Do you ever feel like a change, and getting rid of old stuff and creating room for a new you?

Well, why not make a start on National Old Stuff Day.

I have no idea who came up with the idea, but it’s a great chance to sweep away the old and let the winds of change bring in the new.

Now, we’re not just talking about old stuff, as in items you own, or clutter you’ve acquired.  We’re talking about old approaches to life as well, perhaps old habits which aren’t doing you any favours e.g. being on your phone before you try to sleep.

1. It’s a great chance to look at the way you manage your time and make more of the day.  Why not wake up a few minutes early and give nature a chance to be your first sound of the day?  Imagine lying in bed for a few minutes and listening to the birds welcoming the dawn of a new day with their birdsong.
   
   
2. Why not make any walking you do a nature walk – can you see any litter which could harm wildlife that you could pick up and so protect them from eating things, getting cut on things,  or finding their heads are stuck in cans and tins. How much nature can you see en route?  Do you see a wild flower? Smell it and take in its scent.  Enjoy the sight of it.  Take a picture on your phone and send it to your friends.
   
   
3. If you’ve got a garden, make sure you get into the habit of leaving a corner of it untidy for wildlife.  They like things untidy, and it saves you having to tidy it up. 
   
   
4. Watch the stars in the sky last thing at night as you lie in bed.   What’s the sky like? Is it clearer than the night before?
   
   
5. Have greater patience with people.  For instance, if someone cuts you off in the car, rather than blast at them with your horn, take a minute and think, “Wow, I wonder why they did that?” Could they be under incredible pressure because someone in their family has died or is very ill?  It must be awful to feel so rushed and aggressive all the time.
   
   
6. Make it a habit to do a kindness every day.  It’s amazing how great you feel afterwards!  You get an inner glow!
   
   
7. For your next birthday, don’t ask people for stuff.  Ask them to make a donation for your favourite charity.  Or choose an appeal and ask them to donate to that, so that they know specifically where their money is going to.  It gives them a chance to find out about a cause that’s important to you, and who knows, they may get involved!
   
   
8. Find out about a new cause or appeal which excites you.  What could you do to help?  It could give you a completely new purpose in life and make you spring out of bed in the morning or after sleep to see what you can do to make a difference to it.