Facing the FEAR of Downsizing

Tips and Tricks: June 2017

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt

FEAR is a topic that I have spent quite a bit of time studying. There is no greater reward than conquering a fear. Just this week, I worked with someone who clearly was not in the game of getting their stuff downsized. They are planning to move in the near future and in addition to being resistant to the move, they were being told to ‘get organized’ which was code-word for ‘get rid of your stuff.’ I’m happy to report that once the person understood that my purpose in being there was to make the place look a little emptier so that prospective buyers could SEE the room better, cooperation on their part began in minutes and the room looked much better (in under an hour!). I enjoy working with the “resistant” because there is such awe and excitement on both our parts when they are able to trust, let go and see the magic happen… and FEEL so much better at the end of the session.

Daughter Emily in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia.

Speaking of fear, we are planning a trip to see our daughter who is spending the year in Malaysia as a Fulbright, teaching English to high school students. There is no other reason in this world that I would travel to Malaysia… I am full of fear about this trip – from wondering how I’ll get safe food, hot and cramped quarters, disease, delays, safety, loss of business while away… and the list goes on and on. But guess what? I’m doing it anyway. Seeing my daughter is, for now, outweighing the fears that I have. In an effort to distract my fear from taking over, I’ve decided to focus on becoming a minimalist traveler… the goal is to take one hand held suitcase with me to get through the 2 week trip. YIKES!

So how does this relate to organizing??

If you are fearful and angry about getting organized or downsized, think about what your biggest fear(s) are. Then replace the fear with a faith-based thought:

Is it that you may get rid of something that you’ll need later?

“I trust that I’ll have what I need.”

Is it that you’ll come upon memories that make you sad?

“I can group all memorabilia in one place and figure the rest out later.”

Is it ‘what if’ I get started and get stuck and make a bigger mess than when I started?

“I can start small with a drawer and once that goes well, I can hit another area.”

Is it that you have so little time that you just can’t deal with ‘one more thing to do?’

“Surely I have 15 minutes to find a few items to give to charity.”

Is it believing that no one can help you because you have to do it yourself?

“If I can’t make progress on my own, I can have someone help me get started.”

Is it all of the above?

Take a look at what’s stopping you from having the kind of environment you’d like to live in. I would be more than happy to help you in your quest to get organized so feel free to contact me.

Until then, wish me luck as I prepare for my journey.

“I will have the adventure of a lifetime.” As always, I’d love to hear how you do on your journey to better organization.

“Helping Baby Boomers and their Parents Lighten their Loads.”

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home, contact me. Together, we can transform your home into a happy, tidy place where you can feel at peace. We can also get you ready for your next move… more enjoyable, faster and easier!