QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Summer is upon us and I have some time on my hands. Why wait until the end of the year to freshen and clear our home up? I would appreciate any guidance and direction.

It is really amazing that we are saying goodbye to the first half of 2015 already! It’s true that your home and environment can support you in what you want to manifest for the second half of the year, and doing a cleanup will help. Today marks the start of the summer solstice — a great day to make this commitment to your home.

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Looking around your home, have you collected a lot since the year began? If you want to clean up, but don’t know where to start, use the points below as a guide. Engage every person in the house, preparing them to let go of the belongings that no longer serve them. The tips below are meant to be a fast way to make a big difference.

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OUT WITH THE OLD

• Discard. Put your mind in “I’m on a mission” mode. Then, go from room to room, spending no longer than 10 minutes in each area, putting in a trash bag everything you no longer use or need.

Get rid of expired food items in the refrigerator and cabinets, old newspapers, junk mail, chipped cups, old cosmetics, burned down candles, broken items, warped Tupperware and other things that no longer serve you. Be quick and snappy. This is an easy step that takes no thought at all.

• Donate. Next, in a large plastic bag, put clothes you haven’t worn, CDs, books, figurines and other items with which you no longer resonate. For large items, make a list and schedule a day to remove them from your home. For now, remove only the items that will fit into a few bags, and don’t think too much; just do it. If you have a hard time letting things go, imagine the smile on the face of the person who needs the item more than you do.

• Clear and clean. Clutter can make you lethargic and overwhelmed. Make space to welcome the opportunities for the upcoming year by clearing off surfaces where things have settled — kitchen and bathroom counters, dining room tables, etc.

IN WITH THE NEW

• Stock up on healthy food. Food symbolizes abundance and health. Fill your pantry and stock your refrigerator with the type of food that you want to eat.

• Bring in a thriving plant. Plants symbolize growth and represent the life force. Bring in a plant from your garden, or purchase live plants and place them in your home. A display of beautiful flowers is a positive symbol and represents reaching your highest potential.

• Freshen up the energy. For just a few minutes, open every door and window to let go of the first half of the year and energetically welcome in the next half, with a vision to receive the best that life has to offer.

Do you have a question for Alice? If so, send it to alice@yourhappinessu.com. Alice Inoue is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness U: YourHappinessU.com.

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