How to say YES to what really matters The Power of letting go and unlocking the life you crave.

When we’re overwhelmed and confused, when we feel there’s no space—mentally or physically—the solution isn’t just about prioritising what’s on our plate or tackling our to-do list. The real answer lies in creating a pause, a moment to step back and reflect. 

What’s no longer working for us? What do we need to let go of? 

Only by releasing what holds us back—both mentally and physically—can we begin to make space for ourselves and what truly matters, creating a life that feels lighter and allows us to live freer.

Have you ever felt like, on paper, everything looks great—an exciting career, a lovely home, a family—and yet, deep inside, you feel disconnected, wondering if this is really it?

The truth is, life doesn’t have to feel this way.

I’ve met many women who, by society’s standards, are successful yet feel lost. A career that once felt fulfilling now feels misaligned. A major life change—a new baby, a move, a redundancy—has cracked open something they can’t quite name. Slowly, they’ve become overwhelmed by their own thoughts, their own spaces, their own lives.

When we hit that wall, the instinct is often to chase a drastic change. But more often, what we truly need is space—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Space to breathe, to reconnect with what brings us joy, and to realign with what makes us feel alive.

That’s why in this article I’m collaborating with Another Approach London, founded by mindful home coaches Aurelie (Schmitt) Geronimus and Camille Buysschaert Steimler. With backgrounds in psychology and therapy, they help transform homes into spaces of calm and clarity—guiding clients to let go of excess and creating environments that support their well-being. While they focus on designing homes that enables you to recharge, I bring the mindset and career perspective—helping women free space in their minds, so they can make choices that truly align with their values and aspirations.

This collaboration is about more than just organising a home or navigating a career—it’s about transformation on a deeper level. When life feels overwhelming, taking care of your space and your mind is essential. By freeing both, you reconnect with what you love, who you are, and what truly fulfils you.

Together, we’re here to help you move through moments of confusion and overwhelm, so you can say YES—to clarity, to ease, and to a life that feels right for you.

Letting go: the first step to creating space for what truly matters

Saying yes to a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and joyful starts with one crucial step: learning to say no—to the clutter, the overwhelm, and the habits that no longer serve us.

But to say no, we must also learn to let go. And letting go is hard. It challenges our sense of identity, security, and control. We often hold onto things—whether physical clutter, outdated beliefs, or unfulfilling commitments—because they feel familiar. Even when they weigh us down, they offer comfort, validation, or a sense of safety.

Why do we struggle to let go?

Letting go is rarely easy. Whether it’s an object, a habit, or even a career, what we hold onto often carries deep emotional weight. Releasing it can feel like losing a part of ourselves, our past, or our sense of security. So why do we struggle so much to let go?

1. Emotional attachment

We become emotionally tied to possessions, routines, and roles because they hold meaning—memories, identity, or a sense of comfort. Letting go can feel like erasing a part of who we are.

The shift: Aurelie and Camille, with their backgrounds in psychology and therapy, understand the depth of emotional attachment and decision-making. Their approach helps clients process these feelings, making the letting-go process both supportive and insightful.

2. Fear of the unknown

Saying no to what’s familiar means stepping into uncertainty. What happens when we release what we’ve always known? How do we trust that we’re making the right choice?

The shift: Identifying our core values serves as our inner compass. When faced with uncertainty, ask yourself: What value can guide me here? What do I need to honour this value and bring it to life? Anchoring decisions in our values allows us to navigate change with clarity and confidence.

3. The need to please

Societal expectations teach us to prioritise others over ourselves. Saying no—to commitments, relationships, or even possessions—can trigger guilt or the fear of disappointing those around us.

The shift: Ask yourself: What do I truly need? Unmet needs often drive negative behaviours in ourselves and others. If you crave acceptance, love, freedom, or nurture, reflect on how you can meet those needs while maintaining healthy boundaries. What limits can you set that respect both your well-being and the expectations of others?

4. Scarcity mindset

We tend to notice what's missing before appreciating what we have, clinging to possessions and emotions out of fear of future need. More is often mistaken for success, leading us to fill our spaces and schedules unnecessarily.

The shift: Unlike typical organisers, Another Approach London focuses on how clients feel before, during, and after the decluttering process, making it a truly transformative experience. More isn't always better. You are already enough.

5. Identity tied to external factors

We define ourselves through our jobs, homes, and relationships. Our worth often feels linked to achievements, productivity, or the roles we play. Letting go of a career path, an outdated belief, or an overfilled schedule can feel like losing a piece of ourselves.

The shift: Your identity isn’t in what you do—it’s in who you are. The more you connect with your internal sense of self, the more freedom you’ll find in releasing what no longer aligns with you.

It’s an act of trust!

Change begins with an ending. To welcome something new, we must first create space for it. Letting go isn’t about losing—it’s about trusting. Trusting in yourself, in your ability to adapt, and in the possibility of something better. And most importantly, allowing yourself to do it at your own pace.

How to say YES to what really matters?

Once we release what no longer serves us, we open the door to new possibilities. Letting go isn’t just about creating space—it’s about intentionally choosing what we welcome in.

Another Approach’s top tips for saying YES after letting go:

✔ Clarify your priorities

With a fresh start, take time to define what aligns with your values and goals. Say yes to what brings happiness, balance and growth.

✔ Streamline your space: declutter, categorise and store.

● Sort items into keep, donate, sell, or discard piles.

● Group similar items together (books, kitchen tools, clothing) for easier organisation.

● Use storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves—labelling as needed—to give everything a designated home.

If you're short on time, grab a laundry basket and clear off surfaces like your desk, kitchen countertop, entrance, or staircase. Seeing the empty space will bring a sense of relief and lightness, giving you the energy and motivation to tackle the clutter when you have a moment.

✔ Embrace the feeling of lightness

Pay attention to how letting go relieves stress and overwhelm. Notice the emotional and mental clarity that follows.

✔ Adopt a ‘conscious’ YES-mindset

Before committing to something new, ask yourself:

● Does this align with my current needs and/or wishes?

● Will it bring something positive in my life?

If the answer is yes, then go for it !

✔ Trust that less is more

We don’t need to fill every space. Be intentional about what you bring in—whether it’s objects, commitments, or habits—so that everything serves a purpose. Letting go creates a sense of lightness, offering clarity and freedom.

✔ Recognise the space you’ve created

Whether physical, mental, or emotional, acknowledge the space you’ve made for new opportunities.

Letting go isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about making room for what truly matters.

Making space for yourself

Creating serenity in your surroundings has a ripple effect on how you feel. It invites you to pause, even amid the rush and chaos of daily life. However, when our minds are too cluttered—caught in a cycle of worry and negative thoughts—one of the most powerful ways to reset is through intentional self-connection.

One practice I always recommend to my clients is to take themselves on a date. I first came across this concept in The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, and it’s a simple yet transformative tool for reconnecting with joy. 

Ask yourself: If I were to take myself on a date, what would I love to do?

This doesn’t require money or a significant time investment—just a commitment to carve out at least 30 minutes for yourself, free of distractions. Do something you truly love but haven’t allowed yourself to do for a long time. Maybe it’s reading a book, visiting an exhibition, or simply listening to your favourite song.

When we’re stuck in a rut, we often forget what sparks joy in us. But this practice creates mental space, brings fresh energy, and opens the door to new ideas, creativity, and perspective.

A framework for change

Aurelie, Camille, and I share a similar approach: we all provide a structure and framework that allows you to move at your own pace. While this isn’t therapy, the process often feels deeply therapeutic by the end.

Take a moment to reflect: 

What’s one thing you’ve recently let go of—physically or emotionally—that made space for something new? What shift did you notice in yourself or those around you?

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