Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis
According to Melva Green, MD, author of Breathing Room, “To clutter is human. We collect memories, stories, and experiences—why not things? It is natural to accumulate and to believe otherwise is a setup for failure”. Whatever we hold on to, whether it is old pens or love notes, it symbolizes what is going on in our lives on an emotional and psychological level. I once read that if you picture in your mind the messiest area in your home, that space will reveal your core mental state. Ugh, I hate that thought. I’m particularly great at covering up my messes…no one would guess. Holding on to objects is a way of holding on to what they represent. De-cluttering is the opportunity to open up physical and mental space. I think you would agree that there is nothing more refreshing than gazing at a freshly organized closet.
When people contemplate downsizing, the single most discouraging factor is the clutter in their homes. This is an ageless problem. I don’t mean trash; I mean the accumulation of years of stuff. So many things are no longer useful and haven’t been touched for years (including clothes that are two sizes too small). This provocative idea from Dr. Green is to consider downsizing as an opportunity to open up your life for expanded growth. She says, open your heart by de-cluttering your home. Our clutter is holding us back from creative thoughts, fresh ideas, expanded dreams, and a new life. Whether you are 25 or 75, this principle holds true. Preparing to downsize is a tremendous job, but the promise of a fresh start is worth it. We can let go of the memorabilia and keep the memories they represent. Even the love notes are symbols of something greater.
"Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions."
Barbara Hemphill