July 1, 2008

Have a Pitching Fit   I just had a pitching fit!  No, not that kind; I didn't jump up and down, toss my arms around, and yell and scream.  I had the kind where you pitch out all your stuff, the stuff you don't want anymore.  And, the stuff that has you wondering why you even bought it in the first place, and the stuff that piled up, just because.  You know what I mean.  You've been there.  Admit it.   What are the pitfalls of clutter?   Clutter makes you feel tired. It drains your energy just looking at the clutter that is taking up space in your home or office. It is difficult for your mind to focus on anything else when there is clutter around. Clutter keeps you in the past; hence there will be no room in your life for the "new" when the former exists. It clouds your vision of your future because all you see around you is clutter.  You can't see the forest for the trees. Clutter is stressful, and the longer it sits, the more stressed you become. You are ashamed of your clutter, and feel powerless to attack it.  This feeling permeates other areas of your life. You spend an inordinate amount of time just moving your clutter from one space to another.  Just think how you could better use that time.    You have to get past the reasons you don't get rid of the clutter to well, get rid of the clutter.  Do any of these resonate with you?   You don't know where to start, so you don't. Your life is a mess anyway, so what's more messes? You are just plain lazy. You are too busy doing other things. De-cluttering never moves up the priority list.  There's always something more important to do. You can't throw it away because you may need it someday.  Yes, five years from now! You don't know where to put the "stuff" so you just leave it where it is.   What worked for me?  The pain of not pitching (and looking at the clutter) became greater than the pain of actually getting rid of it. That's all it took.  And, trust me, once you get started, you will find that it will be full steam ahead.    Or, try this for a kick start.  Organizational mastermind, Peter Walsh says "there's a definite connection between the clutter in your house and the clutter on your hips."  When you are able to clear your space you begin to make healthier food choices and subsequently lose weight.  Interesting!   So, stop complaining about your clutter, and just start.  Tackle one room or one space at a time.  Ask for help if you want.  Get rid of the clutter and breathe in that clean, fresh, air.  Feel your energy soar.  Allow the "new" to come into your life.    P.S.  You can have a pitching fit at your business to de-clutter your work space. Schedule a time when everyone can help and get rid of the old.  Throw out all the stuff that is keeping you focused away from where you need to be.  Sort and file that which you need to keep.  Your business will then be ready to accept the "new".        "Clutter drains your energy - and you don't realize it till it's gone.  Every item in your home has an energy to it.  When items go a long time unused, unloved and uncared for, they become stuck, stagnant energy that actually physically drains you of your energy."             Ariane Benefit   "Think about any attachments that are depleting your emotional reserves.  Consider letting them go."             Oprah Winfrey   "Your house is your home only when you feel you have jurisdiction over the space."             Joan Kron   "To change skins, evolve into new cycles, I feel one has to learn to discard.  If one changes internally, one should not continue to live with the same objects.  They reflect one's mind and the psyche of yesterday.  I throw away what has no dynamic, living use."             Anais Nin     John is out of town for a few days (he went toColoradowith our son) and I'm taking advantage of my alone time to de-clutter.  Plus, I don't have to explain to anyone why and what I am pitching.  I started in Valerie's room (I had her permission), then moved into our bedroom.  I cleaned out dresser drawers and then closets.  I am making room for the new, because a new bedroom set is in the works.   Then it was off to my in-home office.  Ouch.  I've scratched the surface and then some, but this room is going to take me awhile.  There is no chance I'm giving up, though, because I can already feel the new energy.    Have at it.  Which room is calling your name?   Have a fantastic week and go ahead, have a pitching fit.   Stephanie   P.S. Don't panic - the good "stuff" was taken to the resell-it shop. The rest was pitched.  Never to be seen again, and that feels good!     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com