Click for Clutter

Doesn’t everyone make the same New Year’s resolution every year?  I always do.

Every single January first, I promise myself to get organized.  I never do.

So many people make this resolution that the National Association of Professional Organizers designates January as “Get Organized” Month.  And all the experts repeat the same mantra:  Keep it simple.

Unfortunately, simple is not in my vocabulary.  Or in my life.

Right now I’m feeling a little like Oprah.  Because this year, I’ve spiraled out of control.

Oprah’s gained 40 pounds; I’ve gained maybe 400 pounds.   She’s spread out—and so have I.  From my desk to my office to my closet to my garage.

Then there’s that  ‘”Aha” moment.  For Oprah, it’s the number 2-0-0.  For me, it’s the realization that the clutter has migrated from my living space and invaded my mental space.  And it’s starting to impact my life.

So just like Oprah, it’s time to seize control.

This year, I made the same resolution as always, but with a twist.

I’m making a commitment to clear out my clutter.  On the internet.  Via my new blog, called Click for Clutter.

Starting January 1, I started sorting through the stuff I’ve accumulated for decades.  We’re not talking all junk, although lots of it is.  Lots of it also has value—either sentimental or real.  I can’t begin to imagine everything I’ll find, but it will range from the ridiculous to the sublime.

Every day I will post a new item and ask for a vote.  Should I:

Keep it?

Toss it?

Give it to you? 

Anyone who wants something can write a comment and tell me why, and maybe get it for free.

If this sounds like a drastic step, it is.  I believe there are some powerful emotional issues which explain WHY I collect clutter.  But this isn’t the time to list those reasons.  This is the time for action.  Maybe it’s the economy; maybe I feel lucky; maybe I’m getting older; maybe it’s just the right time.  But after years of clinging to my clutter, finally I feel ready to let it go.

I’ve accumulated too much because I add new things without letting go of enough old things.  I hope to learn my lesson when it comes to clutter.  But it doesn’t hold true for blogs.  Even though I’m adding a new blog, I won’t be letting go of this one.

I hope you’ll read them both from now on.  I’ll provide the clutter.  All you need to do is Click.