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 dont do it NOW youll never get a chance like this again!? Its hard to make clear decisions when we dont know that we dont know that were 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 Pavlovs 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, Its very well known that people are much more susceptible to persuasive appeals when theyre distracted. If Im 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 Mens 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 ones okay, but Id wait if I were you. Another will come in thats 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 dont 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. Dont buy more stuff and things that you dont need, that dont 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 lifes really FREE AMAZINGLY GOOD DEALS! You remember don't you?... people, nature and life! 2005 Kim Wolinski, MSW |
