In this week's episode of the Real Life Momz podcast, I enjoyed interviewing Angie Hyche, author, speaker, and professional organizer. We had a wonderful conversation about the concept of clutter. While we often associate clutter with physical belongings, Angie introduces the topic of attention clutter. Attention clutter resides within our minds and can hinder our focus on what truly matters. In today’s blog, we will explore this concept and how it can impact our lives.
First, we need to define clutter. “Clutter is anything that distracts us from our priorities,” says Angie. Clutter extends beyond the tangible realm of material possessions. It encompasses anything that diverts our attention from our priorities. This can include the overwhelming number of tasks on our to-do lists, the packed calendars, or even the excessive commitments we take on without considering their impact. While these things may seem important individually, collectively, they become a burden that weighs us down.
Attention clutter is sneaky because it often goes unnoticed. We may not even recognize it as clutter until we take a moment to reflect. Can you think of a time when your child was telling you a story or asking a question, but your mind was thinking about a task that needed to get done from your to-do list? Angie shares her experience of realizing that her mind was preoccupied with various distractions, preventing her from fully engaging with her family. Whether it was constantly checking her phone or being overly involved in volunteer work, she discovered that attention clutter was hindering her ability to be present with her loved ones.
The cost of attention clutter is significant. It prevents us from making meaningful connections and fully experiencing the moments that matter most. When our minds are scattered and preoccupied, we miss out on the depth and richness of our relationships. Loved ones may feel neglected or unheard, leading to missed opportunities for connection and growth.
The key takeaway from this conversation is that clutter is anything that holds us back from moving forward. Whether physical, mental, or emotional clutter, it hampers our ability to live our lives to the fullest. Taking the time to declutter ourselves in all aspects is an essential step toward personal growth and fulfillment.
As Angie points out, one of her favorite quotes is that “the greatest gift we can give someone is our full attention.” By decluttering our minds and removing distractions, we create the space to be fully present with the people who matter most to us. This intentional focus fosters deeper connections, enhances communication, and allows us to cherish the precious moments we share.
In a world surrounded by distractions, recognizing that clutter goes beyond physical belongings and extends into our minds is the first step toward reclaiming our focus and priorities. By decluttering our thoughts and being intentional with our attention, we can cultivate richer relationships, progress toward our goals, and live with greater fulfillment.
For more information, listen to this full episode Declutter Your Life: Expert Tips from Angie Hyche
If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like Discovering Your Second Act In Life, 3 Simple Steps
Looking for your next great book, check out our books by our guests, including Angie Hyche’s book Unholy Mess visit https://www.reallifemomz.com/p/real-life-momz-books/
