Quote From: onlyme222I don't remember when it started, but I cannot throw anything away for fear that I may never be able to afford it again. As an artist, I have had several problems keeping employment. I really want to change, but do not know how. How do you let go of the fear? And how do you start? Every room I walk into has stuff all over the place. I am so discouraged I feel like I have just given up. And sometimes the only thing that makes me feel better about myself is to just relax in front of the tv or to go shopping. Neither one have helped with the problem. My self esteem has erroded away. I desperately want to get married and am now in my 40s, yet I have surrounded myself with so much stuff, no man would ever want me. How do you get out? Where do you start? I am embarressed and feel like there is no hope. I secretly even have dreamed about burning down my house just to get rid of it all, yet I cannot even get myself to bring a bag of clothes to the goodwill for fear that I will regret it later. Dr. Phil, I need some practical advice!
I am a compulsive "non" hoarder. I am a minimalist. I lost everything (and I mean every last thing) I owned when I moved out and away from my ex-husband. Since then, I found out there is very little that you can't live without. When you go to purge down your stuff, go into it with the mindset that you WILL take 3 bags to Goodwill (or wherever). It is too overwhelming to do it all at once, so start with one small area. Do one junk drawer maybe, or one countertop. If you haven't used it or worn it in one year, get rid of it. Even if you can never afford it again, it doesn't matter because you don't use it anyway. If you start to get emotional or overwhelmed, take a break or you will keep too much. Once you get it manageable, set aside one day a week to go through all your clutter. It becomes a habit after awhile. You have to keep in mind, "It's Just Stuff." It isn't your memories. It isn't your life or your feelings. It's just stuff. If it is something very sentimental for you, take a picture of it and then get rid of it. I hope I don't sound too harsh. Just keep a positive attitude that you are doing something just for you and I know you can do it.
Steph :)
