Tidying & Resetting for Spring 

I just love you’re entire vibe and energy and even if you don’t feel 100% at the moment your energy still radiates peace and tranquility. Be kinder to you, we love you 🫶🏼

Fun fact! Actually in our country Iran 🇮🇷 we celebrate the new year at the beginning of spring🤓☺️✨ our calendar is Solar Hijri Calendar!

This was so soothing. I've been feeling the same way, and have been tidying and catching up on chores, and this was such a breath of fresh air 💛

I’m so glad I’m not alone in this. I’ve never experienced burnout on this level. Sure, you get tired, things slow down in the winter… but this is different. I feel like the last three years are catching up with all of us and we’re just done. Projects, even the smallest sort, feel massively draining. Having your bedroom take an entire week to clean up? Yes. Same. That’s me. And it’s not normal. I’m doing what I can, but also trying to make space for rest. There’s just nothing left to give lately. So priorities are rest. Nourish. Work only as needed. Repeat. ❤

Getting stuck in the doldrums can be so heavy, things that were everyday to-do's become drudgery. Finding silver linings can take a herculean effort. This video was obviously a practice in mindfulness and connection for you, and it was just so refreshing to be here for an open discuss your season of melancholy, and the steps taken to muddle through and tend to your life. Thank you for sharing, I hope the spring brings you treats to encourage happiness, like your ducks that are delighting in a full flowing creek ♥

I was just telling my daughter how nice it is to see all these young women doing renovations and sharing the good, bad and ugly of it all. Getting burned out definitely happens and you just have to take care of yourself until you start feeling better. It’s the recognizing where it’s coming from that I was slow to figure out. Of course I’m going to be exhausted if I’ve worked six (loooong) days a week for nine months. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I'm really glad I'm not alone in feeling unmotivated and down lately. I hope we can all get through this

Cluttered house is a cluttered mind. It's worse when you get a slump because (if you're me), you start beating yourself up for each day that passes where you don't do any of the little tasks you want to get done. 😭 -- my mantra in 2023 is giving myself grace

You're ok, Ariel! Your creativity is there. Being at rest and quiet nurtures your spirit, being patient and content to wait for the next idea.

Thank you for checking in with us! The sine wave of life continues. Happy to hear you are doing healthy self-care!!! What we call chores are often avenues of self-care. I'm content to live in a 2 BR apartment now I'm 55, but still sometimes the regular chores feel like a lot. I have to remind myself that chores are avenues of self care. I'm not cleaning because the task is fun, but because when it's done I am happier every day. Hugs & Sparkles!!! 🫂❤️✨

This was such a treat Ariel! I've missed watching your video's and I'm grateful for this short little video! Hope you enjoyed making it and that it will help you get energized for future projects. I'm sorry to hear about the set-back with the kitchen renovations. Sending you good vibes and warm hugs!

This year especially I really realised that we can't go at 100% all the time, and just how wonderful it is to take breaks and take time to do things at a slower pace. Take care of yourself because no one else will do it for you! ❤

Since the last video you posted, I started listening to your podcast from the first episode. I am now at episode 140 and can't wait to catch up with present day Ariel and Raeleen. However, watching this little video felt like walking far behind you on some road, but suddenly spotting you on the other side of a bay when the path bent just the right way. Happy spring to you, sending love and energy!

I’m so glad you made this little something video. It was a totally different than anything you’ve done, but I’m here for YOU. The way you talk, your perspective, your style, YOU! And all the versions and moods of you. People are complex and life’s phases are inevitable. Share whatever you want and your fans (me) will be here when you do. ❤

I’ve been going through a really tumultuous time mentally and I had known about your channel forever, but last week, I started getting into your house renovation videos and they provided me so much needed comfort, hope, and inspiration. Your joy is infectious! Even when in a rut, you have helped give me the nudge to get off the couch, do the dishes, and maybe even clear that doom pile off the dining table. 💛

Thank you for sharing. It seems like you've touched a cord with everyone. In my life I call where you're at little "eddies"...kind of like being a leaf caught slowly circling at the edge of a stream, watching the rest of the world speed by. Fighting it is honestly too exhausting. So I've learned instead to just let myself be still, to let the flow of my slow little eddy drift me around it's circle. It's the constant relearning to accept things that I can't control. Stillness has it's place. Eventually, when the stream is ready, it will pick you up again. It always does:) Have a lovely spring everyone!

I've also been very mentally drained recently, I've just been taking it one mini step forward at a time. Slow and steady wins the race

This video could not have come at a better time for me. i've been feeling stuck (honestly, a bit mentally constipated), and things have begun to pile up. so thanks for reminding me how nice it can feel to just change my sheets, put away my laundry, and move around my furniture!

Oh, I've missed you!! I didn't comment last time and I should have, but I ADORE those short videos where you do a couple of small things. Like this one, and the one where you put the lock on the bathroom door. Watching a big, full room project is amazing, don't get me wrong, but the small scale stuff feels attinable, and therefore inspiring. It makes me think that "yeah, I can move that big plant to a better spot and find something to store my charger, I can do it!" I would be SOOO happy with an occasional short video like that, where you can put smaller tasks on a to do list and do them in a video.

Tidying can be so renewing. I used to do this with my first graders when we were having a difficult day. We'd stop everything and take the time to clean out our desks, wipe our faces & hands, and tie all our shoes. Then, we were ready and able to start again.

Thank you for putting this video up! I think a lot of people feel pressure to only put up the glossy shiny lovely parts of their lives, and I totally get that, but my life isn't usually glossy or shiny, so it's super relatable to see videos where people are like "things have been a little tough and this is what I have to offer!!" I've been rewatching house videos of yours for the cozy vibes and it was a nice surprise to see this one come up 💜

Can we appreciate the PERFECT blanket flip while making your bed??! I am in awe 😂❤

This was calming. I feel like I get into those ruts too. The struggle of knowing there’s things you want to do, but physically or mentally you’re struggling to do them. This describes it and shows it so well. Beautiful filming!

I felt so blah recently in my apartment, I needed to clean but instead before cleaning I spent 2 days rearranging my furniture, that always makes it like a new space to me and brings my mood and creativity up.

Ariel, you are a real human. Let yourself feel everything ♥️ Nature has seasons too Love love love from Italy

So glad you shared that you are not feeling tired. Everyone needs to know it is ok to not have energy all the time.

I always feel very fatigued in spring, I think because everything is coming back to life and there so much to do and so much that you could do and the whole world feels busy. I have chronic fatigue and I find in the winter the pace is just slower and I find it easier to take things slower and accept that I won't be super productive but in the warmer months even though I love them, I feel like I'm out of step with the world a bit because I just can't keep up. I hope your tidy up made you feel better, even in this transition state your house looks lovely as ever and the ducklings are adorable

Okay but the yellow color of your sheets was like a burst of sunlight to my soul - love using color to get myself out of a funk!

So true! The Northern Hemisphere Blues kicks in when the light comes back. A lot of adjusting for the body and the brain!

This was so REAL! I appreciate so much knowing others fall into slumps where energy is low, motivation gone, desire to rest so intense. But putting one step forward - for me sometimes that little thing is getting dressed- can provide enough ump for another thing (maybe make eggs vs cereal?)… one step in front of the other. Thanks Ariel for sharing this.

I feel you so much. My husband and I bought a house in June 2021 and are just now getting done with the renovations, and move in this month. It's been a hard slog and we had to constantly remind ourselves that this is a marathon and not a sprint. Watching your videos gave me a lot of motivation and joy in this time, so thank you. 🤗🌞 Love from Austria 🧡

The little ducks certainly brought a smile to my face, they are too cute! 😄 Take it easy on yourself, your energy will return. Wishing you a wonderful rest of spring and summer! 💛

I love videos like this 🤍 calm, quiet, slice of life types where you just clean or do small projects and talk to us like we’re your friends (who am I kidding, I love every type of video you release). Hope you’re well and if you’re not, I hope you’re getting better 🤍

Dearest Ariel, Thank you so much your honesty in how you are feeling right now and for sharing it with us. This was such a sweet lil video. It's so okay to have periods of rest amidst everything that life asks of us. For me, the important thing is honoring that need for rest, and when I feel within myself the urge to do something I don't resist it. When I'm ready, I tell myself to do something small and then I can go back into my rest, but more often than not, it sets off a chain reaction of wanting to do more. Either is okay, there needn't be judgement

Hi Ariel, these little short videos are really lovely, don't always think you need to do a big thing.

I was wondering yesterday how things are going with you. I’m moving to my first non rented house this summer and so I’ve been rewatching your makeovers to get inspiration for what I could do to my space once it’s my space. It’s a new build house so it’s a perfect white blank canvas and I’m so scared that I’ll do something to mess it up. But watching you do you is making me realise that I can’t mess up. There’s nothing that can’t be changed or fixed or altered if I don’t like it anymore. Plus colour is cool

I feel the same way. We are in the "June gloom", overcast skies, fog, no sun. I sleep well but still have no energy despite walking for an hour every day and eating smartly. Purging your stuff helps as does fresh flowers despite where they are found!

I’m feeling very similar to how you described feeling. I hope your reset keeps you moving back into the space of making things again. I love everything you make!! Sending peace and grace. ❤

This was loooooooovely. I think a new year starts whenever you want it to. Any day. Anytime you like xx

It's a little nice to know that people with gorgeous homes and fairy tale like lives have the same ups and downs like the rest of us. Thanks for showing us a bit of the behind the scenes in this beautiful video!

I love your videos, wheter they're 5 minutes or 30. The vibes are so relaxing and chill but aesthetic at the same time, I just love it.

I miss your renovations video so much... but whe you said you were tired I was like 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Recently I quit my 5 year old job because I was SO TIRED, exhausted even, and yes I know, I know we all have to work in order to provide for ourselves but I just needed to REST, and don't get me wrong that rest has ben sorrounded by small projects in my house, cleaning, tyding, throwing things away... and I love it! I need to start looking for a new job and yes I am scared to fall in the same exhaustion pattern but now I am a firm believer in going easy on yourself and prioritize your rest as much as you can. Sending you los of love and motivation 💕

It is so overwhelming when you're mountain of "to-do's" feels never-ending! I have been feeling this way lately, too. Here's to fresh, Spring beginnings!

Hi Ariel springtime is time for renewal, a fresh start, a new beginning - Outside nature is coming alive to remind us that inside we are coming alive again too - let springtime color and light fill you with the joy and promise of renewal, blessings Ariel! 😊👍👏💕

Everyone of us humans are dealing with this dilemma of managing messy spaces and cleaning them. It’s good you are addressing it. Don’t get discouraged.

Hey ariel I just wanted to let you know that I missed you and please make more of this type of video it's very realistic + relatable and soothing to watch just a mini vlog where you show us a little part of your life that we can relate to. Also, take all the time you need to film the kitchen renovating don't feel the pressure to film something big and massive to keep up the viewers expectations it's ok take it nice and slow, step by step and we'll get there for now just focus on what YOU wanna do and good luck👍🏻

I call it hitting my wall. When I am physically tired, my mind and body are no longer having fun. Now I’m older than you still I have advice for you. Give yourself grace. When you are ready get back into, do it slowly. I have been loving your show. Im looking forward to your kitchen redo; I love your sense of design and color.

I loved this. Your final comment about things requiring maintenance reminded me of a Susan Sontag quote from her notebooks - “Nothing exists unless I maintain it (by my interest, or my potential interest). This is an ultimate, mostly subliminal anxiety. Hence, I must remain always, both in principle + actively, interested in everything. Taking all of knowledge as my province.”

Honestly that sounds so real after the whole go go go stage of getting your new home in order. You didn’t have a choice but make it happen and make it livable and that takes resources and energy. Either way this video was very relatable

This is actually the exact mood I’m in and I’m so glad you shared this ❤ I just came back from a trip with my toddler, I’m pregnant, I have my own business, and getting back into the swing of things is really hard. I’m lacking motivation, my house is a mess, and I just see “things I need to do” all around and it’s really making it hard to concentrate on anything. I’m going to try to get up and get some stuff done today and knowing that you reluctantly started but that it made you feel a bit better is comforting. I’m going to try to be kinder to myself and hope you are, too!

Actually. I've been doing the exact same thing. Spring cleaning , decluttering, even squeezed in making a wreath for the kitchen. Today I literally scooted all around literally with a bowl of soapy water and a scrubby cleaned my WHITE cabinet s All squeaky clean. LMBO 😂 So I think us Ladies have all been feeling a bit uneasy or restless

I, watching this in January 2024. I’ve been feeling the same way. I’ve been thinking of starting a RU-vid channel for awhile and selling vintage/antiques as well. A couple of weeks ago while taking my Christmas tree down the vacuum died. An unplanned expensive right after Christmas mad me kinda sad. Today, I feeling put the vacuum together and vacuumed and put the future back where it belongs normally. Side note I swept a bunch of pine needles off my carpeted floor. Ugh! I purchased fabric a couple of years ago to make pillows and tomorrow I think I’m going to do it. Plus I have a scrap of beautiful I think I’m going to try and make a circular pillow too. Thanks for inspiring me and encouraging me that I’m not the only one who has these moody times.

Spring definitely is the new year! Petition to have the spring equinox be the official start of the new year

We all have those moments Ariel. You have done monumental things in the past couple of years, so please be easy on yourself. Love your outlooks on books, life etc.❤

I'm glad we are not alone. Don't get me wrong, I am truly sorry you are feeling down, but my husband and I are also going through these same feelings. It's almost good to hear we are not the only ones going through it. My house is in shambles. Our front yard gardens were in such bad shape we gave in and called a landscaper to dig them out, kill some invasive vines and mulched the garden beds. I will take a "page from your book" and attempt to organize and breathe new life into some areas of my home. Hopefully we will all be able to renew our energy before the end of the summer.💖💖

I can't live north of where I am now because my body just shuts down in cold weather. I do nothing from after xmas to like, March. I just can't. I didn't even leave my house this year for almost 3 months. Your videos are little bright spots in my mind, lighting up an ocean of grey. The work you did on your little closet/hallway made me happy for hours. Omg, the reading nook? Heaven. You will outlast your doldrums. One day, you will wake up, and you won't remember how you feel right now. You will tackle whatever small project you need to get moving again, and that will be the end of it. It may take way longer than you would like, but it will pass. And if it doesn't, see a doctor. I have faith in you. Visit some old friends in your books and try not to be hard on yourself.

Firstly, I truly hope you and your family are safe from the wildfire situation going on! WOW. So tragic! I'm in MA and we're just dealing with the smoke/poor air quality but OHH you and your beautiful home have been on my heart and mind!!! Relieved to see you posting this today. I loved this video! It's good to remind ourselves that it's not all about the big renovations...the simplest changes can make a world of difference too. I love your style. Stay safe and be well 💜

I hate to break it to you but we all get the ho-hums. I’m 64 and I still get them. Homeownership can feel like being the little gerbil on the wheel - running like crazy and getting nowhere. I find tidying or going to the mountain or weeding helps me. Hang tough young lady, we your followers know your fun videos will again appear. You are worth waiting for. Take the time and space you need.

As I’m stucky in bed feeling dreary trying to get the energy to clean! I’ll try to be gently productive, this was comforting

This is nice ! Summer has shown its nose over here in Europe and I feel like the past two months have just been warming up the joints left frozen after winter, and i'm finally able to embrace my creativity and do the things I like. I've been pressing flowers this week and you're right, it feels so good to come back to oneself after a slow period, I hope you keep this momentum ! Also I hope you haven't been affected by the fires this week !

reusing the almost dead flowers for the petals to just drop off before the final (beautiful!) shot is so real

Every year when the snow starts melting and Spring arrives I get sad. Tired, lose all interest in everything. Then slowly I pick myself back up and start by spring cleaning. It's so weird to me as the world wakes, I get more sluggish. It feels like I am not able to handle the great re-awakening. As if all the birds and plants are waking but I need longer before I leave my cave.

Historically the new year was in spring! I've been feeling low this spring too, and feeling like my renovations aren't going to end, so solidarity on the whole feelings thing. I've been better the last couple weeks, hopefully it get easier for you too!

You truly are magical Ariel, you managed to unfurl your comforter onto you bed in such a way that it folded over perfectly at the top.

Wow, this is relatable. I completely empathize with being stuck in a sad little rut and feeling uninspired and down, even if there are plenty of good things to be happy about (flowers! ducks! electricity upgrades!). I know it doesn't really help now, but these things do ebb and flow and you will find joy in your projects again. Your creativity is inspiring to me and even though you say you are feeling uninspired right now, your creativity still shines through in this video. Thank you for sharing it with us!

I am working on carving a linocut block as I watch this, and it is so cool to see the very same materials and tools in your office. Even though there's a melancholy about this video, it's so important to feel that whenever it comes. It brings other moments, better or worse, into stark relief. Just like how negative space of a carved linocut block is needed to produce beautiful art. 😊

Thank you for posting this! Sometimes I feel bad for not making progress on my house projects (one year later and my main bathroom STILL doesn't have a door) but then I remember I'm always DOING something and therefore always tired. I've been avoiding some of my favourite home renovators on social media lately because it is starting to make me feel guilty. Seeing the ebb and flo is hopeful and inspiring. Love the duck content!

I’ve been feeling extremely burnt out lately which initially made no sense bc I’m on break from college- but it’s that feeling of having the space to do more things and not having the energy to match it so. It’s a lot of feelings and I try to take advantage of feeling good enough to do things when I can.

Sounds like you're in a burn out :( I am too right now and it's honestly BRUTAL. I haven't been able to read since December. I fall asleep at work and can't muster the energy to do simple tasks like shower, eat, change clothes. I sleep so much.. I'm envious of your ducks! That would bring me so much peace. I have an app that identifies bird songs so when I sit outside I find out which birds are singing. It's great.

i really resonate with this video i just moved back home from college (well like three weeks ago...) and tidying my room and redecorating is so daunting but this is inspiring me!

I find it hard to concentrate these days and feel as you say in your video, "so tired." I lost my mother in May a couple days after Mother's day. This video felt soothing to me, so thanks for sharing it. I think I need to have clear up around my house now.

Grateful for whatever Ariel content we get!! 😌

I feel this in MY SKELETON ❤

As someone fighting out of a long rut this was really appreciated. Thank you for sharing.

I’m in the last leg of my journey getting my degree and becoming an art therapist and I have been feeling so burnt out this transition from winter/spring. I feel such a kinship to this video snapshot of your experience. Thank you for sharing ❤❤

Been missing you. My sister was just diagnosed with dementia this week. Puts life and stuff in a whole nother perspective. We have just moved her less than a year ago into a brand new apartment. Now we have to sell off her things and pare down what she can take to a memory care facility. Stuff is stuff, yes you need things, obviously, but stuff you keep but dont use...im going to start decluttering my place sooner rather than later.

I have been missing your videos so much today. I was watching old ones, one after another. Missed your uploads. Welcome back

I hope your area of Nova Scotia is safe from the fires. The video is beautiful and I completely understand not always having the energy to want to tackle things you're going about regaining that in such a healthy way.

A small piece of advice for making your cut flowers last longer! I noticed in the very last clip that you used scissors to cut the flowers, but if you use a sharp knife you can make a slanted cut, which increases the surface area where the stem can absorb water 💐

Gal! I am so happy when I see you post! I relate and appreciate your vulnerability and strength.

This was a nice reminder that it's okay to take your time and tackle chores and to dos a bit at a time. You've done a great job on the house and I think small projects would be good for your joy. ❤ be kind to yourself dude. That's been my reminder as my chronic pain has been flaring up. 💜

Ariel, when I'm filling stressed or frustrated, depressed, or overwhelmed, my house begins to reflect that. i stop cleaning or putting things away. I stop caring about how it looks and I even stop showering. And then, the only way to clear up my mind is to clean up my house. When I clean the house it somehow helps to clear the cobwebs from my brain as well and then I can think more clearly again and I feel better and feel as though I can start anew. It is funny how it goes in reverse order. First the brain fog then the dirty house. Then the clean house then the fresh brain. I hope your brain fog and cobwebs clear out soon. The weather is getting warmer so hopefully that will help as well.

I know the general idea is that our energy levels increase in summer, and drop in winter, but I must say I tend to feel the opposite.. although I love lighter days, I struggle with energy and motivation when it gets too warm. I just feel more alive and energised/focussed the colder the weather becomes. Maybe sit back and take stock over the summer.. how far you have come and enjoy what you have achieved. There's no rush.. enjoy the process, and cherish what you have! Sending love and companionship ❤

thank you so much for this. im caught in the same sluggish routine everyday where i don't get out of bed for real until the afternoon. i feel so uninspired by my surroundings... but you've reminded me im allowed to move my desk to another window, or take everything off a surface, clean it with some multisurface spray, and then put everything back in any way i want. often times it doesn't feel like im allowed to make these small changes, like there's someone i should be asking permission from. your home is so lovely, even when it's not as tidy as it is at the end of this video

I have a wonderful idea (in my mind). Take the current book you are reading and sit in that gorgeous reading nook you created by the incredibly beautiful window. After a while you will just have to be inspired to carry on - maybe it will be a long while - but it surely will happen. Big hugs. So happy to see you and come back when you are ready.

Those ducks are so cute!!!! Thank you for sharing this💖 I hope your spring and summer are full of joy

I have a half bath project that is so not done. I resonated with this. Hang in there; we will celebrate with you each step of the way. Take care. 🎉

Oh, you're reading Watership Down! It's one of my favorite books since childhood. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Clearly Canadian! I’d forgotten that existed! I used to love it but haven’t seen it since I was a teenager; not sure you can still get it here (UK). Thanks for the video- it’s refreshing to see that even you aren’t always feeling productive/like tidying up, Ariel! X

I'm in the middle of a house Reno, and feel exactly the same way. It's all a domino effect, and the house has different plans to mine. We are stuck in a limbo at the moment and it's draining. Hopefully your spring clean gets you enegergised again ❤️ I'm hoping my new front door will brighten up my mood when I walk through it (when it eventually gets here!) It's a collection of the small things that make a big difference.

It’s nice to see that I’m not alone in doing small projects because I’m too overwhelmed or things just aren’t in order for the grander ideas. But are they grander or just more time consuming and I relate that to grandness. I have the issue of not starting at all and always adding new things I want to do to my list. On to the new mindset of just starting!

I woke up this week exactly like this. Like you, I'm up and cleaning, although I don't have as much to clean because I have a small apartment. But making these small steps in cleaning will help with the mental aspects of your mood.

Every time you post it is always exactly what I need at that time in my life. I too have been feeling tired and sloth like. This has reinspired me to do a refresh and restart things.

I love all your videos, your energy however high or low really shines through your work, whether high energy or low. This was such a calm pause, from what I can imagine being a busy life with renos and work 🙏

Thank you for sharing. Maybe we all feel much the same at the beginning of spring. Winter In Nova Scotia must be quite harsh, so enjoy your little flowers and go at your own pace. 😊 I hope you are not affected by the forest fires , as I woke up with the hazy smoke in the air yesterday, coming all the way from New Brunswick to Ontario. Take care, Ariel!

I’ve been feeling just like this. Spring is always really hard for me. This was really nice to see :)

This was so nice! 🌼 watching this in February with snow outside the window that won't go away, just gave me a lot of soft hopefulness 🌸

Feeling it with ya, Ariel. Sometimes it's hard to get your mojo back on track. Be kind to yourself in the meantime. Always sending good vibes your way!

Would absolutely watch you tidy your house like this whenever! It's very soothing. I really feel you with the bike thing! They can be so hard to put away. (Very very very beautiful bike btw!)

I love the vibe / music choice Ariel !!! You're inspiring me to take on my own clean up and reset routine :)