Replies to '07/01 A Secret Inside: Extreme Hoarding'

Quote From: fluffyfat

Dear Chris,

The tone of your post is so very sad. I truly hope you find your way out of all this.

[ If your post is directed to Dr. Phil I think I should tell you that I don't believe he actually has time to read these message boards -- they are more intended for those of us who watch the show and then talk to each other about it.

Bless your heart you have so many problems working together. No restful sleep, diabetes, depression, clutter -- no wonder you're exhausted. You say nothing about your weight but since over weight is closely connected with sleep apnea and diabetes, I'm guessing that you're adding to your exhaustion by carrying a few extra pounds (it takes one to know one.) (Smile)

Where do you start? I'm all for babysteps. I've lost 22 pounds this year and for me it was mainly a matter of 30 minutes a day of walking and eating a salad with a can of salmon for lunch everyday. I think you can approach your own problems with a few babystep rules.

Try cleaning or sorting for 30 minutes a day. It will serve as both exercise and de-cluttering and will work on several of your problems at once.

You can look up Peter Walsh on the internet. He is a clutter expert who recommends filling a trash-bag with clutter every day. Just a bag a day can make a big difference over time.

When you start to get anxious, thinking "What if I need this someday?" remind yourself that if that day comes, you can always go to Wal-mart and buy a new one. Most things you're hoarding aren't worth their price in storage fees.

Houses are sold by square footage, every square foot you have sacrificed to clutter is square footage you have paid for but lost.

Chris, I really believe that you can dig your way out. Out of the clutter, out of the depression, out of the poor health. One bag of trash at a time.

Best wishes,
Fluffyfat