Sometimes it takes stepping back and re-evaluating your life to discover the radiance within – and I’ve found that by paring down my possessions, specifically the contents of my wardrobe.
After many years living in the same home, you often fall into a rut, surrounded by things you don’t necessarily need or use anymore.
That was me, living with my son in our home in a small town just outside of Portland, Oregon. There was so much clutter, so much excess, that over the past year I embarked on a mission to purge. To get back to basics. To find what makes me shine among all the needless items amassed from years of DIY’s, crafting, buying, being gifted things, and just general mindlessness when it came to holding on to things.
So I began a mission of frugality: to cut back everywhere I could, not only in bills and general consumption, but also in items I had in the house. Items that I did not use – and that were full of memories of times that were not so happy, that dragged me back into a past of dullness and dust every time I looked at them.
I cleaned out my closet from 7 years of holding onto stuff I wore. Handbags, jewelry, accessories, coats, jeans, tops, lingerie, dresses, skirts, knick-knacks… nothing was immune, and I ended up getting rid of 3/4 of what I owned. It was then, once I had eliminated 75% of what I owned, that I discovered something amazing.
I discovered that when you own less, there is less to take care of. Less time you devote to taking care of it for one thing! (Dusting, cleaning, dry-cleaning, ironing, putting back on hangers, organizing, mending.) Less mental space that it takes up. Fewer memories tugging at you, less of the past rising up to meet you every time you open the closet. And with less choice, amazingly… you have more. Everything goes together, everything fits. The beauty of matching – and the beauty of space in between your garments. Suddenly, what felt cramped and ugly, became beautiful and radiant, simply by embracing less and leaving only what I truly loved. I uncovered this only through paring down to my essentials.
Just as I had to remove layers upon layers of old clothing to get to my core wardrobe of radiance, so does ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste prevents tartar from building up to reveal truly white teeth. But unlike an average whitening toothpaste, this revolutionary toothpaste goes beyond the surface to strengthen, clean and repair tooth enamel for a radiant smile in just 5 days.* (*Data on file.)
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I found my inner strength and radiance by cutting out the non-essentials and only keeping the things that empowered me and made me smile. How will you re-connect with your inner radiance? Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card!
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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This sweepstakes runs from 8/3/15 – 9/30/15.
Be sure to visit the Truly Radiant brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!
xo
Carly
I have been buying clothes with more patterns and colors to bring some radiance into my life. We have gotten rid of a lot of stuff in our basement and need to start working on the rest of the clutter and letting go. If I win I can buy the hangers I want and start organizing my closet finally. Thanks for the inspiration.
P.S. I put this toothpaste and toothbrush on my list to try and hopefully it will help
I will take vitamins and moisturize my skin.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/628287784420265984
I eat well and get enough sleep, and make sure to exercise every day. I also primp by getting myself a nice hair style and a manicure! It always makes me feel better when I take care of myself.
I always feel better about myself when I clean out and donate clothes and items I don’t need. It’s time for me to do that again so I feel better about myself!
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/628294315479949312
I will re-connect with my inner radiance by wearing light makeup and maintaining a healthy diet along with exercising daily.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/628305498383745024
I eat healthy and take vitamins.
tweet https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/628306634566012928
by trying to get more sleep
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/628329881538035712
I boost my radiance by using ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste three times per day.
I will get back on my workout routine.
I reconnect with my inner radiance by doing a clear out of all my closest at least twice a year. Get rid of the clutter makes me feel good 🙂
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/628520816603365377
Finding time to spend with the people I love!
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/628573111533875200
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
I connect to my inner radiance by exercising every day, eating plenty of fruits and veggies, wearing sunscreen and getting plenty of sleep. I also try to drink plenty of fluids.
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/628669443346837504
I hope to reconnect with my inner radiance by getting rid of my negativity and old issues. A new outlook on life is in the future!
Spending time with my grandchildren keeps me radiant
I’ve actually been boosting my inner radiance in the same way you have…I’ve been purging my belongings, getting rid of anything that doesn’t make me happy or has negative memories or thoughts associated with it, donating clothes that don’t make me feel my best. It’s addicting! I feel lighter, happier, and more free as I’ve gone through this process.
https://twitter.com/LKailikea/status/629104855865409536
I will re-connect with my inner radiance by enjoying meditation.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/629125463588237312
Some days, by good makeup! 🙂
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Erika recently posted…Uneasy
I boost my radiance by staying hydrated and taking vitamins.
Prayer and exercise
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/630531545237954563
I’ve been stepping outside of my comfort zone with new clothing styles.
Also I’ve been cleaning out the closet to put together more looks.
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/630783533875859456
I’m trying to eat well and I’m really enjoying it! Definitely makes me feel more radiant.
tweet: https://twitter.com/Twenteries/status/630800546602057728
I will re-connect with my inner radiance by getting back to my daily walks and continue taking vitamins and drinking plenty water.
cshell090869 at aol dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/cshell202/status/631002924076785664
cshell090869 at aol dot com
I will purge my closet this week. Time to pare down to the things I love. Thanks for the motivation!
I always love how I feel with a new haircut….when I feel good on the outside it helps me feel radiant on the outside.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/631546539609976832
getting some alone time with walks
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/631941195225165824
I reconnect with my inner radiance by trying to avoid sugar, and exercising most days.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/632141857619709952
Every now and then I take some time for an at-home spa session. I pamper myself and feel great afterwards.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/633316889754775552
I re-connect with my inner radiance by getting enough rest and eat well. I’m trying to exercise more but I’m not a runner. Yoga seems best for me as I get time to focus and unwind.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong recently posted…Ultimate Origami for Beginners Kit Review and Giveaway
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/633510174431408128
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong recently posted…Ultimate Origami for Beginners Kit Review and Giveaway
Eating healthy and getting in a good day of exercise gives me a good boost!
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/634071787949662208
I connect with my inner radiance by working out everyday and making sure I tell my kids how much I love them!
yoga helps me find my inner radiance!Thanks for a chance to win!
kelly massman recently posted…Bo Bunny Garden Journal Mini Album
I would like to reconnect with my inner radiance by getting caught up and organized, by getting healthier and finding further peace and faith within and by being outside more often where I can feel the fresh air.
TWEET!
https://twitter.com/samdaleo/status/635801749366902784
tweet: https://twitter.com/rebeccathomasrd/status/635874914592014336
Replacing soft drinks and coffee with water!!
I try to boost radiance by eating a sensible diet and drinking a lot of water.
tweeted https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/637306383575175168
I take vitamins and enough sleep!
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/638172438002429952
I can very much relate to the photos of your closet. I recently started an organizing process that began with my clothes and resulted in my taking 7 full bags to the Goodwill. I will reconnect with my inner radiance by continuing to declutter my life, and I am so excited about it!
I have decided to reconnect with my radiance by learning to truly love myself for who I am and what I look like, despite the messages put on us by society.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/640318279861567488
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
I have stopped trying to please everyone and trying to do things that I’m not 100% committed to – usually that was just a pride thing anyway.
tweet https://twitter.com/suburbsanity/status/640964541401198592
I’m going to get a haircut and buy a few new outfits for the fall to help bring out my radiance!
I work out regularly and try to use facial scrubs! And sunscreen, of course!
Self acceptance and exercise help me connect with my inner radiance.
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
Staying active and 8 hours of sleep helps me feel radiant!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/646051733311987712
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sazzyfrazzy/status/646410912480407552
sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com
I eat a vegetarian diet and have for the past 15 years. I makes me very happy and I like to think that people can tell. 😀
angie recently posted…Update
i try to eat healthy and take care of my skin!
i posted a tweet here;
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/647583208343601152
i do not think i have ever felt radiant but i feel at my best i get great night of rest
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/647869677796986880
When I get to exercise and have more energy. truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/647916675086417920
By taking vitamins to keep healthy and make sure to get my exercise in!
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/647963612619784192
Tarissa recently posted…Creativity & weirdos like us artists
I boost my radiance by eating healthy, walking daily and moisturizing my skin.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/647973874362028040
I eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
I’ve started re-connecting with my inner radiance by getting regular exercise. It helps me feel better physically and mentally.
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/648344370807197696
I will re-connect with my inner radiance by taking more time for me and by eating healthier for me and my family!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/648660026186428416
I’m going to start yoga
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/648794506201038848
When I have had plenty of sleep and am eating well balanced, healthy meals I look and feel my best. I also need to purge my home of all the excess that is just clutter. I know I will sleep better when my bedroom is clear of all the junk that seems to gravitate there.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/648891343054372868
learn to accept myself the way I am
I will exercise more and be more healthy.
I will re-connect with my inner radiance by trying to eat and drink healthily, exercise and get enough sleep.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/649006233110769664
I swim 3 times a week and I always feel radiant after. I’m on the ARC speed dial and they come to my house about once a month to take away stuff I don’t need. Less is really more….
Thanks for the contest.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/649129472826871808
By taking better care of myself, by drinking more water and walking more
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/649218361512083456
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
#SweepstakesEntry- comment
I connect with my *inner radiance* by definitely staying positive & trying to not have so much stress in my life. I am thankful for what I have. Also I make sure to get outside & get fresh air & exercise each day, preferably in the form of nature walks!
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
I will make sure that I exercise multiple times a week and eat healthier.
I sent out a tweet https://twitter.com/electricstar/status/649349166917771264