What is Clutter
Have you ever looked at your surroundings and asked yourself how
they are affecting you? Have you ever thought that maybe your state
of mind is somehow affected by the state of your home? Do you
sometimes feel a burning desire to just get out of the house,
because you can't stand being there? Do you look at your
surroundings and feel overwhelmed at the amount of chaos you see? Do
you often choose to simply leave the room, or shut a door, to avoid
seeing it or dealing with it? This is a far too common scenario. If
you know that something needs to be done but you don't know where or
how to begin, you are just one of a great number of people who feel
exactly the same way. The great news is there is hope and ways to
turn this around and regain control. Get rid of your clutter
now!
Clutter is anything we don't need, want or use that takes our time, energy or space and destroys our serenity. It can be outgrown clothes, obsolete papers, broken toys, disliked gifts, meaningless activity, ancient resentments, or unsatisfying relationships. We may be selective in some areas but not in others. Objects may be strewn about or wedged into drawers or piled on kitchen countertops. Or even neatly stored in large plastic storage bins.
Our clutter seems to have a life of its own, to multiply without effort on our part. We may feel overwhelmed, controlled by our possessions, doomed to be hopelessly disorganized. No matter how we deal with our clutter, it can be a source of pain and shame to ourselves and to those we live with. Not inviting people over to your home is the first sign.
Despite this pain we fear throwing things out. We think we might need it, fix it, or wear it someday. We don't want to be wasteful or ungrateful. We don't know what to keep and what to discard. We don't know how much is enough and we are smothered by it! And of course we don't know where to begin to declutter.
Decluttering is not merely eliminating, but gradually transforming our space so that we surround ourselves only with things that express our purpose. It means turning something useless into something useful; creating more leisure and space; being more honest in our relationships; eliminating distractions and simplifying our lives in order to find our true spiritual roots.
Although we may cling to our clutter, what we really yearn for are surroundings of beauty, order, serenity; a balanced life; and harmonious relationships.
A professional organizer can guide you in making this happen. Call me and we will devise a simple thought out plan to get your life in order.
Cynthia Braun is a certified professional organizer for Nassau County, New York
