Your Mess is a Message: Decoding the Language of Clutter

The piles are growing again. Books teeter precariously on every surface, a leaning tower of unread stories. Craft supplies spill from overflowing baskets, a kaleidoscope of abandoned projects. It's a familiar scene, one that triggers a familiar response: anxiety, a clenching in my chest, the overwhelming urge to control.

For me, like many others, the desire to declutter is often a response to inner turmoil. When life feels uncertain, when stress and emotional exhaustion weigh heavy, I turn to my external environment. Tidying up, organizing, purging – it's a way to grasp at some semblance of order when my internal world feels chaotic. Sometimes, it's avoidance, a way to sidestep the messy emotional work that needs to be done. But other times, it's a necessary first step, a way to clear the mental space needed to process and heal.

But this time, something was different. As I surveyed the familiar clutter, a wave of resistance washed over me. The usual decluttering scripts wouldn't play. I couldn't bring myself to ruthlessly purge the books, the paints, the yarn. These weren't just "things" – they were symbols of a life I yearned for. A life filled with creativity, with quiet contemplation, with the joy of making.

The Uncluttered Life: When Letting Go Means Holding On

It was a jarring realization. My body, in its own way, had been trying to guide me towards my desires all along. The growing piles weren't a sign of excess, but a manifestation of longing. My instinct to declutter wasn't entirely misguided, but it was misdirected. The real clutter wasn't in my physical space, but in my schedule, in the obligations and distractions that stole time and energy from the things I truly loved.

This isn't a revolutionary concept. We've all heard the adage, "You make time for what matters." But in the midst of overwhelm, it's easy to lose sight of the simple truths. We get caught up in the cult of productivity, in the endless to-do lists, in the pressure to do more, be more, have more. We fill our lives with the "shoulds" and the "have-tos," leaving little room for the "want-tos."

I’m trying to keep my work a community-funded resource. If you’re willing to pitch in, I’d ask you to consider being a paid subscriber.

So, what’s the solution?

Oh, my little problem-solver. I love action, too! So while we let ourselves sit with the emotion of how sweet it is that we can create mess trying to find clarity, I’ll give ya what you want!

How DO we break free from this cycle of overwhelm and reclaim our time for the things that truly matter? Here are a few steps I'm taking, and perhaps they can help you too:

1. Identify the Clutter:

This isn't just about physical stuff. Take an honest look at your schedule, your commitments, your mental and emotional load. What's draining your energy? What's taking up space that could be used for something more fulfilling? Before you shout “that’s impossible!” - I know this is hard in a world that demands more than you can give and we have obligations like paying rent. Try to make space for nuance and resist the urge to all-or-nothing it.

2. Listen to the Whispers:

Pay attention to the things you gravitate towards, the activities that bring you joy, the things you find yourself daydreaming about. These are your body's subtle (or not-so-subtle) cues, guiding you towards your passions.

3. Make Space, Intentionally:

This might mean saying "no" more often, setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or even eliminating obligations altogether. EEK EEK EEK! It's about creating room in your life, both physically and mentally, for the things you love.

4. Start Small, Be Patient:

You don't have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Begin with small, manageable steps. Schedule 15 minutes a day for reading, carve out an hour a week for that craft project, commit to one evening a week with no screens. Remember: just because you’re meeting 10% of the need, doesn’t mean the other 90% doesn’t exist. It means you’re working on it.

5. Embrace Imperfection:

Life is messy, and progress isn't always linear. There will be days when you fall back into old patterns, when the to-do list seems insurmountable, when the lure of distraction is strong. Be kind to yourself, acknowledge the challenges, and keep moving forward, one small step at a time.

6. Hop on my calendar:

If all these things sound nice in theory, but harder in practice… you’re in the right soup. My community of practice is all about not just talking about the work, but doing the damn work — together, while well-held and kindly considered. Grab a free chat here. (Don’t worry—I don’t believe in strong-arming anyone in working together. This is to help us see if it would be a good fit both ways!)

Let’s Be Clear Here

An uncluttered life isn't about achieving a picture-perfect minimalist aesthetic. It's not about adhering to some arbitrary standard of tidiness or subscribing to the latest decluttering fad. It's about something far deeper, something more personal. It's about aligning your external environment with your internal values, about creating a life that reflects your passions and priorities.

This is an ongoing process, a dance between letting go and holding on. Sometimes, that means releasing the things that no longer serve you, the obligations that drain your energy, the distractions that cloud your mind (which yes, I know this is hard in a late-stage capitalist world!). Which is why sometimes, it means holding on tighter to the things that truly matter, the passions that ignite your soul, the pursuits that bring you joy.

It's about recognizing that the piles of books and overflowing baskets of craft supplies aren't the enemy. They are a tangible representation of your yearning, a physical manifestation of your desires. They are a reminder that life is meant to be lived, not just organized.

So, embrace the mess. Embrace the journey. And most importantly, embrace the things that make you feel truly alive. Create space for them, nurture them, and allow them to flourish. In the process, you may find that the clutter within begins to dissipate, replaced by a sense of clarity, purpose, and joy. This is the uncluttered life – a life lived in alignment with your truest self.