clearing space

I’ll Deal With That Later” (A Lie I Keep Telling Myself)

I’ll Deal With That Later” (A Lie I Keep Telling Myself)
You know that thing I said I’d deal with later? Yeah, me neither. Because "later" usually turns into a mountain of stuff I don’t even remember committing to.

The other day, I came across a quote by Barbara Hemphill: “Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.” And wow, did that hit home. So much of the stuff surrounding me—both physically and mentally—ended up here simply because I kept putting off a decision.

I’ve always been pretty easygoing, going with the flow, grabbing that extra kitchen gadget, holding onto clothes that haven’t sparked joy since 2009 (Marie Kondo, you are onto something), or avoiding conversations about what I really need in life. And before I knew it, my space—and my mind—were overflowing. It wasn’t that I wanted chaos. I just wasn’t stopping to decide what to keep and what to let go.

And honestly? It’s not just about the stuff. It’s the old ideas, outdated habits, and even relationships we keep around by default—without ever really choosing them. It’s like our lives get jam-packed with things we never consciously signed up for.

So, what can we do about it? 


 4 Small Shifts That Help Me Clear Clutter

4 Small Shifts That Help Me Clear Clutter (and Overwhelm) by Simply Deciding


1. Step One: Admit There's a Problem

Instead of letting the day rush by in a blur, I’ve started carving out a few minutes—usually with my morning tea or before bed—to focus on one area that feels cluttered. Then I ask myself: What’s one decision I can make right now to clear this space? Even something small can lighten the load.

2. Keep It Simple

I try not to overthink it. One thing at a time. Maybe it’s finally getting rid of that sweater I haven’t worn in years. Maybe it’s deciding to stop a habit that’s no longer working for me. Every time I make a choice, no matter how small, I feel a little lighter.

3. Trust Myself

For years, I second-guessed everything, worried I’d make the “wrong” decision. But I’m learning to trust my gut. If something feels off, I let it go—knowing I can always adjust later. It’s about progress, not perfection. (By the way, gut feelings and gut health? Totally connected. But that’s a conversation for another day!)

4. Celebrate the Small Wins

Every time I let something go—whether it’s physical clutter or an outdated belief—I celebrate. Maybe with a little victory dance in my living room, maybe just with a deep breath and a moment to appreciate the extra space. Small wins build momentum, and before I know it, I want to keep making decisions instead of avoiding them.


“You can’t reach for anything new if our hands are still full of yesterday’s junk.” -Louise Smith


The “Maybe Later” Trap


Here’s the thing I’ve realized: maybe later is just a sneaky way of saying never. Every “I’ll deal with this later” turns into another pile of clutter—both in my home and in my mind.

But when I finally clear out old junk from my closet? It’s not just my space that feels lighter. It’s like I’m also clearing out old, outdated versions of myself. It’s spring cleaning for the soul.


“Let your legacy be how you loved while you were here and not the stuff you left behind.” -Courtney Carver


Letting Go = Making Room for What Matters


Letting go isn’t about losing things. It’s about creating space for what truly matters. A few weekends ago, I decided to start sorting through my stuff—not with a perfectionist mindset, but just looking for things I no longer needed. And honestly? It felt amazing. Tossing out the excess made room for fresh possibilities, and with every quick decision I made, I started trusting myself more.

That trust? It makes life feel a whole lot less overwhelming.

I’m still figuring it out. Some days, I hesitate. Old habits creep back in. But I’m realizing that any decision—even an imperfect one—is a step toward a cleaner, calmer life. The more I clear out the unnecessary, the easier it feels to breathe.

So what’s one ‘I’ll deal with that later’ task you’ve been avoiding? Spill the tea... maybe it’s just tossing an old sweater or finally setting a boundary that’s been on your mind—I promise not to judge (unless it’s something truly horrifying, like 2010 receipts in a junk drawer). 

I’d love to hear—what’s one thing (or idea) you’re ready to let go of? Let’s chat about how we’re making space for what truly matters.

“Edit your life frequently and ruthlessly. It’s your masterpiece after all.” -Nathan W. Morris




If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.

This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.


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Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there! I’m a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

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