LAST BACKTRACK TO 2018 ~ STARTED OUT SLOW ~ FINISHED STRONG
WARNING WARNING ... THIS IS A LONG BLOG ... HAS AT LEAST 10 ENTRIES TO COVER AN ENTIRE YEAR!!! GET A CUPPA FIRST BEFORE SITTING DOWN TO READ!!!
"NB:- Wrote this long ago end of 2019 and feels like a lifetime since. 2019 proved to be a busy year yet again by my lack of entries during that year, one I hope to remedy next year. Just want to finish this one off before I get on with my decluttering entries."
March 2019 ~ picking up on the last part of filling in on 2018, which started out slow, but finished strong.
I can only guess that the global stigma attached has much to do with this silence, no matter how small or large an issue one may or may not have.
I certainly understand this silence when it involves this subject of overload.
I began this blog in 2011 as a way to give me that much needed push to stick at it. It never occurred to me that anyone would even take an interest, let alone keep coming back.
I also, don't want to leave this workload to my children, being this w
I have this chair. Now no chair. Problem solved.
Not certain I have made much of a dent in the stigma side of things, but, many around the globe have bothered to read what I have written so far. Something must be working. As I stated before, I know this worked to keep me going throughout all the bumps along the way.
Mental Health over the last decade or so has, thankfully, come out in the open more, in the areas of depression, anxieties, eating disorders, OCD and so on, with one of those with abundance of 'stuff' being just one of them.
I have come close to death several times over the last 3 decades. Each time has made me even more aware of how each and every breathe we take is precious and never ever to be squandered. Due to these life and death events, made the clutter even more important to be sorted and dealt with, and yet, less important at the same time. May make sense to some of what I mean here. At least, I hope some do. The reality of living a life rather than being dragged down by it is a choice I make knowingly.
It is not about luxury and not about wealth, but, about those we love and those that love us.
Nothing we accumulate in the end is important. Nothing can come with us after we die. Simples really.
But, somehow all those feelings of love and caring fill your heart and becomes crystal clear what truly matters when one encounters a moment in time that gives one pause.
No brainer really.
This meant a pacemaker was in order, which was inserted March 2019 for when my heart beat stops and has been like night and day ever since. I now have a little more energy and no longer choking myself awake during the night. This does not cure me. It is a preventative measure. I am still fine tuning the medications for the faster heart beats. Once that is done, I will chug along as usual. Grateful, yet again. to be alive.
Photos.
This was a snap from the half way point photo on the porch side under the carport.
This was a huge deal just to get to this point in time.
NB: Adding this photo here taken just this December 2020 with the carport now finished with only some plants to be added eventually. I can now say, as long a road I have travelled to get here, it is a relief to finish and with great pride that I managed to get it done. It took me 12 to almost 13 years with many slumps along the way, but never ever giving up.
At long last, I am finally, on the way down from this great mountain with all it's cracks, crevasses and pitfalls that came with it, to now to get to see the view on my way down.
When Gem comes and we get stuck into it we get more done because of her and bit by bit, it gets done. It may only be 2 shelves at a time and once done, is done for good. I must admit doing this with another speeds up the process. Four hands and four legs and two heads can do that. However, I will add I did much of this on my own over that first decade and still got heaps done, just not in the same time frame. I just got lucky.
My point is, one may not gain funded assistance of the caring kind or any at all. It can still be done and achieved is what I am imparting. Use what you have, even if it is just yourself. As it will be you that will reap the rewards in more ways than you could count. The sense of achievement. The sense of pride. And most of all loving your home once more. Don't want to get ahead of myself as I am not over that finish line as yet, but, no matter if you are on your own or have help, you will get there in the end. Aim for time frames, but don't kick yourself if you don't achieve it. Whatever you get done is more than before and just reset the start over button onto the next stage of your journey.
One of my most favoured mantra's is 'Be positive'. Works for me. Hope it works for you. Still had me many a down day. My mantra's and faith help me not stay or live in that funk forever.
As you can tell, much has happened and that is the reason why I have not written as often as I would have liked to. Reason being, I get far too tired to make an entry on my HHH blog. I think about it often, but then I kark it, which, means come to a complete halt and cannot keep my eyes open at that time.
Apart from constant exhaustion, my right eye that suffered that embolism in 2016 rendered me partially blind and when overworked, gets very blurry and I just cannot see what I am typing. Other times it aches. Either way, as I decided the year before my main priority was to place most of my energies into forging ahead on the doing of decluttering and not on the blog for the most part. My health, casual job at that time and home front were my big three. And I have stuck to these since.
When I do eventually reach my decluttering journey's end, I anticipate this blog wont stop as there are moments I have not mentioned. I will then go into my next phase of selling some of the good stuff I have set aside in the shed. Either way those items are not coming back into the home. All will be sold to help pay for rising bills or given away. I will be able to still post more on how to stay away from the temptation of gathering more items and so on. To show once done, it can stay done. Everyone's individual journey need not be a problem ever again, inherited or not.
Currently, my pacing days have become less possible as I am busy every day of the week,
- Casual work (1 to 2 day pw for 3 to 4 hours per session),
- Gem (1 to 2 days every alternate week 3 hours per session),
- Hydro (1 day pw, which stuff me completely for the rest of the day),
- Counselling/Medical appointments/Specialists, etc.,
and all the day to day duties such as shopping, banking and so forth. By the weekend I rest as I need the energy to last the up and coming week.
Does not leave much time for any additional opportunities to maintain mental well being and a bit of fun and laughter. Somehow I keep it simple and manage, on the odd occasion, with some much needed fun in the sun, in order to safeguard from the daily stress we all experience.
Early this year (2018), I found that I was avoiding decluttering and was lucky to gain 2 more sessions with my miracle worker Wendy, whom I have mentioned in the past from "Skeletons In the Closet" and now "Hoarding Home Solutions" (FYI websidte link is ~ https://hoardinghomesolutions.com.au). She travels within Australia and abroad, to give talks to other professionals at conferences, councils and courses and I highly recommend her knowledge, workmanship, professionalism and ability to zone in on what each individual requires.
Once she was back on deck, she was quick to ascertain my dilemma. She helped me over the slump I found myself in and able to get back into it. Gem also joined in and learnt a thing or two via Wendy and we have not stopped since. We discussed strategies as to how Gem could continue doing this, especially when I have events that halt me in my tracks.
Will be sharing more photos as I near the end of my quest as I come to each room reaches completion. Something to work towards. Am a hell of a lot closer to my decluttering finale. Apologies, but, just cannot stop saying that. Finale to my declutterng is something I sooooo looking forward to saying outright.
As to posting, I finally had a good eye day, and, that is why I could update you all. Has, all the same, still taken several days to type and proof and add the snaps and please forgive any typo's that may be present in abundance than in previous posts.
As for me I shall:-
Continue to use humour as often as possible to spur me on.
Along with being kind to myself and all others.
"NB:- Wrote this long ago end of 2019 and feels like a lifetime since. 2019 proved to be a busy year yet again by my lack of entries during that year, one I hope to remedy next year. Just want to finish this one off before I get on with my decluttering entries."
(Boy ~ on reflection did I ever get this wrong. And then came 2020!!! Yeesch!)
March 2019 ~ picking up on the last part of filling in on 2018, which started out slow, but finished strong.
Well, even though I finally caught up with my previous entry, due to all sorts of havoc and dramas, I have yet again fallen even further behind in keeping you all up-to-date. Very behind. Fatigue being the main reason most days. Oh, save me.
This was not such a bad thing on reflection, as it means I have made much needed progress regardless of my limited energies, as I declutter along the way with the usual life duties, I just could never manage to finish an entry to keep many abreast of my accomplishments.
Have you missed my posts? I am never far you know, no matter how busy I am.
This was not such a bad thing on reflection, as it means I have made much needed progress regardless of my limited energies, as I declutter along the way with the usual life duties, I just could never manage to finish an entry to keep many abreast of my accomplishments.
Have you missed my posts? I am never far you know, no matter how busy I am.
Hello, is that you there?
I can see that many do view my blog from all around the globe. Literally, you name a country and someone from there has had a quiet look in. (Sadly, this option for me to see the country of origins has been deleted sometime over the last year. Wish they would re-instate that one.) Due to the amount of views this makes me realise that this is very much a global issue. No matter where we were born or live, some areas we all experience in the same way. We are more alike than not.
I can only guess that the global stigma attached has much to do with this silence, no matter how small or large an issue one may or may not have.
I certainly understand this silence when it involves this subject of overload.
At times I have questioned why I have been so open about my situation.
So what was it that prompted me to push myself out there for all to see. In the end, it was as simple as fearing I would end up living like this forever. In other words, to spur myself to keep going as I was flagging after 3 years back then and due to the sheer magnitude of 'stuff' not being able to see any real progress, wanting to stay accountable.
So what was it that prompted me to push myself out there for all to see. In the end, it was as simple as fearing I would end up living like this forever. In other words, to spur myself to keep going as I was flagging after 3 years back then and due to the sheer magnitude of 'stuff' not being able to see any real progress, wanting to stay accountable.
On reflection, it has done just that. I am now a hell of a lot lighter of stuff than I was back in 2007.
That was the main reason and then, also, just maybe, start the process, in the hope of lessening the stigma attached to this particular issue that is placed under the broad umbrella of mental health out from under the blanket of shame. I still feel it is worthwhile exposing my demons like this.
Such was my innocent wish to chat freely without fear.
Such was my innocent wish to chat freely without fear.
If this blog helps achieve that, then that would make the effort of being so open well worthwhile. If all could feel free to speak openly and be able to seek the appropriate help and no longer have to hide and stay silent, then how wonderful would that be.
I began this blog in 2011 as a way to give me that much needed push to stick at it. It never occurred to me that anyone would even take an interest, let alone keep coming back.
My original date of when all this 'stuff' fell my way exponentially, started mid 2007.
By 2011, with loads of close loved ones dying and followed by my other not so loving sister pulling all sorts of stunts to coerce me to do her bidding regarding Mum's Will, all led to a severe case of grief with now long term depression. This led me to understanding that I just could not make a dent in the massive pile of stuff at that time. I had been plugging away at for over 3 years already. I just could not see any progress. I just was not able to compute that I had even though I had.
By 2011, with loads of close loved ones dying and followed by my other not so loving sister pulling all sorts of stunts to coerce me to do her bidding regarding Mum's Will, all led to a severe case of grief with now long term depression. This led me to understanding that I just could not make a dent in the massive pile of stuff at that time. I had been plugging away at for over 3 years already. I just could not see any progress. I just was not able to compute that I had even though I had.
My brain was either shut down or in overdrive.
Here is an example of my brain....
Talk about feeling inflated was an understatement. It was then, I decided to write about my plight. This blog was to enable me to see all the small efforts I had made and was making collectively over a period of time, no matter how much time had lapsed, in order to actually see all the mini achievements, this blog would remind me how far I had come. And in the end was able to get to.
This blog was to help spur me on.
And it worked.
Even when I did not make entries, I still kept plugging away small bit by small bit at a time.
Initially, my first quandary was what to call this blog.
Initially, my first quandary was what to call this blog.
Find your way that best motivates you to start and then keep going.
Many clever people out there with witty Blog Names. Their creativity was imposing. I was in a deep funk back then, and did not want to use the word 'HOARD' at all. After much thinking of a name and coming up dry every time, it occurred to me that most times those helping those with the issue never had gone through anything like this themselves. As well meaning as these types are, their help can come across as a personal put down or judgement on how could you have let your home get into such a state. This profession is improving and come a long way since. It was this very realisation that,
HOARDER'S HELPING HOARDER'S was born.
HOARDER'S HELPING HOARDER'S was born.
Moi ~ as in me. 
While this blog was started to help myself through this horrific time in my life, why could I not also, in some small measure, assist other's that are dealing with the same issues as I was. To lend an ear. To show that this is not a unique, but, universal problem. And by doing just a bit at a time was better than nothing ever. And maybe even some much needed emotional support to get one over the initial hurdle and all those hurdles ahead.
I could have called this blog anything.
Here are some of my lame ideas back then, like;
My Treasure Trove, Stockpile My Life Away, Cache Away, Reservoir of Gems, A Family's Collection, and even My Not So Nest Egg to name a few.
I even tried to make an acronym from the letters H.O.A.R.D.
Yep, nothing. Had I ended up calling this blog something witty, none of you more than likely would never had found me. Back then through sheer luck and a huge pinch of ignorance and wanting to be super brave, I decided to just put it out there, warts and all.
No photos at first. Just words.
I also, don't want to leave this workload to my children, being this w
as been left to me. I want to steer any legacy I leave towards less angst.
As accidental as this HHH blog turned out, it has helped me thus far slashing my way through this massive maze. (And still does.)
Maybe, somehow, I will have contributed to starting this process of others viewing this word
'hoard ~ hoarders ~ hoarding',
with less judgement. Maybe, maybe not, but, my eternal hope prevails. Sure would be nice to have been even a little bit responsible for lessening that sting, all the same.
And also learning to resist doing this...
And also learning to resist doing this...
I have this chair. Now no chair. Problem solved.
Not certain I have made much of a dent in the stigma side of things, but, many around the globe have bothered to read what I have written so far. Something must be working. As I stated before, I know this worked to keep me going throughout all the bumps along the way.
Mental Health over the last decade or so has, thankfully, come out in the open more, in the areas of depression, anxieties, eating disorders, OCD and so on, with one of those with abundance of 'stuff' being just one of them.
Affirmations that help me keep going.
At the start of 2018, it started out well enough and seems like an eternity away now, but by mid January, I got very ill that stopped me dead in my tracks and floored me for several months before I could get back in the saddle on my decluttering quest. This stop start stop again sure does get one down.
Bit by bit, domino by domino, I gained traction yet again, after another long recovery. Due to this 'yet another delay', the inside of my home became a nightmare once more. Not as hellish as all the other times, especially at the very start back in 2007, that dragged me back into deep doldrums once more all the same.
Good news is, the Carport still remains item free, apart from the rubbish bins and fridge that I have to get inside (need help with that one). Finally, I no longer use the carport as storage space a full 2 years on. Only a space for my car, plus one for visitors.
Bit by bit, domino by domino, I gained traction yet again, after another long recovery. Due to this 'yet another delay', the inside of my home became a nightmare once more. Not as hellish as all the other times, especially at the very start back in 2007, that dragged me back into deep doldrums once more all the same.
Good news is, the Carport still remains item free, apart from the rubbish bins and fridge that I have to get inside (need help with that one). Finally, I no longer use the carport as storage space a full 2 years on. Only a space for my car, plus one for visitors.
(NB: I had to use the carport in the interim for an old bed and mattress that needed to be discarded at this year's, 2020, hard rubbish. But, this storage did not last long and now thankfully all items are now removed from said carport.)
My neighbours must be pleased that the Carport is now a Carport and no longer looks like 'Steptoe & Son'. For those who do not know this British show, it was all about a Dad and son who ran a, what was called a rag and bone business, that now we call, trash and treasure, or recyclables, aired in the 60s and 70s. I see them as being ahead of their time and recycled anything and everything.
Achieving this first cleared and now functional space was truly a monumental moment in what has been long hard yakka (means work), is to now keep it that way from now on. Which, I have done. Whatever may find it's way under the carport from hereon will be dealt with, put out, ensure that it is removed in a timely manner and never to be replaced with more or other items in any shape or form. Full stop.
For now this is an achievement worth crowing about.
My neighbours must be pleased that the Carport is now a Carport and no longer looks like 'Steptoe & Son'. For those who do not know this British show, it was all about a Dad and son who ran a, what was called a rag and bone business, that now we call, trash and treasure, or recyclables, aired in the 60s and 70s. I see them as being ahead of their time and recycled anything and everything.
Achieving this first cleared and now functional space was truly a monumental moment in what has been long hard yakka (means work), is to now keep it that way from now on. Which, I have done. Whatever may find it's way under the carport from hereon will be dealt with, put out, ensure that it is removed in a timely manner and never to be replaced with more or other items in any shape or form. Full stop.
For now this is an achievement worth crowing about.
Further on into this entry you will see some snaps of said clutter free carport and then you will understand why I have been delinquent in penning any entries over those 18 months. (NB: will also include another photo from December 2020.)
Still, I cannot rest on my laurels. But, I have allowed myself a moment to enjoy this current achievement. Never hurts to take a moment to do just that, to enjoy and soak in the moment.
Still, I cannot rest on my laurels. But, I have allowed myself a moment to enjoy this current achievement. Never hurts to take a moment to do just that, to enjoy and soak in the moment.
Due to the home front being in complete uproar from visitors, notwithstanding holiday celebrations, frustratingly, that meant progress also added to this start, stop, start again, stop again, began to do my head in. I have to admit, such is life and it appears also my continuing often thwarted efforts towards decluttering.
None of us ever know or have a crystal ball to let us know what is around that corner.
None of us ever know or have a crystal ball to let us know what is around that corner.
As I stated earlier, my year started out well enough with a lovely quiet birthday lunch, in comparison to last year, "the big party" and made plans to see all the people I had not seen regularly that year. These plans also came to a sudden halt when I got sick and had to sadly cancel all the social outings and get-together's I had already organised to visit one of my long time friends that I had not seen in a long time and had to cancel due to my illness. Disheartening to say the least. (With this particular friend I may meet up this year, 2020, 3 years on!) Have only managed to catch up with a handful since, compared to what I originally had planned.
Now, all I long for is for my home to be what my home was like before 2007. Described by many as a lovable hug.
Now, all I long for is for my home to be what my home was like before 2007. Described by many as a lovable hug.
As much as I love my family and friends and need to see them, I decided to make home my priority. I am aching to get to that tantalising finish line that still remains just out of my reach.
Due to having pushed myself for many months late 2017, I got very sick with a serious case of what is called 'Facial Infectious Cellulitis'. This was my next most serious attack since my first attack back in 2000. I have had loads of mini attacks. But, this time it was serious. It is painful, hot and super uncomfortable. I was lucky enough to have survived that first case, due to being told in the local hospital Emergency Department, that I had 24 hours for them to find a treatment in order to save me, or it was "c'est la vei" or "adios amigos", for me. Obviously, I am still here to tell that tale. Have mentioned this before in another entry so wont go on. Cannot remember which entry, but wont repeat the entire episode other than to say, I was now having a repeat attack due to the long term stress and a compromised immune system.
Hence, my ill health set me back, yet again, from continuing my declutter quest. Life knocks me down yet again. Then, after a while, I get back up again to face the next round.
My Mum had planned to get all her and her Mother's decluttering done before she passed away, but, as we know, events that I have also mentioned in previous entries, put paid to that and reason enough for my drive not to pass it on to my children.
My Mum had planned to get all her and her Mother's decluttering done before she passed away, but, as we know, events that I have also mentioned in previous entries, put paid to that and reason enough for my drive not to pass it on to my children.
We live. We die. What happens in-between that, we are responsible for.
Around 2 months after this second round of 'FC', my daughter took me to visit a dear friends daughter and her new born baby girl and also had her hands full with 2 litters of puppies. Being with the precious little one and the puppies sure gave me a much needed boost.
Here are some snaps of the very playful puppies that just could not resist tugging at my skirt, which fortunately stayed up. Nothing better than good old puppy love to cheer one out of the doldrums.
Here are some snaps of the very playful puppies that just could not resist tugging at my skirt, which fortunately stayed up. Nothing better than good old puppy love to cheer one out of the doldrums.
After play and a feed, it was time to sleep for all the puppies and then me! What a wonderful tonic they all were, albeit exhausting me to no end.
I have come close to death several times over the last 3 decades. Each time has made me even more aware of how each and every breathe we take is precious and never ever to be squandered. Due to these life and death events, made the clutter even more important to be sorted and dealt with, and yet, less important at the same time. May make sense to some of what I mean here. At least, I hope some do. The reality of living a life rather than being dragged down by it is a choice I make knowingly.
It is not about luxury and not about wealth, but, about those we love and those that love us.
Nothing we accumulate in the end is important. Nothing can come with us after we die. Simples really.
But, somehow all those feelings of love and caring fill your heart and becomes crystal clear what truly matters when one encounters a moment in time that gives one pause.
No brainer really.
Each morning I wake up is a good day.
Here is a photo of me taken by my Mum in the emergency cubicle within 8 hours from when this first attack started on 1 May, 2000. The staff were saying I looked like the Star Trek Klingon character as my forehead was ridged and bubbling. After this photo was taken it got worse and I became unrecognisable. Again, I have written about this in previous entries. Clearly, this knocked the stuffing out of me and I was one lucky black duck to live to tell the tale.
I must be a cat with 9 lives.
Continuing on into 2018, I continued to do the mini toss outs. Items went to charity one item at a time or given to someone to drop off or given away. I even organised for some overgrown thorny trees to be cut and started to cut further down by hand as the branches were all over my back yard and slowly got them into the green rubbish bin to reclaim said yard. Took me months and months as the green bin only gets collected every 2 weeks.
Continuing on into 2018, I continued to do the mini toss outs. Items went to charity one item at a time or given to someone to drop off or given away. I even organised for some overgrown thorny trees to be cut and started to cut further down by hand as the branches were all over my back yard and slowly got them into the green rubbish bin to reclaim said yard. Took me months and months as the green bin only gets collected every 2 weeks.
After this latest bout with 'FC', I did not want to rebound for as long as I had back in 2000, which took me a year to recover and regain my strength. Staying healthy and not stressed are key to fight this infection, along with heavy duty antibiotics, which, I find laughable as who does not have stress in their life, no matter how hard we try.
In order to keep on achieving what I do, I have to pace myself in order to last as long as possible. Slow and steady. But, my heart had other ideas and started to play up more than usual around this time. Didn't give it much thought at first, as I was used to it, as in the pounding feeling I had felt and aware of 24/7. This time, however, it was getting scary. I was even more tired than ever before. This time it felt so bad that I decided to follow up with my heart specialist. All I can say is, thankfully, I did.
If one important piece of advice would be and impart, is, to 'go at your own pace'.
If one important piece of advice would be and impart, is, to 'go at your own pace'.
THIS IS KEY & MOST IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER!
GO AT YOUR OWN PACE.
I could not allow another set-back of any kind. All I could see was I was falling behind again or worse, that nothing was being done. My stress levels with all that was going on was through the roof.
It is very difficult to keep one's spirits up and maintain one's motivations to keep on going when medical events intervene. I am extremely grateful I got this far. Yes, I may be slow, but, I also kept on going in spite of the constant hurdles and interruptions.
It is very difficult to keep one's spirits up and maintain one's motivations to keep on going when medical events intervene. I am extremely grateful I got this far. Yes, I may be slow, but, I also kept on going in spite of the constant hurdles and interruptions.
With good health in mind, my emotional well being was core in order to keep on decluttering. If one can find simple no cost ways to chill out for even a few moments then that helps one to last. I now have a wonderful secondhand swing seat that I have been using in the backyard. This gets me out into the fresh air and outside in the sun and listen to the birds sing. All very healthy.
However, when a tsunami of health issues comes your way through no fault of your own and cannot be avoided, expect to get pummelled. And pummelled I got from all sides and I fell into a deep rut.
I was done. Spent. I found myself in one deep hole with no way of climbing out.
My heart problem, in the last months of last year was becoming of serious concern to me. After a 24 hour heart halter I found out, after experiencing these super erratic pounding heart palpitations for some lengths of time that felt like my chest would explode, and to add to this, at the time, I had no idea that my heart was stopping several times during the night and was waking up choking. It was after the halter that I was told my day time rate was erratic to super fast to at night my heart would slow down so much so it stopped a couple of times before restarting again. Called Tachy Brady. This on top of my Mitral Valve Prolapse. Yeesch, what next?
This meant a pacemaker was in order, which was inserted March 2019 for when my heart beat stops and has been like night and day ever since. I now have a little more energy and no longer choking myself awake during the night. This does not cure me. It is a preventative measure. I am still fine tuning the medications for the faster heart beats. Once that is done, I will chug along as usual. Grateful, yet again. to be alive.
In the meantime, these past 18 or so months, I have steadfastly kept sorting and purging, even if it was just one item at a time. Not one day went by that I did not throw out at least one item away or place into a charity bin.
As I have written before, better out than kept, better slow than no go, better to pace yourself and best of all, be kind to yourself whilst on this decluttering journey or any journey worth being on. Especially, this decluttering one. And humour.
As I have written before, better out than kept, better slow than no go, better to pace yourself and best of all, be kind to yourself whilst on this decluttering journey or any journey worth being on. Especially, this decluttering one. And humour.
Humour is key.
Pacing yourself to your energy level is most important and do accept the help from professionals if it is made available to you. This may be the very reason you have not been able to rid yourself of your overload due to lack of energy. Looking after your own health, either physical and or mental, when decluttering. I have had several helpers, friends/family/professionals, over the last decade and each time it has made it possible for me to either, leap over a particular hurdle, or get further along, than I otherwise would have been able to.
Non judgemental caring help is better than no help at all.
Pacing yourself to your energy level is most important and do accept the help from professionals if it is made available to you. This may be the very reason you have not been able to rid yourself of your overload due to lack of energy. Looking after your own health, either physical and or mental, when decluttering. I have had several helpers, friends/family/professionals, over the last decade and each time it has made it possible for me to either, leap over a particular hurdle, or get further along, than I otherwise would have been able to.
Non judgemental caring help is better than no help at all.
If you have no possibility of help, then back to slow and steady to pace yourself is then the way to forge ahead.
This is when taking photos before you start, then half way through and then when finished one area, will visually show you how much you have achieved and be a huge lift to your spirits. Take a mini pause in-between each designated areas to be dealt with to, if you are able to then keep up momentum. If a pause would cause you to stop completely, then keep on plugging as slow progress is preferred.
You know yourself and will know what works for you best.
I still have stuff, just not so much of it any longer and still going.
Doing it the way that suits you will save your sanity as well as your energy to get more done, In my case as the years go by. One thing I did take note of was the more hands on deck did make less work for by me in the end. Instead of two days, only one day. Instead of one week, only a few days and so forth. Our time on this planet is finite and worth spending with our loved one's rather than sorting through a mountain of stuff that wont matter at the end when we leave this earthly planet and become stardust.
Doing it the way that suits you will save your sanity as well as your energy to get more done, In my case as the years go by. One thing I did take note of was the more hands on deck did make less work for by me in the end. Instead of two days, only one day. Instead of one week, only a few days and so forth. Our time on this planet is finite and worth spending with our loved one's rather than sorting through a mountain of stuff that wont matter at the end when we leave this earthly planet and become stardust.
Photos are a powerful tool.
At first I did not take photos. I regret that.
Before and afters act as a visual that is a great motivator and not to mention, a reminder of how far one has come. Photos show your progress. I took photos of items I wanted to remember and knew I did not need to keep. Out of the sheer volume I only took a handful of snaps really, that enabled me to move those items on. Have not missed them since and it is only when scrolling through my photos that gives me a smile. I actually see these memories more than I otherwise would have. Bonus.
Do what you need to do to let go, that works for you, no matter how kooky it may seem to others.
Remember, this is not their journey. It is "your's".
When I had my last session with Wendy back in 2017, she helped me achieve my first big milestone, which was clearing the carport by 95%.
Do what you need to do to let go, that works for you, no matter how kooky it may seem to others.
Remember, this is not their journey. It is "your's".
When I had my last session with Wendy back in 2017, she helped me achieve my first big milestone, which was clearing the carport by 95%.
Following are photos of the first photo I took a couple of years in around 2009 in this endeavour, then a mid way point to the 95% point marker around 2017, to show you how these progress photos help to remind you just how far you have come. (NB: Being that I am posting this a year later I have included the final shot taken December 2020. Only some plants to be placed to spruce it up with some colour and life is required.)
This snap is from around 2009 in the early days of grappling with what was being stored under the carport after I had to move out of my rental. No money meant it had to go somewhere and under the carport was my only option as Mum and Dad's house was full and also had some of my boxes in there as well with the items that needed to be out of inclement weather. This is not all of it as I had already started purging over the previous 18 months. But, it will give you an inkling of what I had to deal with while I was utterly bereft with grief.
This is the photo from somewhere around 2009.
This is the other side of said carport at the same half way point photo, but the fence side. I had a wide corridor to the entrance.
However, once I had the professional assistance this is the end result of 95% sorted.
NB: Adding this photo here taken just this December 2020 with the carport now finished with only some plants to be added eventually. I can now say, as long a road I have travelled to get here, it is a relief to finish and with great pride that I managed to get it done. It took me 12 to almost 13 years with many slumps along the way, but never ever giving up.
Here they are side by side first from 2009 and the final one taken end 2020.
Wish I had taken one in early 2008 now.
Next up, I was fortunate enough to receive funding to deal with the inside, including the garden. I now have a helper, whom I will refer to as 'Gem', as she is a gem, for confidentiality reasons. Gem comes once a week for 3 hours and we have been sorting, moving and purging for nearly a year now. And every alternate week for 2 hours and 30 minutes.
We have cleared the corridor.
We have cleared the mid century wall units.
We have cleared and sorted most of the kitchen cupboards.
The mid century wall units have been taken & the lounge room is now larger and brighter.
This is my second big milestone after the carport.
My big milestones will be threefold.
Clearing the carport and the removal of the overpowering mid century wall units in the lounge room being the first two milestones.
The third and last will be last of the boxes left over from the Dining Room.
The race is to now have my home look like it used to pre 2007. What a feeling that will be!
We have cleared the corridor.
We have cleared the mid century wall units.
We have cleared and sorted most of the kitchen cupboards.
The mid century wall units have been taken & the lounge room is now larger and brighter.
This is my second big milestone after the carport.
My big milestones will be threefold.
Clearing the carport and the removal of the overpowering mid century wall units in the lounge room being the first two milestones.
The third and last will be last of the boxes left over from the Dining Room.
The race is to now have my home look like it used to pre 2007. What a feeling that will be!
I can dream, can't I?
As Walt Disney once said, 'All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them'.
In my case 12 years thus far.
Feels like forever. However, the photos show otherwise.
Would have preferred to have had this done years ago, but, life events halt our good intentions. No point stressing over it. Nought one can do about it either. Just is what it is.
I am at the top of that huge mountain and taking a wee while to enjoy the moment and most of all the view.
Am almost there. I can smell it.
By this stage I think I can safely say I have "80%" less 'stuff'! Massive effort and happy, that even though it has been an effort to persevere many times, here I am, finally on the home stretch.
Proof positive to never ever give in or up.
Stop by all means to catch your breath to take time out for a mental health day.
I have and here I am!!!
Feels like forever. However, the photos show otherwise.
Would have preferred to have had this done years ago, but, life events halt our good intentions. No point stressing over it. Nought one can do about it either. Just is what it is.
I am at the top of that huge mountain and taking a wee while to enjoy the moment and most of all the view.
Am almost there. I can smell it.
By this stage I think I can safely say I have "80%" less 'stuff'! Massive effort and happy, that even though it has been an effort to persevere many times, here I am, finally on the home stretch.
Proof positive to never ever give in or up.
Stop by all means to catch your breath to take time out for a mental health day.
I have and here I am!!!
You are worth rewarding yourself from time to time for just keeping on going.
At long last, I am finally, on the way down from this great mountain with all it's cracks, crevasses and pitfalls that came with it, to now to get to see the view on my way down.
And what a view that will be.
This part may also take some time. I don't know. I have never been here before.
But, here I find myself anyway.
Either way I will give myself time to enjoy these moments for a wee while and then forge ahead again to not focus on the 'how long it takes', just towards the doing, in order to get to my 'THERE'!
I know now I will get there. And believe that by having started and kept going with this HHH blog helped me to what felt like an eternity towards that ever elusive finish line. A mirage no more.
Either way I will give myself time to enjoy these moments for a wee while and then forge ahead again to not focus on the 'how long it takes', just towards the doing, in order to get to my 'THERE'!
I know now I will get there. And believe that by having started and kept going with this HHH blog helped me to what felt like an eternity towards that ever elusive finish line. A mirage no more.
Teaser ~ by the end of 2020 I do get to enjoy more my home finally. It takes me another year to get to that point. Now am on the final leg towards my 'THERE' . But, this is for other entries to be shared.
If you cannot tell by now, I am internally exploding with joy. I will leave the jumping and champers till the finish line. Don't mind when that is. One way or another I will get there.
I find myself with less of the burden that was passed onto me, but it is at least a whopping 80% less. By the time I find myself over the finish line of this journey it will have taken me thus far 12 years.
I am aiming for the end of this year to get there. Ever so doable with the funded assistance I am now receiving. If I had not been approved for this much needed funding, I would be no where near to where I am now. This help and assistance means it has shortened this path and means more of my years will be spent with those I love and participating in doing the things I love.
What a gorgeous reward that is.
If you cannot tell by now, I am internally exploding with joy. I will leave the jumping and champers till the finish line. Don't mind when that is. One way or another I will get there.
I find myself with less of the burden that was passed onto me, but it is at least a whopping 80% less. By the time I find myself over the finish line of this journey it will have taken me thus far 12 years.
I am aiming for the end of this year to get there. Ever so doable with the funded assistance I am now receiving. If I had not been approved for this much needed funding, I would be no where near to where I am now. This help and assistance means it has shortened this path and means more of my years will be spent with those I love and participating in doing the things I love.
What a gorgeous reward that is.
(NB: Reading that last paragraph on reflection, gee, I was filled with positivity. Am further ahead all the same, just more life's hurdles and medical trauma got in the way in 2020. This was for all of us worldwide with this Pandemic and not just for me, but, for all of us. Still I do not let this stop me.)
All can achieve this. If I haven't given up, and I have almost done so many times over, as in given up, it has been worth the crapola and again proof any one of you can achieve this also.
All can achieve this. If I haven't given up, and I have almost done so many times over, as in given up, it has been worth the crapola and again proof any one of you can achieve this also.
Just keep on going and be kind to yourself.
When Gem comes and we get stuck into it we get more done because of her and bit by bit, it gets done. It may only be 2 shelves at a time and once done, is done for good. I must admit doing this with another speeds up the process. Four hands and four legs and two heads can do that. However, I will add I did much of this on my own over that first decade and still got heaps done, just not in the same time frame. I just got lucky.
My point is, one may not gain funded assistance of the caring kind or any at all. It can still be done and achieved is what I am imparting. Use what you have, even if it is just yourself. As it will be you that will reap the rewards in more ways than you could count. The sense of achievement. The sense of pride. And most of all loving your home once more. Don't want to get ahead of myself as I am not over that finish line as yet, but, no matter if you are on your own or have help, you will get there in the end. Aim for time frames, but don't kick yourself if you don't achieve it. Whatever you get done is more than before and just reset the start over button onto the next stage of your journey.
You will get there when you get there, when each stage gets done.
Revel in what you 'have' achieved.
One of my most favoured mantra's is 'Be positive'. Works for me. Hope it works for you. Still had me many a down day. My mantra's and faith help me not stay or live in that funk forever.
I have prioritised what is important to achieve and the home front is IT.
Making an executive decision on what is a priority can also help motivate and keep one on track.
Use whatever method or tools at hand to assist you on achieving that end goal.
Use whatever method or tools at hand to assist you on achieving that end goal.
You will be the benefactor either way.
All comes down to choices. And I do realise how difficult this can be. For me, at this stage of my life, the benefits outweigh any negatives that come.
This was me a long time ago. Glad I grabbed onto this type of thinking finally.
Apart from constant exhaustion, my right eye that suffered that embolism in 2016 rendered me partially blind and when overworked, gets very blurry and I just cannot see what I am typing. Other times it aches. Either way, as I decided the year before my main priority was to place most of my energies into forging ahead on the doing of decluttering and not on the blog for the most part. My health, casual job at that time and home front were my big three. And I have stuck to these since.
When I do eventually reach my decluttering journey's end, I anticipate this blog wont stop as there are moments I have not mentioned. I will then go into my next phase of selling some of the good stuff I have set aside in the shed. Either way those items are not coming back into the home. All will be sold to help pay for rising bills or given away. I will be able to still post more on how to stay away from the temptation of gathering more items and so on. To show once done, it can stay done. Everyone's individual journey need not be a problem ever again, inherited or not.
This for me will work in reverse in some cases and restore some of the monies spent over the decades.
This may work for some. For me it did not. I found other ways. Added this as an example that just because someone says it, does not mean it is gospel or fits you like a glove. Toss out what is not a match and find what does. This purging does not have to be angst-full. Instead a journey filled with discovery and reminders of where you want to head towards and live the life you are meant for and deserve.
I use items years apart. If I ever do a second round of purging, then I may toss some of those items used years apart then. For now, for me, this works best.
When in doubt don't.
Currently, my pacing days have become less possible as I am busy every day of the week,
- Casual work (1 to 2 day pw for 3 to 4 hours per session),
- Gem (1 to 2 days every alternate week 3 hours per session),
- Hydro (1 day pw, which stuff me completely for the rest of the day),
- Counselling/Medical appointments/Specialists, etc.,
and all the day to day duties such as shopping, banking and so forth. By the weekend I rest as I need the energy to last the up and coming week.
Does not leave much time for any additional opportunities to maintain mental well being and a bit of fun and laughter. Somehow I keep it simple and manage, on the odd occasion, with some much needed fun in the sun, in order to safeguard from the daily stress we all experience.
Early this year (2018), I found that I was avoiding decluttering and was lucky to gain 2 more sessions with my miracle worker Wendy, whom I have mentioned in the past from "Skeletons In the Closet" and now "Hoarding Home Solutions" (FYI websidte link is ~ https://hoardinghomesolutions.com.au). She travels within Australia and abroad, to give talks to other professionals at conferences, councils and courses and I highly recommend her knowledge, workmanship, professionalism and ability to zone in on what each individual requires.
Once she was back on deck, she was quick to ascertain my dilemma. She helped me over the slump I found myself in and able to get back into it. Gem also joined in and learnt a thing or two via Wendy and we have not stopped since. We discussed strategies as to how Gem could continue doing this, especially when I have events that halt me in my tracks.
We need more Wendy's and Gem's.
Gem will be ongoing with me for as long as this decluttering takes and for this I am very very grateful.
On top of this assistance, I also have a team to help me with the outside garden and fixing things that need repair. I will not know myself. (NB: the outside has had 3 sessions of 5 to 6 hours each time getting the garden back to its former glory, along with rubbish removal and so on. Soon there will be one more session to go (late 2020) and the garden will be back to it's former self and can start planting again. At the moment have two clematis's on their way on an arbor. Most excitement.)
Gem will be ongoing with me for as long as this decluttering takes and for this I am very very grateful.
On top of this assistance, I also have a team to help me with the outside garden and fixing things that need repair. I will not know myself. (NB: the outside has had 3 sessions of 5 to 6 hours each time getting the garden back to its former glory, along with rubbish removal and so on. Soon there will be one more session to go (late 2020) and the garden will be back to it's former self and can start planting again. At the moment have two clematis's on their way on an arbor. Most excitement.)
At long last, the long slog, will have been all worth it.
We just don't know what is going to happen. Some times good things do happen.
We just don't know what is going to happen. Some times good things do happen.
(NB: We had no idea that a Global Covidvirus-19 Pandemic was ahead of us all!)
Still think this is a dream with all the assistance I am receiving.
And that is not the end of it, I will even be starting regular hydro therapy for my chronic back pain and by 2020 I will have my last slated operation, which is for my right hip to be replaced. This means even with back pain, I should be able to walk much further without the burning pain.
Still think this is a dream with all the assistance I am receiving.
And that is not the end of it, I will even be starting regular hydro therapy for my chronic back pain and by 2020 I will have my last slated operation, which is for my right hip to be replaced. This means even with back pain, I should be able to walk much further without the burning pain.
(NB: Ha, did not happen this way. This will be for later entries. Things don't always turn out the way you think they will. Hence, being flexible and having a going with the floweth attitude comes in handy.)
Even though this entry has been more about my state of health, just remember, I still kept on decluttering throughout. At my capacity. Due to that, it all has added up exponentially all the while living it. I don't always immediately see or am aware of my progress as at times it literally has been at a snails pace.
Even though this entry has been more about my state of health, just remember, I still kept on decluttering throughout. At my capacity. Due to that, it all has added up exponentially all the while living it. I don't always immediately see or am aware of my progress as at times it literally has been at a snails pace.
Slow and steady does win this race.
All the same, progress has been made in spite of my health demands and I have made it to that pivotal moment in time where I am on top of that precipice as I stated earlier. Am enjoying the 'as yet invisible' view all the same with my imagination and am anticipating with anticipation that tantalising 'finish' line
All the same, progress has been made in spite of my health demands and I have made it to that pivotal moment in time where I am on top of that precipice as I stated earlier. Am enjoying the 'as yet invisible' view all the same with my imagination and am anticipating with anticipation that tantalising 'finish' line
Will be sharing more photos as I near the end of my quest as I come to each room reaches completion. Something to work towards. Am a hell of a lot closer to my decluttering finale. Apologies, but, just cannot stop saying that. Finale to my declutterng is something I sooooo looking forward to saying outright.
As to posting, I finally had a good eye day, and, that is why I could update you all. Has, all the same, still taken several days to type and proof and add the snaps and please forgive any typo's that may be present in abundance than in previous posts.
I continue to work on the decluttering and finding that it is helping me. And hope it has helped you.
By the way, here is a recap along with a side note.
Recap of all the PINK highlights throughout this particular longish blob...mistake intended...
Find your way that best motivates you to start and then keep going.
Affirmations that help me keep going.
Each morning I wake up is a good day.
GO AT YOUR OWN PACE.
Humour is key.
Photos are a powerful tool.
Do what you need to do to let go, that works for you, no matter how kooky it may seem to others.
Stop by all means to catch your breath to take time out for a mental health day.
Just keep on going and be kind to yourself.
You will get there when you get there, when each stage gets done.
Making an executive decision on what is a priority can also help motivate and keep one on track.
Slow and steady does win this race.
Side note, please note that I am here as a blogger imparting my personal decluttering journey that some may find useful any time. Here with an ear anytime you need.
As for me I shall:-
Continue to use humour as often as possible to spur me on.
Along with being kind to myself and all others.
And pace myself.
Having said that, I better get a jiggle on then.
Ciao for now & more happy days
Having said that, I better get a jiggle on then.
Ciao for now & more happy days
Anita
ps. I must say that had I not inherited this mess, I would still not be the wiser about the extent of my other sister's bitterness towards me. Hindsight in this case was a good thing. We could still have been in each others lives and I would have been none the wiser at being thought of so badly. Rather have a relationship with a cobra than a hissing snake like she turned out to be. Sad as that is, it is her that has lost a sister as I do love her, just cannot be in her life. Better she stab me from afar than in my back like she did to our Mum for all those decades. Looks like she transferred all that bitterness towards Mum and lumped it all in with her feelings towards me. I am thankful that I no longer have to put up with her tantrums and tales of woe. I miss the idea of her, but, not that. This journey, no matter how difficult it has been, has revealed more than I could have otherwise known. Some things are meant to be, even if we cannot see them at the time. I can see more clearly now 12 years on. Blessings in disguise
Below is a pie dish come tart baking set. It was a gift from our one sister to the other oldest sister for her 50th. She showed me this gift and loved how kitsch it was. This oldest sister was extremely unhappy how this one sister treated us and immediately there and then gifted me this gift. Even though this other sister never knew (till now if she ever reads this) that this was what our oldest sister did and her way of telling this not so nice sister off without confronting her. Here I am, all these years on with this gift from my loving oldest sister. Sisterhood can be complex. It is also one that is the best kinds of connection one could ever experience. Am thinking of selling so that at least someone could appreciate baking with it. Time for this piece to rest in peace amongst others I feel. That to me is a far nicer, more fulfilling legacy with this dish.
Last word for this entry, I saw this and my big sis would laugh at me when I would wonder between making a cuppa tea for her, finding an extra pillow, turning the washing on and finishing the dishes, is something we would definitely relate to and have a good hearty laugh at my expense. And happily so.
This is, was and still is, me!
DEDICATED TO MY LOVING BIG SISTER SYLVIA
THIS IS FOR HER, WHOM I AM POSITIVE IS DANCING AMONG THE STARS
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