Fear

Fear is one of those feelings that everyone has at some point--everyone can relate to--some more than others, but every human knows the feeling that bubbles up when you hear the word fear.

Most of the fear in our modern culture is manifested fear.  I'm not trying to downplay the true fear that people still have for physical safety, starvation, and dehydration that exists in our country and the world...what I'm talking about is our "1st world" type of fears.

Turn on the evening news and you'll see what I mean.

This manifested fear can take over our lives if we let it.  It's paralyzing...but it's all in our heads! We're  not usually in a true fight or flight mode--yet our bodies are still reacting as if we are...elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, muscles tensing.  Yet there is no bear we're fighting.  (except the one in our minds)

So how in the world does this even relate to stuff and organizing?!


Fear can dictate your removal--and acquisition--of stuff.

The next time you go to clean out some clutter, listen to the little voice in your head that says "oh--wait!  I might need that some day."  or "I really can't get rid of this because _________ got it for me" (fill in the blank with the appropriate name: your sister-in-law, mother, husband, or worse yet--your kids!)  This fear of "what will they think?" is what keeps that cat sweater hanging in your closet.  You hold on to things that aren't your style, or useable, out of fear of what that person will think (which again, is in your head--and theirs!).

Fear also plays a part in your acquisition of new things.  When you're trying to keep up with the latest fashion, the newest technology, and the most modern household decorations--it's usually to impress other people.  It's that same fear of "what will they think?"...which again, is in your head--and other people's.

And here is how you counter that fear:  Do what you want to do.  Not anyone else--you.  Not what the advertisement tells you to do.  What you want to do (think, feel, etc).

This is easier said than done.  But if you can get into the habit of just asking yourself "what am I afraid of?" when you find yourself getting stuck cleaning out the closet...or right before you go to buy something that's not needed, but wanted... see what the answer is--and if it's really something YOU want to do.

And remember--unless you're getting chased by a bear--chances are, the fear is just in your head.