Spring Clean Your Life: Make Space for What’s Next

Dear Friends -

Every spring, we open the windows, shake off the dust, and refresh our homes. But what if we brought that same energy to our lives?

This season, I’m inviting you to do a Life Spring Cleanup — not just in your closet or garage, but in your mindset, habits, and identity. It’s time to let go of what no longer fits and create space for who you’re becoming.

This isn’t about reinventing yourself. It’s about realigning with what matters most in this next chapter.

✨ Step 1: Revisit Your Self-Concept

Ask yourself:
Who am I becoming in this next phase of life?

What does the future version of me…
– No longer tolerate?
– Do differently?
– Believe or prioritize?

Write down three characteristics of your “next chapter” self. Not the version shaped by past roles or responsibilities — but the person you’re stepping into now.

Examples might include:

• Follows through with clarity instead of letting things hang.

• Speaks up without second-guessing.

• Values depth over speed — in conversations, commitments, and choices.

Once you’ve named those traits, do a quick check-in:

🧼 Step 2: Clean Up Key Areas of Your Life

Let’s look beyond just spring cleaning the junk drawer. Choose one upgrade in each of these areas to align your space with your future self:

🏠 Physical Environment
Clear off your nightstand or workspace. Replace a worn item (like towels or bedding). Add something that brings a sense of calm or inspiration — a photo, plant, or playlist.

🗓️ Calendar
Review your week. Does your schedule reflect what’s most important to you — whether that’s rest, exercise, creativity, family time, or solitude?

📱 Digital Life
Unfollow accounts that drain your energy. Subscribe to people and platforms that stretch your thinking or lift your mood. Treat your feed like prime real estate.

🧠 Mental Patterns
Notice recurring thoughts that might be keeping you small — “It’s too late,” “I’ve missed my chance,” or “That’s not for people like me.” Challenge and reframe them with curiosity and compassion.

🌸 Step 3: Practice Becoming

Big transformation rarely comes from one big leap — it comes from small shifts, repeated with intention.

Choose one daily action that helps reinforce the person you’re becoming. It can be subtle but powerful:

• Begin the day with a quick visualization of your ideal future

• Take a grounding breath before speaking in meetings

• Write down one thing you’re proud of at the end of each day

• Dress in a way that reflects how you want to feel, even at home

And try this:
Write a short, future-forward affirmation you’ll repeat this month:

🔍 AI Prompt to Try

If you’d like a little extra support, here’s a prompt you can use with ChatGPT:

Test out a few responses and choose one that feels right for you.

If you missed it, I published a new episode of my Act Three Podcast this week, featuring 91-year-old Ann Medlock! She is SUCH an inspiration ✨ and has authored a new book, Breadcrumbs: 18 Clues on the Path to a Meaningful, Exciting Life. Have a listen 🎧!

This spring, consider this your invitation to do more than dust shelves.
Declutter your assumptions. Reclaim your attention. Refresh your path.

Because who you’re becoming deserves the space to grow. 🌱

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara