Monday, April 20, 2009

Hands Off

This is a problem that many people have told me they encounter. A family member is having difficultly managing many aspects of life and it's manifesting itself as a disorganized and cluttered space. So, the family rallies to "declutter and organize" the space. Oh, they are proud of all of the hard work and literal blood, sweat and tears from the effort; but it's short lived. Slowly, but surely, the space returns to its original state. Frustration ensues because it should be easy to "maintain". This is where I say, "Hands off". Yes, I'm saying to let the disorganization return. Egad, has she lost it again? No, I have not. Here are your choices: become the clutter police and post guard outside the offender's room to watch her every move. Or you can say, this is your issue and until you are ready to deal with it, I'll support you, but I won't stress myself about it. It's your choice. Now, here's a caveat to that scenario. If it's a child, elderly person or someone you know who "can't do it alone due to a physical or mental issue, continue to offer your help, but if it's an able bodied person and she just isn't ready to change and it does not affect your day-to-day living, again, I say, "Hands off".

Dr. D. Clutter™

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