CLEAR THE CLUTTER
CAUSES OF CLUTTER THE CULPRITS OF D I S O R G A N I Z AT I O N
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BY CLAUDIA MOSBY
YEARS AGO, I had a friend (like me) who gathered information on interesting causes, projects and opportunities that eventually found its way into a paper stack somewhere in her home. In conversation, she often joked about “our piles.” Those plural piles, however, extended beyond the “we” to me: I almost always had a pile of something on my kitchen counter, bedroom floor and kitchen table. Sometimes those piles were categorically organized (books, bills); sometimes not. Admittedly, organizing my space has been a lifelong struggle. Disorganization creates clutter, whether in the form of paper piles or a hodge-podge of other items strewn about the house, stored in the garage, attic or closet. But understanding and addressing the root cause(s) of disorganization can make the difference between success and failure when attempting to implement decluttering solutions long-term. The Institute for Challenging Disorganization defines chronic disorganization as persistent, recurrent and corrosive to one’s quality of life. In other words, try as we might, we just cannot single-handedly “fix” it. The causes of chronic disorganization vary, as do the remedies, and include brain-based conditions, beliefs about oneself/possessions and situational circumstances. Traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are only a few of the neurological/ neurodevelopmental conditions that can make organization challenging. In my own case, untreated Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder led to repeated battles that ended in defeat. Once identified and properly treated, my ability to plan, prioritize and organize improved. Self-acceptance, commitment to new disciplines and patience have been key.4 continued on page 74
MARCH 2020
www.EnjoyMagazine.com
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