Spring is just around the corner, and with it will come ruminations on clearing winter’s accumulations out of the house. But spring cleaning shouldn’t be limited to our physical house. Often, when we search ourselves, we find that our spiritual ‘house’ needs cleaned as well.

Here are 12 ways that we prevent ourselves from growing spiritually. Thankfully, we can typically let all of these go once we realize that they are there. It’s a new year, no time like the present!

We Shouldn’t Limit Ourselves

There are no limits to this life. When we come up against something that we feel is beyond us, that wall is typically erected by us. Take it down!

We Are Not Our Jobs

Nothing makes us lose touch with our true nature like our association of ourselves with our moneymaking endeavors.

Don’t Be Self-Critical

There is often no one more critical of you than YOU. While usually well-intended, there are better paths to self-improvement.

Let Go Of Anxiety

We often suffer from fear-based anxiety. That which is unfamiliar or unknown should produce exhilaration rather than fear.

Don’t Take Things Personally

The hurt we feel from someone else’s words or actions is self-inflicted. Instead, we would serve ourselves better to stay balanced, focused, and find humor in ourselves!

Why Feel Guilty?

This is a typical feeling that serves no function whatsoever. If you did something in need of forgiveness, then seek it. But if you’re living in your truth, let it go!

Procrastination

If there is a task to do that’s important, give yourself time to do it thoroughly. When we delay it, we risk cutting corners to complete it.

Beware Of The Company You Keep

It is too easy to be influenced by the negativity of others. It’s ok to leave someone behind who brings you down.

Don’t Seek Approval

Instead of seeking the approval of others, seek your own self-esteem. If you do that, approval will come, only this way it will be healthy rather than attention-seeking.

Let Go Of The Past

Instead, live in the present! Remembering negative things in our past only limits us today.

Don’t Be Attached

The roots of suffering lie in attachment to things in this world, according to Buddhism. Unhealthy attachment to things, ideas, people, and illusions holds us back. See if you can let some of it go!

Let Go Of Distracting Habits

In this world, it’s so easily to get distracted, and most of the things that distract us are completely unnecessary to functional existence. It’s one thing to indulge, but it’s another to indulge too much.