Beauty is holistic: it’s the energy that glows within us, and the energy we put out into the world. It’s what we put in our body and on it.

To enhance our beauty energy, we need to release what no longer serves us. We habitually add items, activities, beliefs, and routines to our lives until they’re overflowing. Releasing something brings us more space, more freedom, and more energy. We’ve spoken with our Spoon Crew — our team, our friends, and some of our favorite wellness gurus — to discover what they’re releasing.

This week, food blogger Komal Patel, shares what she’s letting go and why.

The Physical

What physical item are you throwing away?

I’m trying to get rid of the general clutter in my home. I’m throwing away anything that’s old, unused, or just doesn’t fit into my life at the moment, whether it’s clothes or memorabilia. A new year is a time for a fresh start!

The Expectation

What expectation that you put on yourself are you letting go?

I’m letting go of wanting to please others at the cost of my own happiness. This may sound selfish but sometimes, putting yourself first (aka self-care!) is more important than others’ judgements. I can’t expect to please someone if I can’t please myself!

The Habit

What long-lasting habit or movement are you stopping?

Talking myself out of working out. I usually go to yoga 2–3 times a week and to the gym 1–2 times. However, if my day gets hectic or if I have another event to attend, I opt out of working out! There are so many hours in the day and I rarely use the morning ones for exercise. If I leave it to the evening, it doesn’t always happen! I want to change this habit.

The Visual

What image or picture makes you feel beautiful, and why?

I love this photo [See above!—Ed.] my friend Catherine Taylor took of me. I love my imperfect hair, crooked smile, squinty eyes, and nose ring. There’s so many flaws in how I look, but the way it’s captured, with the sunlight on my face, makes me smile and feel beautiful as I can see my true self.