“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
These words were penned as the colonists of 1776 sought and fought for freedom. The British Parliament made every attempt to thwart their success. Following the Boston Tea Party, they established military rule in Massachusetts, even requiring the colonists to house British troops. Freedom wasn’t just a theory for political discussion, it dramatically altered their quality of life and revolutionized the future. That’s what freedom does.
Freedom, as defined by Merriam-Webster is:
the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action
the liberation from the power of another
the state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous
unrestricted use
Despite the freedoms we now enjoy as a result of our nation’s independence, there are other issues that have potential to enslave us. Could freedom from the tyranny of clutter alter your quality of life and revolutionize your future?
Today's Timely Tips take a look at the definition of freedom as applied to a cluttered environment and offer four points to consider when choosing freedom.
Timely Tips - for freedom from the tyranny of clutter
Freedom is the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice. Is clutter constraining your choices?
Can you choose to have people over whenever you desire? Does clutter keep you from hosting at holidays?
Can you choose what to wear from your entire wardrobe, or are the clothes piles reducing your options?
Would you like to move, but feel anchored in place by your clutter?
Do you feel coerced into paying for additional storage?
Freedom is the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in action. Is clutter constraining your actions?
Are unable to pay your bills on time due to paper piles?
Have you given up on your hobby because your craft room or garage is a catch-all?
Are you postponing a vacation or social activities because you feel like you should rather be home clearing the clutter?
Freedom is the liberation from the power of another. Do you need liberation from powerful behaviors?
Is shopping therapy your go-to when you need a quick pick-me-up?
Do you hang on to everything in case you or your kids might need it someday?
Does guilt over what you spent on stuff keep you from letting it go, even when you’re not using it?
Freedom is the state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous. Is the thought of decluttering onerous?
Do you feel overwhelmed?
Are you drowning in your clutter?
Do you long for a clutter-free existence, but it seems like an impossible task?
Have you tried and failed?
Freedom is unrestricted use. Is clutter restricting the functionality of your home?
Is it impossible to complete a task without spending hours looking for something you need and know you own, but can’t find?
Are you using only the front layer of things in your cabinets or freezer, because they’re impacted and you have no idea what’s in the back?
If you answered "YES" to any of the above, then your freedom is constrained by your clutter. Here are four points to consider when choosing your freedom.
1. What’s contributing to the problem?
Behaviors, habits and routines or lack thereof
No systems in place
No established homes for things
No criteria for letting go
Lack of organizing skills
Physical or emotional challenges
Other
2. What do I need to combat the clutter?
Designated time for project planning and implementation
Clear how-to instructions for decluttering and creating homes and systems
Disperse, dispose, and donate discards
Commitment to follow through and maintenance
3. What do I do when that’s not enough?
Stop beating yourself up for not being able to do it on your own—that’s counterproductive.
Get help! Not all of us play piano by ear or have technical talents by nature. Neither are we all natural-born organizers. When we need skills that aren’t instinctive, we get help.
Sometimes friends and family can help, but other times they can be pushy and judgmental in the process. A professional organizer offers expertise and hands-on assistance with patience and understanding.
4. You have a choice!
You aren’t trapped in the tyranny of clutter.
Change is possible even in the most contrary conditions.
Choose to be free today!
To locate a professional organizer in your area, go to the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals website: NAPO.net. In the California Central Valley you may contact me at (559) 871-3314 or at info@organizedbychoice.com .