There are 3 kinds of clutter: Inner (between our ears); Outer (stuff and things) and Other (people.) The more stacks and piles of outer clutter we collect create distractions that keep us from our real lives and joy.
Do you find it hard to say "NO" to ads that say something is free, 2 for 1, BOGO, that offer rebates, deals, steals and stuff of all kinds that "if you don't do it NOW you'll never get a chance like this again!?"
It's hard to make clear decisions when we don't know that we don't know that we're acting from a knee jerk, fear-based, unconscious mentality. Most of us have been conditioned and programmed from birth by TV, radio, and ads of all kinds blasting at us messages that we are not good enough, thin enough, smart enough, cool enough, strong enough or whatever enough ? without their product. We respond like the proverbial Pavlov's dog eating the goody at the sound of the bell.
Well, ENOUGH!
We are not lab rats, so why lose our clarity and consciousness over insignificant "stuff and things" that clutter our lives and distract us from our center, our peace and our joy?
Dan Gilbert, University of Texas psychologist explains,
"It's very well known that people are much more susceptible
to persuasive appeals when they're distracted.
If I'm an advertiser, I want you to be under information
(over)load in as many circumstances as possible."
I learned a long time ago, while head counselor at Salvation Army Men's Rehabilitation Center, that there is always more, and I can wait. Items came into the shop from around town to be fixed by the residents then resold in the SAMRC Thrift Shop. One day I went up to see what they had. I saw a blender I liked and could buy it for pennies before it went to the shop. I asked about it. The small appliance fix-it man said, "That one's okay, but I'd wait if I were you. Another will come in that's better." How did he know this? ESP? No, experience in waiting for the next better and best thing.
When you watch TV, listen to radio, see ads of any kind, shake yourself awake and don't just react and respond to the sirens on the rocks! It's all "mental clutter" taking up valuable real estate space in your head.
Challenge yourself not to impulse buy spending money not always so wisely spent, adding more clutter to your home and mounds to our landfills!
As a Professional Organizer I help people "shovel" plenty of "just couldn't say no to it" piles out of their lives, opening up space to really enjoy what's important.
Say "no thanks" more often. Don't buy more stuff and things that you don't need, that don't have a place to live in your home, and will contribute to more "white noise distracting anxiety and stress." White noise, "inner clutter," keeps you from the joy and wonder of life's really FREE AMAZINGLY GOOD DEALS! You remember don't you?... people, nature and life!
?2005 Kim Wolinski, MSW
Kim Wolinski, also known as "Dr. DeClutter", is a Stress, Change and Organizational Skills Expert. With a Masters in Social Work and over 25 years as an international speaker and author, she is well known for her powerful common sense programs. From Fortune 500 companies, associations, organizations, groups, clubs and conferences, and hands-on Professional Organizing, Kim has focused her entire agenda around helping people create more focused, joyful and organized lives, rewarding life experiences and spiritual awareness. Kim is author of "Letting Go With All Your Might, A guide to life transitions, change, choices & effective redecisions Workbook; "BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN, And other organizing tips and tools from "Dr. DeClutter" Video; "Keep the Holidays Simple, A guide to coping with Holiday (and everyday) Stress" Ebook and other transformational products. http://DrDeClutter.com and http://ReDecisionsInstitute.com