“What you goin’ do
On the Day of…”
Come on; am I the only one who knows that old song?
Anyway, by way of introduction, let me simply paint this scenario: As boys, we’d scour the neighbour hood for old gadgets and pick them apart for magnets. Long-broken appliances would hang around for years because it could contain good parts useful for some project yet unknown. Until recently, my desk was mired with forgotten files, unanswered correspondence, scribbled-on old programs and undone to-do lists. After all, a messy desk was a sign of true genius, right? (BTW, that’s NOT my desk pictured here – just saying!)
Who knows? Perhaps a nearby closet, kitchen or storage area may be humming, ‘I think this song is about me.’ I have no idea how a television series on hoarders could be popular! Maybe it is because we all harbour this deep fear that we could become infected with such a virus.
If we’re not too vain, the truth is that even regular folks like you and I could use some help. Cick here to listen to Avis Talbot. Her fascinating insights and unexpected tips could make a dramatic impact in your life starting right now:
What is Clutter? Let me start by saying that clutter is not a situation or individual who collects, is untidy, disorganised or dirty. Simply put, clutter is anything unused, unloved, unwanted or unresolved. It can manifest as physical objects that take up space in your home, office, car, handbags, wallets and emotions. It can affect your relationships, health and well being.
Here’s a simple test. If you answer yes to one of the following, you have Clutter.
Do you have:
1. Items you have not used in the last year and unlikely to use in the near future?
2. Clothes that no longer fit?
3. Things which are too expensive to discard?
4. Unresolved issues with family, friends or colleagues?
5. Broken and unused items outside that are breeding grounds for rodents or
insects?
6. An office or desk full of disorganised or unused paperwork?
I could go on.
All of your reasons for keeping your clutter are valid, to you. However, to the de-cluttering professionals, and yes they do exist, pleading your case to keep your items, suggests clutter. I cleared a lady whose 3rd marriage was in trouble. In her words “the two previous marriages were absolute disasters”. Yet, in her wardrobe, neatly covered, were 2 very expensive wedding dresses from weddings 1 and 2 alongside the most recent dress. Why? There were many levels of clutter operating here: physical, emotional and subconscious. We eventually resolved the clutter at all levels.
Why we hang on to things
Consider this statement:
I believe that whatever I need will come when I need it. It always has and always will. Whatever I give away, even though I cannot see now, how the person receiving it will benefit, I must let go. By letting go I invite new and exciting things into my life and trust that I will receive what I need.
Some common responses/explanations for keeping Clutter:
A. “The minute I throw it out, I or someone else will need it, you’ll see”. Does this mean you must hold on to it?
B. “We don’t want to upset them but we really don’t like it”. The gift that guilt dictates is on permanent display awaiting the giver’s unannounced visits. Not liking it is not equal to not liking you.
C. “That outfit is waiting for when I lose weight”. It looked great then but let the ‘new you’ be happy and define where you want to be.
D. “We don’t talk anymore and I don’t even remember why”. Unresolved issues!
A challenge in de-cluttering is to look beyond the surface. Consider this: you have an attachment to the things you own and people you know, some more than others. They have given you purpose so it may be difficult to see them as clutter, and let them go with ease and grace. I hear some of you saying that people are not clutter. You are absolutely correct the person is not, however, the relationship you have with them may be clutter.
So, like letting go of things, de-cluttering dysfunctional relationships create a space for the life you deserve. If there are items or relationships you love that are broken, resolve or mend them. Delay and procrastination creates clutter. When is it appropriate to mend or to discard? This is a topic that cannot be covered in this article. However, items can be discarded and some relationships mended without the need for the other person’s presence.
Boosting physical and emotional health
Clutter can cause more trouble than taking credit that you cannot afford from Courts. It can produce low energy, frustration, lack of confidence, irritation and stagnation in all areas of your life, including your relationships. It may be stopping things like the promotion you seek or the flow of money you desire.
More importantly, if left untreated, it can stop you moving forward in your life and experiencing joy. So what can you do about it?
Start by identifying those items in your home that have passed their “sell by” or “value added” date. Items in the trunk waiting for a rainy day, in the glass cabinet waiting for special visitors, or those in the bottom draw for a sudden trip to the hospital.
If you look around and feel overwhelmed, place only 5 clutter items or less in a box each day. Oh, by the way, those items must belong to you; this is not a license to junk someone else’s things that you think is clutter! The items in the box will fall into one of the following categories: Rubbish, recycling, returns or repair.
At the end of each week deal with them accordingly and rejoice that you’ve made a good start; but not by undertaking a shopping trip! If you’re struggling to identify clutter, look at things, habits or relationships you consistently complain about but do little or nothing to change. Look at those for which you think “I am over it/him/her”; but the mere mention changes your mood or emotion. If you need help ask a straight talking relative, friend or someone who is good at letting go with empathy and be ready for their honest reply. They are not attached to your items and may see them for exactly what they are and explain kindly that these items no longer support you.
Knowing how and where to start de-cluttering a home where a loved one has passed or an office with years of accumulated paperwork, is difficult. I recommend you get help. Clearing clutter is not just about creating space for new and more interesting things or people to come into your life; it’s about creating possibilities, giving and forgiving. If it no longer serves you nor brings you joy, let it go as “one person’s clutter is another’s treasure.”
Thank you so much Avis.
So, back to our original question: What you goin’ do on the Day of Pentecost? Someone is about to direct ‘a mighty, rushing wind’ to sweep away accumulated junk. Someone is about to let the ‘fire’ fall on their expendables. Someone is about to discover that less is more. Someone is about free up flowing open spaces for new things and refreshed relationships
Indeed, de-cluttering is so much more than just tidying up. Brace yourself! Fire, fire, fire!!! Whatever you do this Pentecost weekend, I just have this feeling you will approach it with a robust new energy, sure to bring your habitat to the next level of healthy sparkle.
Avis Talbot is a business consultant who manages international projects, implements processes and systems for organisations and individuals. She uses de-cluttering as an integral tool in assisting her clients to become more effective and productive.
Dr. Sam Christian runs the Urgent Care on 137 Bath Road. He is Medical Officer of the Dominica Cadet Corps, Medical Adviser to the Dominica Cancer Society and author of the faith and fitness nutrition book, ‘Mannafast Miracle.’ Dr. Christian can be reached anytime at 440-9133, 615-8345 or by writing to [email protected].
LetsDe-clutterTiffany first
De-clutter self first or have you done so already?
Ppl like Gloria Powell living in Toronto should learn or must learn from this article
Dr. Sam, I am not going to say much about your subject of de-cluttering, because I am guilty by most of your list above. But I am glad that you mention that some of us do not want to de-clutter because of having expensive and new things—that is my problem; for I love to shop, and most of the time I buy things which I do not need—especially clothing—I have clothes from since years and years ago, which I have never used. The same is for things for the bedroom, the bathroom, and the kitchen. Books and stationery items are all over the place—but I am still shopping.
The truth is that, in thinking that I should get rid of them, for the sake of having more space around me—I remember that we are living in a time when shortage, could become a burden for us—I say to myself that those things would be useful in times like that
However I like your introduction as you asked: Is it only you who can remember those old things. No! It is not only you, because I can complete what you are saying here, with: “On the “Day of Pentecost, when the fire will fall on you”
I heard that song many times, when I was growing up—but the truth is that I never received it as being bad. Today I know the truth about it; and I have the great filling that you were trying to send the message to your readers—that today, Sunday, June 8, is Pentecost Sunday—but according to our Christian Calendar.
I say, according to our Christian Calendar, because the Gospels tell us that Pentecost was a celebration of ancient Israel, which followed the Passover Celebration, 50 days later—Passover celebrations happened in the middle of first month of the Jewish Calendar—we know also that Jesus died during the Passover week.
Acts 2 tells us that Holy Spirit began to reign in this world, right after He indwelt the 120 of Jesus’ disciples, who were in an upper room waiting for that anointing—the Promise of the Father, the New Covenant which He made with His chosen people—the way by which He would teach them to know Him—for knowledge of God Almighty, Eternal Spirit, who is Christ through His Person of Love, the name is Jesus—is evidence of Eternal Life in us.
The Gospels also tell us that Jesus spent 40 days on Earth before He ascended into Heaven, and 10 days after His ascension He sent Holy Spirit—the promise of the Father through Him,
Pentecost is known as White or Whit Sunday—because it happened 50 days after the Passover. Jesus sent His Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost—50 days after His resurrection and ascension. The Bible is true—but are we following its truth?
If so, why are we using the message of the Bible for the sake of worldly pleasures –such as Pentecost Monday—when very few knows what is Pentecost about.
Where is the message, of the Bishop of Roseau, on a Day like this one—and not those messages of carnival or lent which he always speaks. One is all about the pleasures of the world and the other is from his religious concept –not from the Bible.
Dr. Christian, hope you had a blessed Pentecost and that on Sunday, you went to the Church where you were baptized. . . .
No matter what our status, we do have certain items which we could donate for a good cause.
Pertaining to clutter, I do think everyone is guilty of that except, some more so than others. Some people are addicted and keep either purchasing or searching for those items. There are some who dig in garbage bins for discarded items.
There is clutter and clutter. As for me I love a de-cluttered home. I am always tidying and if necessary, getting rid of unused items. I love a clean and tidy place.
There are some items that are necessary to keep for use. We may not use them at all times. How about dishes, cups and saucers for everyday use and those when we have invitees. Surely, the latter, we cannot get rid of these.
In this Canadian country, most people give to charitable organizations. Twice a year, in Spring and Fall – Autumn, St. Vincent de Paul Society – Catholic, rents a truck which is placed in the church parking lot. This is the time when we put away the seasonal clothing and take out the ones we need for the present season. This is a chore in itself. You resided in the US therefore you are well-acquainted with this.
On different weekends, they go to all the Catholic Churches. At those times, the truck is full. The clothes, dishes and other items donated are given to the needy; also when refugees arrive and are in need of. There are always people who are in need of. Some are sent overseas to third world countries.
We also have other charitable organizations which we can also donate good used, clean items to which they sell to raise funds for their organization. You will be amazed to know that there are people who purchase them who are not poor. Therefore, our unwanted or no longer wanted items are made good use of.
The saying, “The poor benefit from the rich.” I will say, the well-to-do or not too well-to-do.
There are some people who throw them out. I informed someone not to do that but give them to some charitable organizations. There are many of them in the city. A few will also pick them up from the home.
It is similar to wasting food. It hurts my heart if I have to throw out food. My mother always said, “Waste not, want not.” I am very cautious about wasting food and do pass her words along to others. We must do our utmost never to waste anything and avoid clutter.
It is wise to be organized. If a home is cluttered and overly so, it is a mark of disorganization and also an addiction, a sickness as well. It could add to a confusion of mind and an unhappy atmosphere. From time to time we read about people who cluttered and the health authorities have to step in and do something about it.
While I am at it, there are those who keep their vehicles cluttered. Some also have a fume; not properly ventilated. You do find this in especially the big countries.
As I stated in one of your articles, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” Overall cleanliness and practicing general hygiene. Some people are lacking it.
Although I have read about clutter, as also seen on TV, your article is informative. I am certain it will benefit everyone who reads it who they may also inform others about.
You know right now, I have a garage at one of buildings, it is cultured if I was in there and there arise a cause for me to run out of there, I doubt I would make it. I have old tyers, which I will never use again. Those cost a thousand dollars each. I can only use them for a certain period of time since they are high performance, so when we change them the threads still appear as if they can be used for another year; and based on that I entertain the idea I will need them later.
Every stove, refrigerator, dishwasher I remove from the tenants apartments is in that place, the problem with that is I do all of my repairs, and when I am overwhelmed, I simply pile them up, and go and buy a new one because one cannot keep the tenants waiting.
Old cars, am not going to ever drive again in the back yard, I must move those all due to an ultimatum from the City of Los Angeles, If I do not get rid of them the city will move them and bill me, and I do not wish to deal with that.
There is an office in my house, old electronic components, is the problem; I have as many old Television, Radio’s and computers. Saturday, I threw three old Monitors in the trash bin, about twenty minuets ago when I was taking the trash out, (I took out me old monitors from de trash we man: hahahahahahahahahahahahah, and decide I am going to fix them eh.
As for clothes, and shoes, I have boxes sitting there, the last time I got rid of some I sent them to Dominica to someone. My worst enemy is a collection of canceled cheque’s. Every single check I wrote dating back to when I first came here thirty plus years ago, I have them stored away in a room in my house, that place called me office. When the banks stop returning canceled cheque’s, I commenced storing the statements, and the reason I do that is in the event someone would make the claim I did not pay them, and on time.
That paid off a while back when Mortgage company, Homeq made the claim I owed them thousand of dollars, we ended in court, the I fought them for more than five years, and the battle, when I presented every cheque I wrote, date and how much, and when the Mortgage Company processed them. It eventually cost them more than two hundred thousand dollars, plus my court cost. Right now I am about to take them back to court, for a breach of agreement. They were obligated to remove all the derogatory reporting they have on my credit report, and after more than five years they have not remove them, so I am suing for damages this time.
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
Yes, Doctor Christian, I heard of the song “What you going to do on the day of Pentecost when the fire fall on you.” Sometime ago I mentioned it on DNO in one my responses.
I still remember it.
From hearing them sing I learned a few of their songs, one of which is, “My Home is in Heaven…” They were nice tunes.
I think there are two of them who reside in D/ca. I spoke to one of them sometime ago. In fact when I telephone again I will try to remember to ask him. This should make him laugh. I feel he will say to me, you remember that? I have a good memory. 
Then the following year at carnival time, a band played it in calypso tempo. They added a few words to it. I can tell you it was hot, hot, hot.
In those days, as I passed by in Roseau, I recall hearing it sung by a religious group on Queen Mary Street. They would sing religious songs and preach in the evenings not too far from the old bridge, as we called it then. That area was filled with loiterers on the sidewalks. D/ca had few vehicles then and so they would also stand on the street. I suppose it was an appropriate area to preach and sing religious songs. They had a grand audience.
Do you recall where the Fingals lived on Queen Mary Street? That area was extremely noisy at nights. Their house had a second floor with a veranda. I often wonder how they put up with all that noise in the evenings. I suppose they got accustomed to it.
When I visit home, if I remember, I will ask one of them who still resides in D/ca.
Anyway, those were memorable days. From time to time we do reminisce and get a good laugh too about whatever occurred then, if amusing, as one conversation leads to another.
No place like our sweet Dominica, our beautiful country!
Another good article Dr. Christian. I could actually hear the lightheartedness with which you wrote this article.
The information is rather relevant and I like the fact that you listed the effects that hoarding does have on the individual and others closely related to the individual hoarder.
Good Job
Not one of your most ‘medical’ articles Doc, but definately one your most insightful.
I like the way you recruit expertise and experience from high and low for our reading pleasure. Am always guaranteed to get something good to chew on when I click on ‘Sparkle.’
I am pleased that Dr Christian is bringing us information such as this by Ms Talbot. We need such wisdom in our lives. Personally I need to clear my desk of stuff I think I may use but have not touched in a year. We’ll doc, you keep us refreshed with info beyond the silly politics of self destruction. GOD BLESS
Garcon, you too funny!
Doctor always making me laugh. You putting all kinds of songs in my head. And giving me good ideas too. That article was long but I enjoyed reading it.
Another great article! It’s incredible how much a simple cleaning can do for your organization, time management and mental health. This is a great reminder!!!
It is none of my business, but couldn’t you have chosen an more appropriate fictitious name?
“Son of Sam” is a notorious serial killer. A vicious serial murderer, who murdered lots of people in the 1960’s. Caught and I believe is serving a life sentence in jail, might even be dead by now!
Are you the one of the same?
Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque
You are so correct. I am wondering if this person is aware of this man and his repugnant character. Those who know would never use that name.
Some people choose all sorts of strange pseudonyms. It is beyond my comprehension why someone would use it. It is a name that those who heard about this man would today not want to hear about him or as much as mention his name. If they heard it mentioned, they would flinch. He is a dead letter. No one should use that name. It is a NO! NO to use it for obvious reasons!
I am a male. I have a father. I am his son. His name is Sam. I in no way endorse murder.
that is so true less IS FAR BETTER think about if you are someone who home every 5yrs or less or you lost your roof to your home so think on
Great Article, Doc. Got me thinking about my cluttered desk and the material I hoard that have not been touched or opened in donkeys years, Thanks for stirring thought.
I do not believe you.