Making Space for What Brings You Joy

Lessons From a Garden (and Sourdough Bread)

This year, I decided to try something new: I signed up for a garden plot at a local community garden.

I imagined myself tending to rows of vegetables all summer, enjoying fresh herbs and homegrown tomatoes. It sounded like such a good idea — in theory.

What I didn’t ask enough about, though, was what it actually required.

After planting (which, honestly, my friend mostly did for me), I learned that the upkeep meant watering the garden every single day. It’s about a 10-minute drive each way, plus another 10 minutes or so actually watering.

At first, I thought: no big deal. But after just a few weeks, I found myself dreading it.

I don’t enjoy the drive.
I don’t enjoy wrangling the hose and trying to negotiate it around other people’s plots.
I don’t enjoy that nagging feeling of having something hanging over me every day.

When I’m there, I see beautiful plots — where people clearly love their gardens and find joy in the time they spend there. Their plants are thriving because they care about being there. And that’s when it really hit me:

It’s okay to admit when something just isn’t for you..

The Flip Side: Sourdough Joy

At the same time, I’ve taken up making sourdough bread this year. And if you know sourdough, you know — it’s time-consuming, it takes patience, and there are a lot of steps.

But you know what? I love it.

I enjoy the process.
I make the time.
It doesn’t feel like a burden — it feels like a gift.

And that’s the difference.

The Lesson | Not Everything “Good” Is Good for You

Both gardening and sourdough are good things.
They’re creative. They’re productive. They’re nourishing.
But only one of them actually brings me joy.

It’s the same with your home and your life.

You may have a closet full of “perfectly good” clothes — but if they don’t make you feel good, they’re just clutter.
You may keep hobbies, collections, or kitchen gadgets because you think you “should” — but if they just take up space and weigh you down, it’s okay to let them go.
You may say yes to commitments that others love — but if they drain your energy, it’s okay to say no.

How to Make Room for What Matters

If you want to feel lighter, more intentional, and more joyful, ask yourself:

• Does this actually bring me joy — or just guilt?
  

• Do I look forward to it — or dread it?
  

• Does it feel like “me” — or just something I thought I should do?
  

If it doesn’t align with your values, your season of life, or what brings you peace — you have permission to let it go.

When you clear the clutter — in your home, your schedule, or even your hobbies — you make space for what really lights you up.

This summer, I’ll be letting go of my garden plot.
And I’ll be keeping my sourdough starter alive and thriving.

Because just like in our homes, making intentional choices about where to spend our time and energy is what creates a life that actually feels good to live.

If you’re ready to let go of what no longer serves you and make space for what truly matters, download my free CLARITY Guide: 7 Steps to Declutter Your Space & Clear Your Mind.

It walks you through each step of my proven CLARITY process — helping you reset your home and your mindset, and create more room for the things that bring you joy.

Get the CLARITY Guide HERE.