Few things in life can cause more stress and aggravation than an overwhelming amount of clutter in your life, which prevents you from getting your priorities right. Clutter does not only mean discarded clothes, year-old bills and mouldering food in your refrigerator, it also extends to relationships gone sour, friendships which have turned out to be anything but and goals in life which have become redundant.
A lot of time which could be spent profitably is wasted by people who fight a constant battle against clutter, because they suffer from a "Just In Case Syndrome". Oh, let's keep this telephone number, just in case this person might come in handy although you know, he or she never will. Oh, let's keep these buttons, although the garment they belong to has long since been discarded, but just in case you may acquire a similar one in future. Granted, these are extreme examples, but they serve to illustrate to issue.
Hoarding and clutter are closely related and will only divert your views from the really essential things. You waste time rooting through old and useless items in your quest to find the one you really need, resulting in stress and frustration which can seriously damage your health and efficiency. Put a stop to this. As always with essential changes in your life, the first step is the most difficult one. Make it easy for yourself and start with your clothes. Rigorously throw out any items you haven't worn in more than a year and give them to charity. That way you haven't wasted anything and done something good in the process.
Proceed on to your home. How much time do you spend dusting this, that and the other? You don't really like the ornament you bought in Disney World, but it's still sitting there taking up space? Out it goes! Depending on where you live, arrange a garage sale. Others may want or even need what clutters up your life and you may even make a buck or two. You will be surprised how much more space you suddenly have and how easy it becomes to, for instance, find the outfit you really want to wear that day.
Then do some serious soul-searching. It may sound hard or even cruel, but cut off people who have done you no good in the past, but you have stayed connected to, "just in case". Instead, find out who your real friends are and concentrate your efforts on nurturing worthwhile friendships.
Lastly, whilst you are doing your physical and mental general house-cleaning, take a close look at your relationship. Are you blissfully happy? Marvellous! Not really? Take the plunge, find out why, discuss the problems, find a solution together, but, if there is none to be found: de-clutter!!!
