I sat with my stuff (and this is what it told me)

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  • Опубликовано: 2 дек 2024

Комментарии • 632

  • @brookdwyer4554
    @brookdwyer4554 2 года назад +666

    I will pick something up and ask, “What insecurity did this thing promise to fix? Did it fix the insecurity?” Then I get rid of it. Then I remind myself there was nothing wrong with me. I just believed a lie and now I am wiser.

    • @meghoughton562
      @meghoughton562 2 года назад +32

      Wow, that's a smart way to approach that! 👏

    • @luthergirl106
      @luthergirl106 2 года назад +18

      Love this!! Thank you for sharing

    • @MsBubblewrap
      @MsBubblewrap 2 года назад +18

      This just instantly made my decisions so much easier. Thank you!!!

    • @SF-ru3lp
      @SF-ru3lp 2 года назад +11

      Thank you for that wisdom Brook. Very insightful.

    • @voiceojane
      @voiceojane 2 года назад +8

      So true!

  • @robinjackson2354
    @robinjackson2354 2 года назад +199

    God has given you a gift. Several actually, making a peaceful home by managing the inventory, the gift of communication, and the ability to encourage. The most important gift is your kind, non-judgmental attitude. Thank you much for sharing your gifts with all of us.

  • @ellenrebello192
    @ellenrebello192 2 года назад +372

    I took your advise on this and did a tour of my house, camera on, saying out loud all the messages I was getting from the things in my home. When I finished, I wrote it all down, forcing it into a visible to-do list. There were 78 things on that list and seeing it that way I was able to instantly forgive myself for feeling so completely overwhelmed.
    Thank you so much for this liberating perspective.

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  2 года назад +52

      WOW, this is SO good! Way to good Ellen!!!

    • @ellenrebello192
      @ellenrebello192 2 года назад +28

      @@TheMinimalMom Thanks! And thank God your video about doing only three things a day popped into my feed a few days later.

    • @moniquebutler8572
      @moniquebutler8572 2 года назад +11

      What a great idea!

    • @cjrrob7336
      @cjrrob7336 2 года назад +7

      YES!! Way to get it done!!

    • @tgayer1
      @tgayer1 2 года назад +4

      Awesome idea!

  • @AJoyousNoise
    @AJoyousNoise 2 года назад +161

    There is a way to switch your thinking from. “Oh this is cool - I must buy it” and getting the dopamine rush from the purchase to saying “Oh this is so cool - I am so impressed with the creative person who came up with this”. Then put it back on the shelf! Just because it is awesome doesn’t mean I have to own it. I visit craft fairs, museums and zoos and stores with the same mindset!

    • @sonjawinkler6023
      @sonjawinkler6023 2 года назад +13

      Yes! I like it, but I would not like to manage it as inventory...that's a huge difference!😎

    • @olivemaycards
      @olivemaycards 2 года назад +9

      Exactly that! I’m glad this exists and that I got to see it, just like art in a museum.

    • @TheDriftwoodlover
      @TheDriftwoodlover 2 года назад +2

      Great idea!

    • @texasmimi5566
      @texasmimi5566 2 года назад +15

      I heard this from Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and author of "The Purpose Driven Life: "I can (learn to) admire without having to acquire". This is easy to incorporate into one's shopping habits.

    • @malibenshachar8122
      @malibenshachar8122 2 года назад +7

      I've found it helpful to take a picture of something that I really like but find hard to resist purchasing, especially when traveling. It helps in releasing it (I've never gone back to look at the photos).

  • @Clutterbug
    @Clutterbug 2 года назад +342

    This is so true! I have so much that's I've bought in hopes that it could improve me somehow. Now that stuff just makes me feel bad. Loved this video.

    • @sonjawinkler6023
      @sonjawinkler6023 2 года назад +9

      On point Cas!👍 your content is also veery helpful❤🧡💛💚💙🙏

    • @susanwilliams2807
      @susanwilliams2807 2 года назад +13

      Cas and Dawn you both have such valid points to drive home.
      Listening to either one of you is like going to a good therapy session.
      So many Provoking Thoughts with do-able Action Plans.

    • @mariegarcia3560
      @mariegarcia3560 2 года назад +11

      🌈💫 Ah, yes! The forbidden apple of self-improvement 🍎 Since the beginning of time, Eve has given in to the very reasonable temptation of All the Things that promise to make her a better, easier, happier, positive, and more powerful life. Unfortunately, All the Things just leave Eve feeling icky, ashamed, and divided in her relationships. And YET, that doesn’t have to be the end of the story for us! We can find find a path forward through the pain of hard work, and REDEMPTION through a new CONDITION where Eve values her gift of LIFE and RELATIONSHIPS. So, if you can relate to Eve (like I do), then release All the Things and take hold of a truly beautiful Life.

    • @junipertree6048
      @junipertree6048 2 года назад +4

      Cas you are the one that kicks me in the tush and gets me up and doing. You know that little naughty voice in our heads that talks mean, well you speak to it directly and kickbutt! Dawn is our calm reminder and you are our just do it. Love you both!

    • @stephanied6711
      @stephanied6711 2 года назад

      Same

  • @christinefreche1115
    @christinefreche1115 2 года назад +123

    My stuff talked to me this weekend and I spoke back. I donated over 30 pounds of clothes, two trips to goodwill and several bags of garbage. You are right, this stuff does not make you happy it creates clutter and unnecessary anxiety. Thank you Dawn.

  • @aliciamarin5226
    @aliciamarin5226 2 года назад +84

    I'm starting to look at the things that I let go as "that was a good try". As in, I tried it, hoping for it to do whatever I needed to. But it didn't. So it was a good try. Another positive spin on how to get things out the door.

    • @stephaniet7753
      @stephaniet7753 2 года назад +5

      Thank you for sharing this very helpful perspective.

    • @reneekalanui2920
      @reneekalanui2920 2 года назад +7

      Another catchphrase I learned that helps me let go of stuff that I thought I wanted but didn't work out, or even things that I did need but aren't working for me anymore is this: "that was fun but now I'm done". I say it out loud and then send the item away (trash, donate, sell, whatever). It's just as freeing to me emotionally as is Marie Kondo's method of thanking the item I'm parting with for whatever it contributed to my life at the time I accepted/brought it in to my life. These methods make the experience of letting go a positive one without feeling guilt or beating myself up by thinking I "made a mistake". Instead it's a lesson learned. :)

    • @melissalepage5913
      @melissalepage5913 2 года назад +1

      Excellent strategy!

    • @Saforra99
      @Saforra99 2 года назад +4

      That's a great way to think about it-- I've also heard (although I can't remember who said it) "Thank you for teaching me something about myself" -- even if that thing is: "Nope, I really don't like/wear ____"

    • @faithfielder9493
      @faithfielder9493 2 года назад +4

      "Good try" is going to be my mantra now. Thank you for posting.

  • @emilyharrison1340
    @emilyharrison1340 2 года назад +45

    I love that your career was marketing (it was that your major) and now you’re telling us how to not fall prey to the marketing. 🤣

  • @anitas5817
    @anitas5817 2 года назад +40

    I am over 60 and have long since stopped letting others make me feel bad about myself. I didn’t realize all the little ways I’m still doing it to myself. This is more than just the silent to-do list. It’s the silent self-criticism list. Which isn’t really silent at all if I just listen for it.

  • @kristinakalas8100
    @kristinakalas8100 2 года назад +89

    You are GOLD, Dawn! Your true strength is giving us the creative analogies we need to make sense of decluttering.

    • @donnashelton1974
      @donnashelton1974 2 года назад +3

      Exactly so! She really helps me in real ways.

  • @meaghanorlinski8464
    @meaghanorlinski8464 2 года назад +2

    There is another RUclipsr called the Crappy Childhood Fairy, and she talks about how people with difficult childhoods "crapfit" things.
    Adjust.Fidget. Make them work. Keep them. Shove them. Fix them again and again. Because you were always just grasping at straws trying to make whatever came your way work. Not just things, but also jobs and friends.
    In some ways having an intentional thing that brings joy and works well for some people is a very foreign concept. Your way of looking at it is really helpful.

  • @jennifercrowley6621
    @jennifercrowley6621 2 года назад +33

    My husband told me this same thing last week. He said “Go for the gold, and get rid of the rest!” He’s going to love to hear that you’re saying, too 🥰

    • @robinr5337
      @robinr5337 2 года назад

      "Go for the gold..." I needed to hear that.

  • @dee4435
    @dee4435 2 года назад +1

    As a former marketing person, I'll add this: Once we "hear, see, read" a company name seven times -- it becomes ingrained into our brains. Thus, we are unable to forget that connection to their product or service. Thank you for this video. You are brilliant.

  • @rachelernest8811
    @rachelernest8811 2 года назад +43

    I would love a part 2 of this message about how to tell the "gold" from "fools gold". I have gotten rid of all the sand but having a hard time telling the real treasure.

  • @annestibich6804
    @annestibich6804 2 года назад +65

    My children are in their 20s now. Looking back to when they were young, I have no regrets about any THING that I didn’t buy them. I only regret missed time together, missed adventures, missed conversations.

    • @sonjawinkler6023
      @sonjawinkler6023 2 года назад +1

      @Anne I would like to hug you
      💙💚💛🧡❤

  • @chall1232
    @chall1232 2 года назад +86

    Love this message ❤️
    I always say, why are you using things you don't like? As a minimalist I spend everyday only using my favorite things. It's such a peaceful feeling to walk into a room filled with all your favorite stuff 😍 and not a bunch of stuff that taunt you

  • @cheryldaniel15
    @cheryldaniel15 2 года назад +101

    This really resonates. I've always had a feeling of just not ever feeling comfortable or relaxed in my own home no matter where I lived. It was something I tried to fix by constantly rearranging and bringing new stuff in not realizing that was part of the actual problem. As I've been on this journey of less, the more I edit and declutter the better I feel in my home. Like I've been holding my breath all this time and finally being able to exhale.

    • @katiesoderling3596
      @katiesoderling3596 2 года назад +2

      I’ve felt the same way about every home I’ve moved to! Great insight! Thank you!

    • @sheiladyck4768
      @sheiladyck4768 2 года назад +2

      Wow - what you described is exactly how I feel. I've always considered myself a minimalist, but have gone through phases of bringing stuff in and then not liking it at all - not feeling comfortable or relaxed!!

  • @maryhill7479
    @maryhill7479 2 года назад +19

    Best decluttering video I’ve ever seen! The point about decluttering means you’re having to face bad decisions you made really resonated and helped me understand why it’s so exhausting to do. Thank you for this!

  • @melissaj2207
    @melissaj2207 2 года назад +32

    Dawn, yours were the FIRST videos that I saw that really resonated with me on how I really didn’t need all our stuff! Your channel is relatable, genuine, positive and most of all kindly stated…. That’s your “gold”, each and every video! Thank you!!! :)

  • @pnevarez2865
    @pnevarez2865 2 года назад +82

    "You need to suck in when you're wearing me!" That made me laugh out loud, and I can totally relate to that
    ! So funny. By the way, that shirt you are wearing is a lovely color on you !

  • @heidinye2282
    @heidinye2282 2 года назад +12

    This literally was what I needed to hear. My whole house is screaming at me all day/night!

  • @myaccount9498
    @myaccount9498 2 года назад +10

    Thank you so much Dawn for yr ongoing encouragement. Yesterday a friend came + helped me declutter my kitchen and we culled about 40%. So much is bagged up to be donated to thrift shops. Now when I walk in my kitchen I feel calm + so happy (instead of anxious + stessed). Blessings from Australia 🇦🇺 🙏

  • @Christina-ip7eq
    @Christina-ip7eq 2 года назад +14

    Love the message of "there's nothing wrong with YOU." So many of us need to hear that these days. We're so hard on ourselves for basically being "duped" into some of these purchases.
    These videos when you just sit and talk to us, Dawn, they are my favorite. You seem to have such a good heart and really care about your purpose in life. Thank you 🌼

  • @paisley8519
    @paisley8519 2 года назад +71

    I literally just finished working a pan for gold … and the happy feeling I get when I get rid of the clutter of rocks and find a piece of gold is exactly the same happy I feel when I walk into a room that I’ve decluttered. It’s found gold! 😁 Perfect analogy Dawn!

    • @jeanvaux3816
      @jeanvaux3816 2 года назад

      My gold is specific to me….not my mom’s stuff, my in-law’s stuff.
      And clutter makes us feel unsafe. That’s GOLD.

  • @Becka034
    @Becka034 2 года назад +49

    The first video (almost a year ago) I watched of yours was about the silent to do list our stuff gives us- and I was HOOKED!!! I am so glad I found you and your videos a year ago. I had so much stress/anxiety and so much stuff. I still have some anxiety- but it is not nearly as bad since becoming more minimalistic. Thanks- you make a difference and I am so grateful for your videos

    • @sonjawinkler6023
      @sonjawinkler6023 2 года назад +1

      Me too! I love the concept of "the silent to do list"😌👍

    • @pamelaq6185
      @pamelaq6185 2 года назад +1

      My first video too...now I'm hooked..just like Dawn heard Joshua Becker, I needed to hear Dawn say, you don't need all that stuff ❤️ 🙌 Amen to that!

  • @debbydoodler33
    @debbydoodler33 2 года назад +24

    Oooh, "do I ENJOY managing this?" What a great next level question. Dawn, the whole inventory management approach has been so illuminating for me, and it has been validating to hear you say, "I can actually manage a LOT less inventory than I thought." That is so me. I feel like I've been pretty good about not accumulating too much (helpful to have lived in small spaces!) but even then I spent so much of last year donating stuff - a LOT of stuff. Anyway, great decluttering question, and also useful for any new purchases: will I enjoy managing this?

  • @maureenkoch7774
    @maureenkoch7774 2 года назад +34

    Thank you!!! We bought our first home last September and I have several boxes that I’ve still not unpacked. I’ve donated so many things but I’ve honestly moved the same 3-4 boxes twice now and they just need to go. These items have been in boxes for 5 years and I’ve had this feeling that I just need to let them go. This video inspired me to address those boxes this week.

  • @jesehadwen4567
    @jesehadwen4567 2 года назад +22

    I've been purging. It's been fun. I gave myself permission to throw stuff away. I've been holding on to stuff I didn't need for decades. Packed up and moved some of this stuff literally 14 times! This is awesome. I need to see my stuff or I forget that I have it . but I had too much stuff to see it all. There are so many craft and sewing projects that were never going to get done. I have Fibromyalgia so there is a lot of stuff I just can't do anymore. I makes me sad to see all the stuff i can't do anymore but never got done.

    • @texasmimi5566
      @texasmimi5566 2 года назад +4

      I can relate, but I have discovered once it is gone I don't think about it again, at least not in a regretful way. I am always glad/relieved it is finally gone!

    • @asavannah7439
      @asavannah7439 2 года назад

      That's great. I was always pretty good at decluttering. However, ever since I started watching Minimalism channels on RUclips I have gotten rid of more stuff than ever before. The other day I donated something from 1997 🥳

  • @jodimurphy8440
    @jodimurphy8440 2 года назад +10

    Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
    And CS Lewis said, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
    We try to fill our lives with possessions, experiences, relationships, sinful passions…even “good” things likes philanthropy, service, and, dare I say, minimalism. On some level, we ARE the problem, but not in the sense you’re saying (I get the point of your video). We are sinners looking anywhere, but God for fulfillment. Once we accept these things, we’ll realize that our time on this earth is fleeting, we have a complete perspective change.
    Dawn, I have sure appreciated you and your channel over the last several years. Thanks for helping us make the most of our time here.

  • @gaild9003
    @gaild9003 2 года назад +35

    YOU are gold Dawn! I love the way you explain things and how genuine you are. I just looked around my house and spotted some things that are pure gold, and some things that are definitely not. I think this will help me make decluttering decisions! You look extra pretty today by the way - your hair looks amazing!

  • @gailtester8749
    @gailtester8749 2 года назад +21

    Dawn I don't know how you manage to keep making this topic feel fresh and new but you keep doing it! Great food for thought today! I have a Nutra bullet in my laundry room that I bought at 1/2 price on Cyber Monday and haven't even unboxed it. I bought a stand mixer on sale the same day and have used it ONCE! Argh. I get influenced by You Tubers...but prefer my Vita mix and hand mixer. Time to let it go. I'll try selling them.

    • @texasmimi5566
      @texasmimi5566 2 года назад +2

      Yep, that marketing got to you so they did their job. Just remember, don't be so quick to give up your/your family's hard earned money to buy a product that you really don't need and make an already wealthy company even wealthier. That usually means the "powers that be" and the stockholders, NOT the hard workers who do the actual work for US.

  • @pinkroses135
    @pinkroses135 Месяц назад

    6:13 This approach has saved me lots of mental energy. I create the life I love and the other stuff becomes a no vs combing through every single bit

  • @Jeannette.akaJnett
    @Jeannette.akaJnett 2 года назад +1

    My stuff has been talking to me for quite sometime. It also was speaking to my husband and I feel awful because it never happened before he passed away. I still feel the stuff has to go. I want to find just the "gold" and nothing else. Thanks for this message. Much needed.

  • @annmerchant452
    @annmerchant452 2 года назад +27

    I love your down to earth approach to decluttering & the examples & comparisons you give. I have learned much from your videos, which is saying a lot given my personality & age ("you don't know everything" & 68 yo). I thoroughly enjoy your conversations with your clothes & other possessions. Perhaps I need to listen to my clothes more instead of just telling them to shut up & slamming the closet door on them. 😄

  • @virgierutledge3004
    @virgierutledge3004 2 года назад +1

    I just visited my older wonderful sister of 80. She asked us to take some tubs and boxes out of a closet for her to rummage through. I laughingly told her to get the Christmas wrap out and give it all away. But truthfully we know, no one else would want it. I think she as many of us do remember the great times that some things represent: Tripoloy game, others. She really needs someone to clean and paint the closet. I will give her credit, at least she is trying to sort.

  • @libbyneves5457
    @libbyneves5457 2 года назад +2

    Wait! You had four children in four years, worked at home with them in the room with you? You have nothing to apologize for.
    Girl, please.
    You are my environmental guru.
    Thanks for all you share with us.

  • @alexisquinn2784
    @alexisquinn2784 2 года назад +49

    This speaks to our life long journeys to find and respect our authentic selves and the peace it can bring to our lives. I believe your video will help many others find their true gold. Thank you Dawn.

    • @courtneyanderson3108
      @courtneyanderson3108 2 года назад

      Thank you so much, Dawn, for all the time and effort you put into thinking about and making these wonderful videos! You are such an inspiration to me and so many others! I've been on this decluttering journey for about 3 1/2 years now. I've purged quite a bit, especially in the beginning. Now, with some of the more sentimental items (photos, etc) and with our busy kiddos, it's a more tricky process.😁
      But that's ok. Little by little I'm getting there! I have to remember my family is Gold, too!❤️😊
      Thanks again for all you do! We love you and your sweet family!
      ❤️ Marietta Anderson

  • @delessesylvie953
    @delessesylvie953 2 года назад +17

    Today's video made me cry ! You are now the kind voice helping us all to live a better life. Thank you so much Dawn for opening our eyes !

  • @maryfons6449
    @maryfons6449 2 года назад +4

    Thank you Dawn, you really need to read and reread some of these awesome comments! I like crafting and listening to you and cleaning and listening to you and just pondering and listening to you but started reading the comments recently and they’re just as uplifting so yes love you and love your audience!

  • @mollyadkins8882
    @mollyadkins8882 2 года назад +1

    I've been following you--encouraged by you!- for at least a year. Despite our differences-- age--location--eating habits-- YOU and your approach to minimalism (AKA - a sane lifestyle) have impacted my life more than any other "minimalist/organizer/RUclips advisor.
    This video is ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‼️👍👍👍, and so encouraging.
    Don't stop sharing your "take" on minimalism and lifestyle,, Dawn.
    Your honesty is lifesaving. 💗

  • @justinewhite-hadley3138
    @justinewhite-hadley3138 2 года назад +8

    Wow. You just made me cry. I've always felt there was something wrong with me because I bought too much and had guilt to let it go. You are right. There is nothing wrong with me!! I have a lot of delayed decisions laying around, stacked in boxes and bins. But I'm not broken. I can let it go guilt free because I am ok.

  • @sandienichols9781
    @sandienichols9781 2 года назад +1

    The other day I had decided to take everything out of a space and only put back those things that are important to me or other family members. I like the idea of looking for the gold. Thank you for sharing!

  • @theresahoward7216
    @theresahoward7216 2 года назад +29

    This video loaded literally moments after I finished a hard conversation with my Mom about my parents clutter and their mental and physical well being. They are by no means hoarders or dirty but the clutter is real. Everything in this video reaffirms why I want to help them. We made a major step today because we picked an area to start in and put it on our calendars... I am sending them this video now.

    • @texasmimi5566
      @texasmimi5566 2 года назад +2

      This was no coincidence...........

    • @theresahoward7216
      @theresahoward7216 2 года назад +1

      @@texasmimi5566 amen.

    • @stargazerbird
      @stargazerbird 2 года назад +2

      I have the same problem with my in laws. I do wonder if the inability to manage their stuff is just part of aging. They just get exhausted making decisions.

    • @theresahoward7216
      @theresahoward7216 2 года назад

      @@stargazerbird for my parents it started becoming an issue when my mom started loosing her mobility. My Dad has always
      Leaned tword having too much stuff...the pandemic sort of tipped the scales because there were no longer outside people coming over so it has gotten worse. Mom used to just go through stuff on a regular basis. It is heartbreaking for me because I lived in that house and know how much lighter it was and felt. We are going to try...and I know I am going to upset my Dad...but it has to be done.

  • @louhale22
    @louhale22 2 года назад +15

    I'm planning a 30 day declutter challenge for July!! I can definitely hear my stuff yelling at me!

  • @nonnieTerri
    @nonnieTerri 2 года назад +1

    What a healthy way to address clutter. It’s good to hear that it’s not us. We all fall victim to marketing at times but being aware of that is helpful. We have permission to let all this stuff go that didn’t work for us or made us feel uncomfortable.

  • @10dailychangemakers1
    @10dailychangemakers1 2 года назад +3

    Seeing the kiddos so tiny. 🥰🥰🥰.

  • @OtherDianne
    @OtherDianne 2 года назад +2

    This is so good. Just shifting your focus to what really works (the gold) is huge. A number of years ago, I washed and folded all our linens and sorted them by size and category, then put them in stacks around our room. I had previously made a list of how many sets of each size of sheets would be ideal for our family. How many towels, how many dish towels, etc. Then I took that list and if it said that I needed 2 sets of queen sheets (1 winter, 1 summer), I picked out the 2 best (the gold) and all the rest went into the donation bag. Previously, I just kept everything I "liked" which never let me get ahead of things. It's amazing what the right mindset and approach can do for you in decluttering!!

  • @michelletucker6790
    @michelletucker6790 2 года назад +8

    Dawn, I wish I could “heart” this video 1,000 times!!! I can’t count how many times I used to ask myself this before finding you. 😓 I’m so thankful that I didn’t have to wait any longer to hear this message when I found your channel almost 3 years ago! This video is GOLD and I will keep repeating, “There is nothing wrong with you!!” Thank you for sharing this message. ❤️

  • @sueallen558
    @sueallen558 2 года назад +6

    I love the silent to do list! It makes so much sense that my things can make me feel a certain way. Your previous video on this concept was life changing for me!

  • @ldl12
    @ldl12 2 года назад +4

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom! You have a gift for reframing ho-hum decluttering content into big ah-ha moments. I’m on the downslope of a 4+year declutter/downsize & even though I’m over the hump of the project, I still find new strategies & ways of thinking about “stuff” in your content. The joy of furnishing & decorating our new, smaller home with only the”gold” has far outweighed the stress of letting go.

  • @karenrowles9788
    @karenrowles9788 2 года назад +2

    The most difficult component of this journey is parting with my shoes, especially the high heel designer brands that I LOVED back in the day. I have over 30 pairs of gorgeous shoes that I haven’t worn in probably 20 years because having kids made them completely impractical. When I look in my closet I am now seeing a season that is over.

  • @LieseSemans
    @LieseSemans 2 года назад +24

    I cannot express how much your videos have changed the way I look at my stuff. I’m slowly working on streamlining my environment so I spend less of my free time cleaning. My house feels like I can breath in it again. Just waiting for the rest of the family to catch on, namely my eighteen year old daughter whose inventory is too high (aka clothes!).

  • @dbartz5510
    @dbartz5510 2 года назад +22

    I have felt this way in my past. Well spoken! Living with less feels so freeing!😊

  • @aleithea2715
    @aleithea2715 2 года назад +15

    Great video Dawn. You have an excellent way of explaining things.

    • @TheMinimalMom
      @TheMinimalMom  2 года назад +2

      That means more than you know Aleithea! Thank you!

    • @pamelaq6185
      @pamelaq6185 2 года назад +1

      YES 🙏

  • @emilymiller2772
    @emilymiller2772 2 года назад +9

    Dawn, I just love your gentle spirit and warm heart. Thank you for emphasizing this again, that there is nothing wrong with US! I, too, had, and still have (but I'm working on it!) areas in my home that are making me feel yucky, that I need to declutter more. Thank you for continuing to encourage us, and reminding us that we don't have to look like others, and that life is not about having more stuff!

  • @JaneH3675
    @JaneH3675 Год назад

    I like a warm cozy feel to my home, but without clutter. Am working on achieving that. I have a box I am currently filling up to get out of my house. I'm nearly 60 and feel the need to simplify my home. So glad to come across these very helpful videos. Thank you! 💕

  • @lotsoflovestephanie-joy9060
    @lotsoflovestephanie-joy9060 2 года назад +1

    Love the "Gold" standard 👌 👏 thanks Dawn!

  • @tinacasilli6763
    @tinacasilli6763 2 года назад

    Such an excellent analogy...searching for the gold sifting through the sand!

  • @amy03755
    @amy03755 2 года назад +2

    Love the 12:46 minute mark and forward. THANK YOU! So true! My parents I care for now have freedom in their home because it's super easy to navigate and ONLY the "GOLD" items are left. ❤️❤️❤️Thank you Dawn

  • @julesa870
    @julesa870 2 года назад

    I LOVE that your family read "Snuggle Puppy!" Warmed my heart as I used to read it to my now-21-year-old son at least once a day! Thanks for sharing your life, your passion and your heart with us, Dawn! Praying blessing and favor over you, Tom and your family right now!

  • @nicolerinaldo9546
    @nicolerinaldo9546 2 года назад +2

    One of your best videos. Thank you for telling me it's ok. There's nothing wrong with me. And looking for gold!! Yes, I will. You have a special knack for explaining this stuff.

  • @angelahagemeyer698
    @angelahagemeyer698 2 года назад +2

    I love the gold analogy. Makes complete sense! I always enjoy your videos because they are so applicable.

  • @tistheseasonforpoetrybyvan239
    @tistheseasonforpoetrybyvan239 2 года назад

    I panned for GOLD! I set the timer for the same time I spent watching this video. I conquered my dreaded bathroom closet and kept only the GOLD in less time than it took to watch your teaching. Thank you.

  • @ThKiwi
    @ThKiwi 2 года назад +3

    I’m passing along a pricy carpet cleaner I bought shortly before we replaced all of our carpet with vinyl flooring. I could be mad at myself for the money spent, or I could be thankful that it was within my budget and now I get to help a new mama who wants a carpet cleaner for her place.

    • @trumax33
      @trumax33 2 года назад +1

      I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who purchased a carpet cleaner right before we replaced the carpet with LVP!

  • @juliemix3373
    @juliemix3373 2 года назад +16

    This is one of your best. Thank you so much for figuring this out and presenting it so clearly.
    Cheers

  • @phoenixrising8007
    @phoenixrising8007 2 года назад

    Every single item in your space is sending a message 💥
    Clutter is a form of consumerism marketing

  • @lizzabbott
    @lizzabbott 2 года назад +1

    My golden ray of sunshine ... that’s YOU, Dawn ! Thank you for being our wise and caring friend as we all progress on this Journey together !

  • @Larryharrybarry
    @Larryharrybarry 2 года назад +2

    It's important to also recognize the portals through which you are being manipulated. Is it TV ads? Shut it off or.....eliminate it from your home. Magazines? Unsubscribe or don't buy them. Is it your friends , or social media influences? You know what to do. In other words, where are the vulnerable points of entry for manipulation. Energy into managing THOSE vs energy into managing the stuff.

  • @narelleworks8448
    @narelleworks8448 2 года назад +1

    When we know better we do better. You are increasing my know better. 👍🏻🇦🇺💜

  • @amyhind6436
    @amyhind6436 Год назад

    I appreciate this! I listen to you as I go through my clothes. It’s astonishing how much you help me, It’s so great to hear you say it’s ok to let go, there is nothing wrong with me. It doesn’t add value. ❤️

  • @debbieherman2410
    @debbieherman2410 2 года назад

    Thank you. Binged 15-20 of your videos and now I am doing an 'anxiety driven' purging, cleaning and redecorating after taking my baby to university yesterday. I can't believe how cathartic this process is. I have been needing to do this for years. I can breath again. Still have more purging to do but I'm on a roll. Thank you.

  • @LilySeastars0223
    @LilySeastars0223 2 года назад +1

    Wow. My psychologist has told me most of my issues are from never having felt SAFE. No wonder minimalism resonates so well with me. Thank you for being that gentle voice for me Dawn.

  • @kalistawatson9884
    @kalistawatson9884 2 года назад +4

    Seriously, when I feel stressed out by my home or kids, I hop on and watch one of your videos. Afterwards I feel more grounded and calm. Thanks for being a peaceful place in this crazy world.

  • @cindynielson4231
    @cindynielson4231 2 года назад +2

    Wow Dawn this is a great message. I avoid what I need to do by going down the RUclips rabbit hole. I have taken Cas's bug test several times, I'm a cricket so I want to have everything perfect. I really needed this message. TFS 💯👍👏🥰

  • @helenebennie3961
    @helenebennie3961 2 года назад

    The thing that hit me is "We need to make it a priority to declutter our house." Not as a guilt-inducing we "should do" or we "ought to" but because there is a lot at stake here. Stress hormones. And we need to feel safe in our own homes. (From 10.35.) A priority - as in number 1 (or 2 or 3) thing to get done. Priority makes it that more urgent. It requires a decision. It requires commitment, not "should" or "ought" but WILL!

  • @michelleprice5945
    @michelleprice5945 2 года назад +1

    The amount of clothes I bought in my 20's makes me sick, I know I bought the clothes because I went from a size 12 to a 6 when I started working out and eating better. Now I'm my 40's and having since decluttered most of the items I realized shopping made me temporarily happy!

  • @annaallen641
    @annaallen641 2 года назад +1

    "l'll make you..... " absolutely love it Dawn, pure gold! Hi from New Zealand

  • @ellenhawkins128
    @ellenhawkins128 2 года назад +10

    Your hair is on-point today, Dawn! Have a great day!

  • @annab524
    @annab524 2 года назад

    Every time I watch one of your videos I get motivated to donate/ trash more items. Right now I have a small to medium size box that I am still filling up. It's AWESOME to have less to manage. Cleaning made simple. Thanks Dawn!!

  • @lindamusser7370
    @lindamusser7370 2 года назад +1

    I had three kids in three and a half years and then had two more. I had all those thoughts of failure every single night when I went to bed. I love what you said, "Decluttering takes a ton of emotional bandwidth." I always thought there was something weird about me that it was so hard. Looking for gold is key.

  • @janabuchheit3389
    @janabuchheit3389 2 года назад +2

    Thank God! I don't know why, as an educated adult, I feel like this need for permission to say goodbye to the "fool's" gold which is telling me I am foolish every single day, all day, is so difficult. I think of all the people in need, but often forget I am in need also. I put me on the bottom and bury myself. I'm trying to change my mindset. It's amazing how many perfect things you own, that aren't perfect and weren't perfect and you still purchased it thinking I would figure it out because I should be able to, to only add it to the piles of "it should work" items. I know think of the piles as piles of shame and ignorance. Which in turn makes me feel ashamed and ignorant. I wish I knew why I torture myself. I feel like it's because I grew in in the culture of not having much, but what we did have, we made it work. I was reared with love and compassion, but also with the mindset of keeping everything in case of a stormy rainy day.

  • @ChainsawsTuF
    @ChainsawsTuF 2 года назад +1

    Thank you. This video really spoke to me. It made me cry and made me sit and assess the way I feel about the stuff around me. Thank you. Love and light. Xxx

  • @betsyschaffitzel1044
    @betsyschaffitzel1044 2 года назад +1

    This is a wonderful video!🥲It made me cry the whole time! Thank you for the wisdom Dawn! I have held on to so much stuff thinking, I better save that for when the kids move out and that has led me to a house overly full of furniture!! My now some adult children have no interest in it! Also, after all these years stuffing my dressers to save their keep sakes….why did I save all of their medals, plaques, trophies, sport t-shirts, certificates, miniatures, and all their other junk only for them to tell me they don’t want it. It was only used once to display their high school senior table!🤦‍♀️ My husband and I have six children and a full house that needs to be decluttered and I can hardly wait to be free of it all! Thank you 🙏

  • @inashamsia
    @inashamsia 2 года назад

    i love that phrase: emotional bandwidth. so so true. thanks for explaining things and making it easier for the likes of me to declutter.

  • @laurenweiss2375
    @laurenweiss2375 2 года назад

    My MIL raised 4 kids with an eight year spread in their ages. She is a master at tuning out noise and clutter when she needs to get some things done. It must be a mom skill

  • @shirleyd4753
    @shirleyd4753 2 года назад +3

    I love your channel and get something out of every video, but this one just SPOKE to me. It validated all the feelings I have about acquiring too much stuff. Thank you for sharing your great ideas to help the rest of us declutter our lives.

  • @joyhawkins9332
    @joyhawkins9332 2 года назад +1

    I’ve just started my journey so I find your advise priceless.

  • @aliceb4070
    @aliceb4070 2 года назад

    I saw the title to this video and thought "well, that's crazy." How could my stuff be talking to me? Then I watched the video. I went through my house and found that my stuff has been virtually screaming at me nonstop. Asking myself the question about what is that object saying to me has helped me declutter those "justin case" items so easily now. That has been my problem area and I feel like I have finally found the way to conquer it. Thank you for sharing!

  • @donnacarr3586
    @donnacarr3586 2 года назад +4

    I was the mother of 4 under 5 and lived that feeling. Especially that cleaning to make hubby happy against doing something productive to make us all good. 40 years later it’s still talking to me

  • @jn4049
    @jn4049 2 года назад +5

    Well said Dawn! I love the permission again to pass on my stuff. What do I want? Peace? Or more toy options? Peace? Or more dish designs in my cabinet?

  • @kathybruner4091
    @kathybruner4091 2 года назад +4

    “The Gold in my life is very specific to ME!” Thank you Dawn, this is EXACTLY what I needed to hear today 👍🏼❤️

  • @annijewiss3142
    @annijewiss3142 2 года назад +4

    I love my magic bullet but I use it for loads of things not just for smoothies. I make pancake mix Yorkshire pugging mix chop onions and many other things, but I totally understand what you are saying. You look nice in blue again today xx

  • @dorisdaylight8415
    @dorisdaylight8415 2 года назад +3

    Everything you said Dawn---You got it, just spot on. You are a true gem. Thank you so much for putting it into words for us.

  • @coolcollective1805
    @coolcollective1805 2 года назад

    Hello, I give you a lot of credit because you didn't stay asleep to the inner you. A strong person is one that can search themselves and make the change. Great 👍 job mom. God bless 🙌 you and your family 👍 💕 🙌 ❤ 👪

  • @keljive8619
    @keljive8619 2 года назад

    The nutribullet is used for chopping food scraps for the compost bin at our house. It use to be good for smoothies but no one is interested in them at our house anymore. Still gold.

  • @mychalbrown4585
    @mychalbrown4585 2 года назад +8

    I love this. We recently moved and have little kids (baby #5 due in less than a month!) And when I come home the anxiety is so real. I've been minimizing for a while, so a lot of the things out are the "gold" that just doesn't have a home yet. It's getting there!

  • @Jaywahoo810
    @Jaywahoo810 2 года назад

    I have never thought about it this way. I have always been told and felt it was me. I found your channel and it is starting to change my way of thinking.

  • @elisabethpatterson9417
    @elisabethpatterson9417 2 года назад +1

    Ooh I love that analogy, panning for gold. :) Thanks Dawn!

  • @cherylhash7342
    @cherylhash7342 2 года назад +1

    I really appreciate your idea about only wanting "Gold" in your home. As I was listening to your comments, I was looking around my home and started picking out the "gold." Thank you for the new perspective!

  • @jessicaarnold3799
    @jessicaarnold3799 2 года назад +1

    The more and more I watch your content, the more it has helped me to let go of my possessions. I have been so mentally and physically overwhelmed that I became stuck in a cycle of wanting to get rid of things but not seeing it through. The silent to do list has never been more apparent then when I’ve decided to let go of items that I felt had value and that I wanted to sell. Months later, these items are still sitting in the plies waiting to be dealt with. A reminder of the money I’ve spent, the ways I was going to improve my life and of the selling I should be doing. Today I’m just donating them as I’ve realised the time and effort it will take me to try and sell doesn’t really stack up for me giving all the other demands I have on my time. I’m sick and tired of it and getting it out of the house is the only thing that will help. I think I was waiting for someone to give me permission to get rid without trying to profit from it. I could do with the money but I need a simplified life more x