doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It is real.

If digital clutter is left unchecked, it can lead to digital hoarding, which is the accumulation of digital files and the reluctance to delete them to the extent of causing stress, disorganization, and other negative consequences.

The digital revolution has brought about the paperless concept. In this era, even small businesses can afford to go paperless and this is a cost-effective option.

There is hardly any front-facing business that is still relying on the old method of storing data.

Digital clutter can exist in different forms such as multiple tabs on your browser, old messages, mobile apps, desktop icons, old contact information, email, screenshots, and even social media.

Why should we beat digital clutter?

You may be wondering that, “what’s the point of getting rid of digital clutter?” Can’t we just live with it since our mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives?

I’ll explain why.

· Security risks

Digital clutter can make you vulnerable to security risks. For instance, if you have several apps on your smartphone, it can be difficult to update them regularly. The ones you fail to update can cause security risks. 

Hackers often exploit the vulnerabilities in older versions of mobile apps to steal information and I believe that’s not what you want.

· Affect our overall wellbeing

Digital can make you sick. Having more screen time has been linked to different mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide.

· Poor sleep quality

Millions of people are battling with sleep issues and don’t know why. Constant exposure to the blue light from our digital devices can disrupt our sleep patterns and affect the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. 

· Loneliness

Some people are connected with their loved ones on their mobile devices and can speak with them anytime and anywhere in the world. The world is now a global village, making us highly connected compared to the last few decades.

However, many people are battling loneliness. This shows that our digital devices can’t replace real human interaction.

So, what’s the way out?

Photo by Laker from Pexels 

· Schedule a digital detox

This involves spring cleaning your entire digital folders. As you take this step, keep what is useful and delete the rest. For instance, get rid of those screenshots you’ve been keeping over the years. 

· Close all inactive accounts

Delete those accounts and cancel inactive subscriptions.

· Respond quickly or at specific times

Try to respond to emails or messages quickly or at specific times. Just know what works for you.

· Downloads mobile apps

· Unplug

Schedule some time when you won’t use your mobile devices. Try to unplug from time to time, no matter how busy your schedule is. Try to engage in other things like reading, writing, and spending time in nature. You need to maximize pockets of time in this digital age.

Once you allocate screen-free time, it’s imperative to fill the void. With time, you’ll realize that you won’t be complaining that you don’t have enough time. It may not be easy initially. Nevertheless, take a deep breath and restrain yourself whenever you feel the urge to grab your phone.

Adopting these best practices will help you have control over your digital footprint and secure your data and devices. 

Photo by Vlada Karpovich from Pexels 

Clutter is simply a collection of things lying around in an untidy mess. However, it can look tidy to the extent that you won't even realize that it is clutter. Clutter often happens because of indecision. It happens when you’re yet to decide what is really important to you.

Barbara Hemphill defined clutter as nothing more than postponed decisions.

Physical clutter can be the things you don’t use, clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in a while, or tools you don’t use. They can be things you don’t want to deal with, maybe they don’t even belong to you and you’ve been planning to return them for a while.

Clutter can also be stuff you don’t even know why you have them.

In case you’re wondering,

"What has clutter got to do with my mindset?”

Wait a moment. 

A cluttered space equals a cluttered mind. If your space is cluttered, then it will affect your mind.

When we’re talking about space, it’s not just your home. 

Space can refer to your vehicle, laptop, or handbag.

Your kitchen may be uncluttered yet your handbag may be full of clutter and vice versa.

You need to conserve your mental energy. In this 21^st century, it’s imperative to prioritize your mental health. When you have control over clutter, you will respond better to stress and make sound decisions.

Mind you, clutter stems from a scarcity mindset. When you have this type of mindset, it will make you believe resources are limited. So, it's either you keep accumulating stuff or have nothing.

Our worth isn’t even based on our possessions.

Here are some perks of getting rid of clutter:

· You will be happier.

· You will be more productive and creative. More so, you will have fresh streams of ideas.

· You will find your stuff easily. Say goodbye to misplaced keys and the likes.

· Improved self-esteem.

· Better relationships.

People who are battling with clutter usually have the following traits:

· They have perfectionist tendencies.

· They procrastinate a lot.

· They tend to hoard.

The way out of physical clutter 

    Photo by Ian Dooley on Unsplash 

1. Invest in versatile furniture pieces

Consider investing in this type of furniture and storage solution for a clutter-free space. It’s best to opt for the budget-friendly options.

2. Design a system

Designing a structure or system can go a long way to overcome clutter. Each item should have a designated place. Ensure that you return items to their rightful places. This approach will help you save time and stress. Encourage young children and visitors to rely on these systems too.

With time, they will get familiar with them.

3. Label your belongings

Look at your storage space, especially where you keep old stuff. Bring out two bags and label them useful and useless, respectively. Put all the items that can longer serve you or anyone else any purpose in the useless section. Consider whether such items can be recycled before disposing of them. 

The next step is to put the items that are still okay in the useful compartment. Divide them into different sections. For instance, you can continue using some, while the rest can be sold, given out, or donated to charity. 

Got any strategies for combating clutter in your home? Share them with us in the comments.