The thing that keeps me working on our home is when you say, "Make something better today." Not perfect, just better. Totally changes my attitude. Appreciate ya!😇
I recently saw a podcast by a guy talking about motivation and he said kind of the same thing. Not “get this done today, but what CAN you do today?”. I always feel very overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. These vids help me focus and realize I’m not the only one who gets overwhelmed. God bless you and yours🙏❤️
Dear Noni Blanco, You have no idea how you have changed and helped me to understand why although I am highly organized,(cricket) that my home has lost control. All of your methods, "take it there now", timedisorder, proclasterclutter, 14 days to guest coming over, etc... have made a deep impact on my life! I printed your 5 step process and laminated it !! I tell others who are struggling to visit your channel. You are the real deal. No Pinterest stuff here, just actual real life. Thank you!! 🙏❤
Dear Reid, I turned 75 years old yesterday. This is the only time I remember hearing "bumfuzzled" on social media (or any other media). It's a word I have used all my life, and I loved hearing it!❤
ME=high intelligence, creative, love to help and serve others, verbally battered for 50 years. Divorce set me free, but those negative messages still play in my head. An illness with medical malpractice left me bedridden for 5 years. I am clawing my way back to health and energy. Some days, I can do 5 minutes toward order. Some days, I can't, but I accept that ANY progress is still progress.
I know you know this but I can't NOT say that your system is so unlike anything else out there. ANYONE can do it. Your five steps and the container concept not to mention being able to apply your system for one minute, one hour, one day at a time are revolutionary. You deserve all the accolades you get and then some.
Putting one thing at a time in one of three places is REALLY hard at first but then it becomes a fun challenge, knowing that I am making true progress!!??
Thank you. I struggled with cluttered messy spaces my whole life, even as it seemed I spent all my time and energy trying to fix them. Your no mess system, container concept, and other ideas have changed my life and my home. Thank you!
You saved me some retirement money because of your admonition re: paper: “Look! Look! Always just look!” Thank you SO MUCH! Daily I hear your voice in my head saying, “Take it there now!”
I'm still struggling and overwhelmed but I listen to you and Cas a lot and it helps motivate me to at least get up and do something, even when I'm exhausted
❤ your work, Dana! Your books have actually helped change my life - for the better so far and still going! Still far from our family goals for our home but *so* much better and closer. Thank you!!! 🙏
Thanks for sharing your story. I don't have a problem with being messy or clutter, but listening to your RUclips channel has been so helpful for me to understand others in my life. Now, exasperation and conflict with others are minimal, all due to you giving me a better understanding of why they do what they do. Thanks
Thank you for keeping those blogs and pictures up. I need to start there. I feel overwhelmed in my own stuff. I am creative, but I can’t even go there because I’m surrounded by way too much stuff and I don’t know where to start with it. I have such a hard time making decisions and letting things go. Thanks Dana for your help. I believe the Lord has given you this gift for you and for us who think like you. God bless you! ❤️ P.S. I love Reid’s comments at the end. He is so funny, like his Momma.
Congrats on your new book, Dana! I can't say I'm a true slob now, but I can say that you have helped me get unstuck in my messy areas and to help me remember how to maintain, make progress and only progress, and how to have a system that works! And I loved how you shared that this was both a decluttering and spiritual journey. You have made a big difference in many homes and lives!.You are a bright light on RUclips, and your creative way of thinking makes you so much fun to watch. I have learned fun words like Doololly, Prostisticlutter, De-Slobification and Crapalanche! And Reid is a bonus joy at the end of the videos. I hope for great success and impact for the new book!
I've followed you for at least 3 years. Best advice that got me started - 'take it where it belongs' whether it's when I walk in the door, cooking, cleaning out a cabinet. I have a long way to go, e.g. decluttering closets, however when I work on a 'space' I can usually walk away/stop at any point and not have piled up a new mess.
I actually remember reading your blog as they came out so many years ago. I didn’t stick with it because it was too painfully close to home at the time. Now I’ve been following your RUclips videos and doing my best. You have helped me understand myself, and given me hope. I appreciate that you are not promoting minimalism or perfection. It gives me hope that I too, can get my house under control. Thank you.
Great story. I am a very clean and organized person but I admire your struggle and victory. Pls do a part 2 explaining how you created your 5 step plan. Some of the steps I just naturally did so I do follow your plan and it works. Thx Dana.
I don’t share your faith but I do share the cultural pressures, and certainly the shame I have felt related to the expectations I faced growing up in that community. While I am a naturally organized person (I’m somewhere between Bee and Cricket in Cas’ system), I am ALSO neurodivergent, and when I am burned out or hit overwhelm, that all completely falls by the wayside and I spiral quickly, which begets this horrible, self-perpetuating negative feedback loop. So I have always appreciated your different approach to cleaning and organizing; but I have to say that combining your tips and tricks with understanding my own tendencies (and my husband’s - he’s a Ladybug, and let me tell you what a challenge balancing my needs with his has been!) has been a lifesaver. Thank you so much for what you do, and for having the courage to call yourself a slob first. It gives permission to the rest of us to accept our imperfections and strive for something better-peace.
Thank you for sharing your story! My grown daughter is very creative and highly intelligent. I hope to share your story with her. I look forward to your upcoming book!
What I love the most about your story...you prayed, you knew He wanted you to do what you did, and you did it. I love it! You heard His voice, and obeyed, not really knowing where He was leading. It's a great story. Amazing.
Bravo, Dana! I discovered you 8 years ago so I’ve heard your story in your early podcasts and read it in your book and still find it very inspiring. It resonates with me in so many ways. As I watched this, I felt so proud of you! And I learned something new in this version: Nony had a last name!
It must be weird to know a little picture of you pops in my head when I say to myself "better is good", and "put it there now", "where would I look for this first". I even use that at my business to change the mess there. You are amazing!
You have changed the way I declutter, I no longer have piles to deal with anymore! So many real strategies to make progress .Your video with Cara helped me make progress in a room of doom. I can see a positive change. Thank you so much Dana❤
I will forever grateful to God for giving me you and your wisdom! I’m far from done but when I was in a hospital for ten days and a rehabilitation center this past summer, I was able to tell my friends exactly where everything was that I needed them to get for me or for them to do jobs around my house, as in my friend building a ramp for me when I did get home. I have used your book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life through Audible to listen to it over and over again AS I’m working on a decluttering project. Blessings to you and all within the sound of your voice! 💖🙏🏼💖
Thank you for telling this story in this video. What I have learned from you has changed my life. Things I never understood before make sense now with the way my brain works. Sending my gratitude to you for this.
I feel like a lot of us who are smart, creative, loving people have the best of intentions but tend to over-complicate many things. Who would've ever thought that 5 steps could not only declutter our homes, but give us hope for maintaining it? 1) It makes TOTAL sense to throw trash away first. 2) Of course, things that have an established home just need to be put back in their place. 🤦♀️ 3) Why do I still have this item I don't need & have been meaning to donate? 4) Where does this item "go"? Following our instincts is so rational yet it never occurred to me! 5.) If we don't remember even having an item, why would we decide (at the moment of discovery) to keep it? These steps aren't complicated like our minds expect them to be! Thank you, Dana!
Oh dear ..thanks for sharing bless you.Ha ha you are the best.Your method works for me ..but its you who captured me you are so delightful .I look forward to to your channel it cheers me up and motivates me thanks again Dana
I was reading your blogposts way back in the day. I don't think you were too far into those as I remember going back to your first post and reading it from your very small cleaning goals. It was such an encouragement and still is!
I identified with you when I listened to your first book. Everything you said was me! I have used your 5 step process, the 5 min cleanup, laundry day, container concept. Yours is the first to-do book I have followed completely. While I’m “there” periodically, I still have to fight the thrift shop. I take one bag in and come back out with a couple of items but I don’t come back with a bagful. I have heard your story many times but I still enjoyed this video. I kinda feel like you’re my friend. I’ve pre-ordered your new book.
I'm so grateful you persevered in following the calling God gave you. Your journey has helped me understand my highly intelligent, creative daughter who struggles like you did. I'm more patient with her and have been able to guide her using your decluttering method Her life is so much better! Eager to read your new book.
You’ve truly changed my life! Your guidance not only helped me transform my own home, but also inspired me to help others do the same. It’s incredible to see the impact decluttering can have, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey. Thank you for all you do! Love, Your Decluttering Coach ❤
I had the same feeling, my brain ...... It should not be a struggle. I think it's ADHD. At least for me, the list of symptoms match. You should be super proud of yourself and your achievements. There are so many steps needed to do blogs, youtube videos and write books and teach people how to coach etc on top of taking care of Kids and husband and the house, and cooking and laundry and homework, etc. It's insane how much *YOU* actually accomplish. I don't know how you get anything done and completed.........and continuing for years. 🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love all your content and have been following for a long time. My mindset has changed so much. Thank you. I’m a fellow creative person. Fellow project person. A couple things you’ve said I carry with me…people who have clean houses…actually clean their houses. 💡 The 5-minute pick-up is amazing. Also, do the dishes. Like, of course…but I didn’t do them. Now I do. I’m also going to purge a bunch of old teaching materials that I’ve been saving “in case” I go back to teaching someday…but through your podcast I realized that I’m creative and can come up with new lessons and materials should the need arise. HUGE moment for me as I haven’t been in the music classroom for 20 years but ALL the materials are taking up so much space. I’m excited to move forward with decluttering today…after I teach some piano lessons.🙂 oh my word…Reid’s credit comments…😂😂😂
Congrats on the new book, Dana! I look forward to reading it. Can never thank you enough for giving me the key to decreasing the overwhelm in my home. (And big props to Reid for his legendary end credits on your videos - what a team! 🤗😎👍💕)
Thank you for sharing your story, we're so glad you started taking steps to do what you're called to do! Often we don't take into account how our endeavours to be free involves messy struggles could eventually become a message. That's what your testimony has become - an inspiration for HOPE. You've also a funny video editor haha eg the credits. Keep it up, y'all!
Thanks for sharing beautiful Dana! Got tears listening! Sooo thankful you said, “yes” to God when He wanted you to write about giving all of us “creative, naturally messy people” HOPE! My life is different & sooo much better after reading your books, & listening to your RUclips! Sooo grateful!!!🥰🙏🏼🙌🏼
And the good Lord did answer your prayer. As He mostly do... when asking for patience, He does not grant patience, He puts you in situations where ypu need to learn patience. Oh Dana! I am so grateful for you. Thank you for sharing. I so wish I had dollars to buy your book, but our exchamge rate to the dollar is just crazy. May you and your house be blessed beyond measure. And thanks to Reid too!!
Depending on the situation, your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness. Creative people just think differently. "That's not how my brain works" is something I say to myself a lot! Along with all the other Dana-isms: Do the dishes. Look for trash. Duh . . . and of course, TAKE IT THERE NOW! THANK YOU, Dana for all that you do!
Thank you for doing what you do. Because of you I’m always telling myself look for trash, do the dishes, laundry day, take it there now, declutter, declutter, declutter, don’t make a bigger mess, and 5 minute pick up. You are a game changer. 😊
I reading your first few blog posts ... very interesting. Yes, the ADHD mind needs processes that work with it, not try to force it into strange modes. I'm watching the local magpies building their nest and they are ADHD birds. But, one stick at a time, pick it up and take it where it belongs and by April the nest is ready. Robins, on the other hand, are totally focused on getting that nest DONE and done NOW!
Thank you. I am a soon to be 70 yo who has struggled with clutter my whole life. Most of my weirdness I have figured out at this point but I could never get a handle on what was different about me when it came to keeping my house neat. When I tried to search for why I was the way I am (I'm also a counselor and really interested in human behavior), all I could find was things saying it was a result of trauma, but I didn't feel it was that. Thanks to you, I know know that my brain and thinking processes are different. I think I might be able to work with that. Thank you again.
I found you through your book, decluttering at the speed of life, at the library and I never felt more understood!! I’m a part of the takebyour house back and I love Cas and Dawn and all of their tips too you guys are the perfect trifecta! But the way no mess declutter works is incredible! It’s taken a lot of my anxiety away and made me realize that those things I’ve been slacking on are really not a big deal. Also just wanted to add that I’m not a religious person at all but I cannot wait to read your new book! I know you keep saying it’s probably not for everyone but I know it will help all of us weather we subscribe to him or not ❤🙏 thank you for being so amazing and sharing your journey, you have no idea how helpful it’s been!! You just inspired me to start my potty blog that I’ve been dreaming about for years now…. My block is do I just mix potty training talk in my plant channel or start a whole new one… well I think I’m just gonna make a potty talk playlist so I get it started at least because I have so much to share with first time moms and hope to help them the way you’ve helped me not stress out over life itself. Sorry for the ADD rant lol and thanks again for everything you do! love you! 🫶💗
Thank you for this video, I have watched many & listened to you for a long time. I recently bought your 1st book cos I finally realised your methods make sense & also I could relate to many of your experiences. It was when you spoke about how your brain works that a light bulb switched on in my brain & I suddenly knew why I have so much in my home & why it’s so difficult to let go. Most of my stuff I’m passionate about & it’s not about memories but they mean so much to me now - just can’t seem to let go. However now having realised this about myself I’m hoping it will be easier to deal with & give myself the home I want to be proud of. Thanks again ❤️
Love, love this!!! Thank you for allowing God to use your talent ❤️. I love the concept of "taking it there right now"...( Although I don't always do that)😏...thanks again!!!
This is my favorite video of yours so far, and I Love all of them because they are helpful. I felt you were speaking directly to me. I'm a single mom of two, with adhd and anxiety ....it's so hard to get it together, and I did what you did, kept saying " I will not be messy in the future, after this happens, or that happens." But it doesn't happen. I really think I need a one on one coach, I am 45 years old and feel like I'm suffocating.
You are in good company, with others who were overwhelmed and tired and then found Dana. I've read comments from people in their 70's who are just finding Dana after decades of struggle. And being a mom is hard. It's so hard! I heard a comedian on the Neal Brennan podcast tell a story about his therapist coming to his show. He remarked at how fast his comebacks were with the audience. The insight he got was that the same thing that gives him one-line zingers, is the same thing that has him spinning out with anxiety, not being able to sleep. Because that's how ADHD & anxiety work. It's hard to turn it off. Great for onstage, but hard when you're just trying to go to sleep. So if you are feeling overwhelmed and like you're suffocating, firstly, you're not alone. Secondly, look for trash. It really is the thing that breaks things down to bite-size pieces. OR, as someone with ADHD, you might need to do something FUN to give your brain the dopamine it needs to do the next thing. OR you might really need a break and REST. We've been trained to treat rest as a reward instead of a basic need. And then . . . look for trash. 🙂
How our God works is amazing! I am at that stand still point in what I am supposed to be doing also. The Lord showed me a few years ago that my NEED (inside of me) to get my house cleaned out and under control was because it was a reflection of what I wanted in my spiritual life...I'm not there but I am working on it. Thank you, I have never heard your story until now, and it resonates with me!
Speeding through your early blogs, this really stood out on the post about the big cleanup --- " I didn’t start out at a deficit in the kitchen or bathrooms". From "Clean and Shiny!" September 11, 2009
Thanks Dana, I appreciate all you have done, I have 2 of your books and read them and last week I pre-ordered your new book. You are very creative and I enjoy your videos. I just did my 1st. TYHB and it was amazing. Again thank you ❤
I just knew Reid would pick up on bumfuzzled for the comment at the end 😂 thank you Dana, you saved me ❤ I had literally just about given up hope when I found you x
This is so inspiring, Dana. Thank you so much. I cannot wait to get your new book (have pre-ordered!). As a pastor’s wife (we’re now retired and living in our own home) I struggled with so much shame and guilt through the years not having a perfectly clutter-free home (since many times it was the church parsonage). I felt and still feel that I have the gift of hospitality, but it didn’t jive well with a messy home! I’m so happy you really understand! Your process is helping me finally feel more “normal” (just don’t ask my husband 😂).
I found you in 2020 or 2021. I have success in fits and starts, and instill have a long way to go. I love all of your formats. I bought the paperback of Giving God the Worst of Me, and it made me cry in several places because I can relate so much. I will pre-order the new book, and I can't wait to get it.
Well, I made three trips to our city dump today with my XL SUV full on each trip. #progress Also, “Take it there now” is second nature to me even while recovering from two fractured kneecaps. I hobble but I have to put things away where they belong. The container concept is where I struggle because, dang it, there are things I want to keep and things I need to keep and it’s a struggle. It just is. And I know that my home is for us to live in and move around in freely and that the pretties can get in the way of that….sigh…. I’m getting better though. I know what things I absolutely love and what things I find interesting but I don’t really desire to own. The container concept has helped with that. I’m a collector at heart so I have limited myself to two categories that must fit in their “containers”. It’s actually freeing because I truly enjoy maintaining the inventory. We recently downsized to a smaller home so I have to resist adding to my collections. Kinda sad about that but I’m loving our adorable cottage in the country and hubby says I’m making it really pretty. 🥰❤️
You know what would make a cool podcast episode or more? Talk to the kids and hubby about what it was like to go through the change and how its affected them. Reid has a voice in a way (Hi Reid! Love the end screens), but hearing from people in a more in depth way would be cool.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
The thing that keeps me working on our home is when you say, "Make something better today." Not perfect, just better. Totally changes my attitude. Appreciate ya!😇
Yes, that's so helpful.
I recently saw a podcast by a guy talking about motivation and he said kind of the same thing. Not “get this done today, but what CAN you do today?”. I always feel very overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. These vids help me focus and realize I’m not the only one who gets overwhelmed. God bless you and yours🙏❤️
I love that saying
Dear Noni Blanco,
You have no idea how you have changed and helped me to understand why although I am highly organized,(cricket) that my home has lost control. All of your methods, "take it there now", timedisorder, proclasterclutter, 14 days to guest coming over, etc... have made a deep impact on my life! I printed your 5 step process and laminated it !! I tell others who are struggling to visit your channel. You are the real deal. No Pinterest stuff here, just actual real life. Thank you!! 🙏❤
Reid you are the best! Thank you for encouraging mom to do this video😊
Dear Reid, I turned 75 years old yesterday. This is the only time I remember hearing "bumfuzzled" on social media (or any other media). It's a word I have used all my life, and I loved hearing it!❤
🥰
I don't think I've ever heard that word before in my life, but I sure noticed it!
Me, too, Susie! In fact, I just said it the other day. 😊
Love hearing this story again - so heartfelt, so poignant, so real...and helping us (me) to know that we're not crazy, nor lazy. You go girl!! ❤
Your positivity has made a huge difference in my life! “Take it there now” also has made a huge difference for me! Thank you and God bless you❤
ME=high intelligence, creative, love to help and serve others, verbally battered for 50 years. Divorce set me free, but those negative messages still play in my head. An illness with medical malpractice left me bedridden for 5 years. I am clawing my way back to health and energy. Some days, I can do 5 minutes toward order. Some days, I can't, but I accept that ANY progress is still progress.
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you for obeying the Lord and walking into his calling for you. You’re one of my role models in more ways than one. Much love Dana!!
Exactly what i feel too😊
I know you know this but I can't NOT say that your system is so unlike anything else out there. ANYONE can do it. Your five steps and the container concept not to mention being able to apply your system for one minute, one hour, one day at a time are revolutionary. You deserve all the accolades you get and then some.
Putting one thing at a time in one of three places is REALLY hard at first but then it becomes a fun challenge, knowing that I am making true progress!!??
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us! God’s nudge as you prayed that Sunday morning has blessed so many of us with hope!!!
Bumfuzzled cracked me up. Love you, Dana. :)
Thank you. I struggled with cluttered messy spaces my whole life, even as it seemed I spent all my time and energy trying to fix them. Your no mess system, container concept, and other ideas have changed my life and my home. Thank you!
...working on this now. Newly retired!
You saved me some retirement money because of your admonition re: paper: “Look! Look! Always just look!” Thank you SO MUCH! Daily I hear your voice in my head saying, “Take it there now!”
I'm still struggling and overwhelmed but I listen to you and Cas a lot and it helps motivate me to at least get up and do something, even when I'm exhausted
❤ your work, Dana! Your books have actually helped change my life - for the better so far and still going! Still far from our family goals for our home but *so* much better and closer. Thank you!!! 🙏
Thanks for sharing your story. I don't have a problem with being messy or clutter, but listening to your RUclips channel has been so helpful for me to understand others in my life. Now, exasperation and conflict with others are minimal, all due to you giving me a better understanding of why they do what they do. Thanks
I feel like we all need a group hug. I love you sweet girl 💜
Thank you for keeping those blogs and pictures up. I need to start there. I feel overwhelmed in my own stuff. I am creative, but I can’t even go there because I’m surrounded by way too much stuff and I don’t know where to start with it. I have such a hard time making decisions and letting things go. Thanks Dana for your help. I believe the Lord has given you this gift for you and for us who think like you. God bless you! ❤️ P.S. I love Reid’s comments at the end. He is so funny, like his Momma.
Congrats on your new book, Dana! I can't say I'm a true slob now, but I can say that you have helped me get unstuck in my messy areas and to help me remember how to maintain, make progress and only progress, and how to have a system that works! And I loved how you shared that this was both a decluttering and spiritual journey. You have made a big difference in many homes and lives!.You are a bright light on RUclips, and your creative way of thinking makes you so much fun to watch. I have learned fun words like Doololly, Prostisticlutter, De-Slobification and Crapalanche! And Reid is a bonus joy at the end of the videos. I hope for great success and impact for the new book!
I love your testimony! I love your conversation with God. He always has way better than than we do!!!
❤❤❤❤❤ You do give me hope! I hadn’t heard the whole story before. Thanks for sharing here!
Thanks Dana for being you. ❤ 😊
I've followed you for at least 3 years. Best advice that got me started - 'take it where it belongs' whether it's when I walk in the door, cooking, cleaning out a cabinet. I have a long way to go, e.g. decluttering closets, however when I work on a 'space' I can usually walk away/stop at any point and not have piled up a new mess.
You are living your purpose and making a difference for millions! Thank you for everything you share!❤
I actually remember reading your blog as they came out so many years ago. I didn’t stick with it because it was too painfully close to home at the time. Now I’ve been following your RUclips videos and doing my best. You have helped me understand myself, and given me hope. I appreciate that you are not promoting minimalism or perfection. It gives me hope that I too, can get my house under control. Thank you.
Great story. I am a very clean and organized person but I admire your struggle and victory. Pls do a part 2 explaining how you created your 5 step plan. Some of the steps I just naturally did so I do follow your plan and it works. Thx Dana.
Being relatable is your super power!
I don’t share your faith but I do share the cultural pressures, and certainly the shame I have felt related to the expectations I faced growing up in that community.
While I am a naturally organized person (I’m somewhere between Bee and Cricket in Cas’ system), I am ALSO neurodivergent, and when I am burned out or hit overwhelm, that all completely falls by the wayside and I spiral quickly, which begets this horrible, self-perpetuating negative feedback loop. So I have always appreciated your different approach to cleaning and organizing; but I have to say that combining your tips and tricks with understanding my own tendencies (and my husband’s - he’s a Ladybug, and let me tell you what a challenge balancing my needs with his has been!) has been a lifesaver. Thank you so much for what you do, and for having the courage to call yourself a slob first. It gives permission to the rest of us to accept our imperfections and strive for something better-peace.
You are such an inspiration...grateful to you & JESUS!!! 🙏🏼❤️🕊✝️🙏🏼
Thank you for sharing your story! My grown daughter is very creative and highly intelligent. I hope to share your story with her. I look forward to your upcoming book!
So glad you listened to Him so I can listen to you ❤😂😂😂God blessed us all 😊
Thanks for being you Dana! I'm so much better off for finding you!!!
Thank you for this!❤❤
What I love the most about your story...you prayed, you knew He wanted you to do what you did, and you did it. I love it! You heard His voice, and obeyed, not really knowing where He was leading. It's a great story. Amazing.
That’s awesome you give God the glory for your gifts ❤
Bravo, Dana! I discovered you 8 years ago so I’ve heard your story in your early podcasts and read it in your book and still find it very inspiring. It resonates with me in so many ways. As I watched this, I felt so proud of you! And I learned something new in this version: Nony had a last name!
It must be weird to know a little picture of you pops in my head when I say to myself "better is good", and "put it there now", "where would I look for this first". I even use that at my business to change the mess there. You are amazing!
You have changed the way I declutter, I no longer have piles to deal with anymore! So many real strategies to make progress .Your video with Cara helped me make progress in a room of doom. I can see a positive change. Thank you so much Dana❤
I will forever grateful to God for giving me you and your wisdom! I’m far from done but when I was in a hospital for ten days and a rehabilitation center this past summer, I was able to tell my friends exactly where everything was that I needed them to get for me or for them to do jobs around my house, as in my friend building a ramp for me when I did get home. I have used your book, Decluttering at the Speed of Life through Audible to listen to it over and over again AS I’m working on a decluttering project. Blessings to you and all within the sound of your voice! 💖🙏🏼💖
Thank you for telling this story in this video. What I have learned from you has changed my life. Things I never understood before make sense now with the way my brain works. Sending my gratitude to you for this.
I have been waiting for you to put out a book from the spiritual side🎉❤ Thank you
Love hearing this story! Thank you!
I feel like a lot of us who are smart, creative, loving people have the best of intentions but tend to over-complicate many things. Who would've ever thought that 5 steps could not only declutter our homes, but give us hope for maintaining it?
1) It makes TOTAL sense to throw trash away first.
2) Of course, things that have an established home just need to be put back in their place. 🤦♀️
3) Why do I still have this item I don't need & have been meaning to donate?
4) Where does this item "go"? Following our instincts is so rational yet it never occurred to me!
5.) If we don't remember even having an item, why would we decide (at the moment of discovery) to keep it?
These steps aren't complicated like our minds expect them to be! Thank you, Dana!
Oh dear ..thanks for sharing bless you.Ha ha you are the best.Your method works for me ..but its you who captured me you are so delightful .I look forward to to your channel it cheers me up and motivates me thanks again Dana
Loved this and love you. Still struggling but making progress thanks to you and Dawn and Cass. Thank you.
Thank you for all that you do!🤗
I was reading your blogposts way back in the day. I don't think you were too far into those as I remember going back to your first post and reading it from your very small cleaning goals. It was such an encouragement and still is!
I identified with you when I listened to your first book. Everything you said was me! I have used your 5 step process, the 5 min cleanup, laundry day, container concept. Yours is the first to-do book I have followed completely. While I’m “there” periodically, I still have to fight the thrift shop. I take one bag in and come back out with a couple of items but I don’t come back with a bagful. I have heard your story many times but I still enjoyed this video. I kinda feel like you’re my friend. I’ve pre-ordered your new book.
I'm so grateful you persevered in following the calling God gave you. Your journey has helped me understand my highly intelligent, creative daughter who struggles like you did. I'm more patient with her and have been able to guide her using your decluttering method Her life is so much better! Eager to read your new book.
Thank you for sharing your story!!❤
Love hearing your story again and again, Dana! ❤
You’ve truly changed my life! Your guidance not only helped me transform my own home, but also inspired me to help others do the same. It’s incredible to see the impact decluttering can have, and I’m so grateful to be on this journey. Thank you for all you do!
Love,
Your Decluttering Coach ❤
Wonderful story.
I had the same feeling, my brain ...... It should not be a struggle. I think it's ADHD. At least for me, the list of symptoms match. You should be super proud of yourself and your achievements. There are so many steps needed to do blogs, youtube videos and write books and teach people how to coach etc on top of taking care of Kids and husband and the house, and cooking and laundry and homework, etc.
It's insane how much *YOU* actually accomplish. I don't know how you get anything done and completed.........and continuing for years. 🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤
Dana, you are ALWAYS helpful, in my opinion. Thank you!
Love all your content and have been following for a long time. My mindset has changed so much. Thank you. I’m a fellow creative person. Fellow project person. A couple things you’ve said I carry with me…people who have clean houses…actually clean their houses. 💡 The 5-minute pick-up is amazing. Also, do the dishes. Like, of course…but I didn’t do them. Now I do. I’m also going to purge a bunch of old teaching materials that I’ve been saving “in case” I go back to teaching someday…but through your podcast I realized that I’m creative and can come up with new lessons and materials should the need arise. HUGE moment for me as I haven’t been in the music classroom for 20 years but ALL the materials are taking up so much space. I’m excited to move forward with decluttering today…after I teach some piano lessons.🙂 oh my word…Reid’s credit comments…😂😂😂
Congrats on the new book, Dana! I look forward to reading it. Can never thank you enough for giving me the key to decreasing the overwhelm in my home. (And big props to Reid for his legendary end credits on your videos - what a team! 🤗😎👍💕)
Anyone else firmly believe this woman needs to host her own Netflix show?
Yes!!!
Thanks for sharing your story.❤🧡💛💚💙💜♥
I love your channel. Thank you for helping us creative types.
Thank you for sharing your story, we're so glad you started taking steps to do what you're called to do! Often we don't take into account how our endeavours to be free involves messy struggles could eventually become a message. That's what your testimony has become - an inspiration for HOPE. You've also a funny video editor haha eg the credits. Keep it up, y'all!
Thank you for all your help. We love you.!
Thanks for sharing beautiful Dana! Got tears listening! Sooo thankful you said, “yes” to God when He wanted you to write about giving all of us “creative, naturally messy people” HOPE! My life is different & sooo much better after reading your books, & listening to your RUclips! Sooo grateful!!!🥰🙏🏼🙌🏼
So glad I listened to this. Thank you!
I'm so excited you did this video & wrote newest book. I preordered it & Can't wait to get my copy in the mail.
God Bless you Dana❤😇
Always very touching, Dana. I love listening to you. Xx g Ire
I think sometimes RUclips can read minds. I was wondering this the other day. You’ve really helped me and I appreciate you. Thank you.
Oh yes it is definitely of interest to me! Woohoo!!! Congrats
I love your honesty Sister 💗🙌 Hidden chaos no more 👊 TYHB my gift to myself has changed my life and my home 💝
And the good Lord did answer your prayer. As He mostly do... when asking for patience, He does not grant patience, He puts you in situations where ypu need to learn patience.
Oh Dana! I am so grateful for you. Thank you for sharing. I so wish I had dollars to buy your book, but our exchamge rate to the dollar is just crazy.
May you and your house be blessed beyond measure.
And thanks to Reid too!!
Depending on the situation, your greatest strength is also your greatest weakness. Creative people just think differently. "That's not how my brain works" is something I say to myself a lot! Along with all the other Dana-isms: Do the dishes. Look for trash. Duh . . . and of course, TAKE IT THERE NOW! THANK YOU, Dana for all that you do!
Thank you for doing what you do. Because of you I’m always telling myself look for trash, do the dishes, laundry day, take it there now, declutter, declutter, declutter, don’t make a bigger mess, and 5 minute pick up. You are a game changer. 😊
❤ .... From my heart yo yours - thank you for being genuine & so real that is has & is helping & healing so very many ❤
Wow…my story is so much like yours! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!
Thank you
I reading your first few blog posts ... very interesting.
Yes, the ADHD mind needs processes that work with it, not try to force it into strange modes. I'm watching the local magpies building their nest and they are ADHD birds. But, one stick at a time, pick it up and take it where it belongs and by April the nest is ready. Robins, on the other hand, are totally focused on getting that nest DONE and done NOW!
Thank you for making me feel like maybe i can get my house under control...❤
Thank you. I am a soon to be 70 yo who has struggled with clutter my whole life. Most of my weirdness I have figured out at this point but I could never get a handle on what was different about me when it came to keeping my house neat. When I tried to search for why I was the way I am (I'm also a counselor and really interested in human behavior), all I could find was things saying it was a result of trauma, but I didn't feel it was that. Thanks to you, I know know that my brain and thinking processes are different. I think I might be able to work with that. Thank you again.
I found you through your book, decluttering at the speed of life, at the library and I never felt more understood!! I’m a part of the takebyour house back and I love Cas and Dawn and all of their tips too you guys are the perfect trifecta! But the way no mess declutter works is incredible! It’s taken a lot of my anxiety away and made me realize that those things I’ve been slacking on are really not a big deal. Also just wanted to add that I’m not a religious person at all but I cannot wait to read your new book! I know you keep saying it’s probably not for everyone but I know it will help all of us weather we subscribe to him or not ❤🙏 thank you for being so amazing and sharing your journey, you have no idea how helpful it’s been!! You just inspired me to start my potty blog that I’ve been dreaming about for years now…. My block is do I just mix potty training talk in my plant channel or start a whole new one… well I think I’m just gonna make a potty talk playlist so I get it started at least because I have so much to share with first time moms and hope to help them the way you’ve helped me not stress out over life itself. Sorry for the ADD rant lol and thanks again for everything you do! love you! 🫶💗
Thank you for this video, I have watched many & listened to you for a long time. I recently bought your 1st book cos I finally realised your methods make sense & also I could relate to many of your experiences. It was when you spoke about how your brain works that a light bulb switched on in my brain & I suddenly knew why I have so much in my home & why it’s so difficult to let go. Most of my stuff I’m passionate about & it’s not about memories but they mean so much to me now - just can’t seem to let go. However now having realised this about myself I’m hoping it will be easier to deal with & give myself the home I want to be proud of. Thanks again ❤️
Love, love this!!! Thank you for allowing God to use your talent ❤️. I love the concept of "taking it there right now"...( Although I don't always do that)😏...thanks again!!!
This is my favorite video of yours so far, and I Love all of them because they are helpful. I felt you were speaking directly to me. I'm a single mom of two, with adhd and anxiety ....it's so hard to get it together, and I did what you did, kept saying " I will not be messy in the future, after this happens, or that happens." But it doesn't happen.
I really think I need a one on one coach, I am 45 years old and feel like I'm suffocating.
You are in good company, with others who were overwhelmed and tired and then found Dana. I've read comments from people in their 70's who are just finding Dana after decades of struggle. And being a mom is hard. It's so hard!
I heard a comedian on the Neal Brennan podcast tell a story about his therapist coming to his show. He remarked at how fast his comebacks were with the audience. The insight he got was that the same thing that gives him one-line zingers, is the same thing that has him spinning out with anxiety, not being able to sleep. Because that's how ADHD & anxiety work. It's hard to turn it off. Great for onstage, but hard when you're just trying to go to sleep.
So if you are feeling overwhelmed and like you're suffocating, firstly, you're not alone. Secondly, look for trash. It really is the thing that breaks things down to bite-size pieces. OR, as someone with ADHD, you might need to do something FUN to give your brain the dopamine it needs to do the next thing. OR you might really need a break and REST. We've been trained to treat rest as a reward instead of a basic need. And then . . . look for trash. 🙂
Thanks Dana!
How our God works is amazing! I am at that stand still point in what I am supposed to be doing also. The Lord showed me a few years ago that my NEED (inside of me) to get my house cleaned out and under control was because it was a reflection of what I wanted in my spiritual life...I'm not there but I am working on it. Thank you, I have never heard your story until now, and it resonates with me!
Speeding through your early blogs, this really stood out on the post about the big cleanup --- " I didn’t start out at a deficit in the kitchen or bathrooms".
From "Clean and Shiny!" September 11, 2009
Thanks Dana, I appreciate all you have done, I have 2 of your books and read them and last week I pre-ordered your new book. You are very creative and I enjoy your videos. I just did my 1st. TYHB and it was amazing. Again thank you ❤
Isn't God AWESOME! I love your son's comments 😅
Replace writing with music and you tell the story of my life. ❤😊
OMG! You are in my head! THANK YOU 😊
I just knew Reid would pick up on bumfuzzled for the comment at the end 😂 thank you Dana, you saved me ❤ I had literally just about given up hope when I found you x
Yippee 🥳
Luv Everything that U share! Awesome video! Blessings 2 U n Ur family! 💞✝️😘
This is so inspiring, Dana. Thank you so much. I cannot wait to get your new book (have pre-ordered!). As a pastor’s wife (we’re now retired and living in our own home) I struggled with so much shame and guilt through the years not having a perfectly clutter-free home (since many times it was the church parsonage). I felt and still feel that I have the gift of hospitality, but it didn’t jive well with a messy home! I’m so happy you really understand! Your process is helping me finally feel more “normal” (just don’t ask my husband 😂).
Can’t wait to read the book!
Wow, you are truly blessed! Your obedience to God's calling on your life is beautiful. I pray for creativity, I'm still waiting lol
I found you in 2020 or 2021. I have success in fits and starts, and instill have a long way to go. I love all of your formats. I bought the paperback of Giving God the Worst of Me, and it made me cry in several places because I can relate so much. I will pre-order the new book, and I can't wait to get it.
Great video!!
Well, I made three trips to our city dump today with my XL SUV full on each trip. #progress
Also, “Take it there now” is second nature to me even while recovering from two fractured kneecaps. I hobble but I have to put things away where they belong.
The container concept is where I struggle because, dang it, there are things I want to keep and things I need to keep and it’s a struggle. It just is. And I know that my home is for us to live in and move around in freely and that the pretties can get in the way of that….sigh…. I’m getting better though. I know what things I absolutely love and what things I find interesting but I don’t really desire to own. The container concept has helped with that. I’m a collector at heart so I have limited myself to two categories that must fit in their “containers”. It’s actually freeing because I truly enjoy maintaining the inventory. We recently downsized to a smaller home so I have to resist adding to my collections. Kinda sad about that but I’m loving our adorable cottage in the country and hubby says I’m making it really pretty. 🥰❤️
You know what would make a cool podcast episode or more? Talk to the kids and hubby about what it was like to go through the change and how its affected them. Reid has a voice in a way (Hi Reid! Love the end screens), but hearing from people in a more in depth way would be cool.
I've used bumfuzzled also, 😂