Survey #247—Full Response from Alana
| Please select the statement that BEST describes your paper backlog. | I have a massive backlog of paper sorting and filing, and I can’t see any end in sight. |
|---|---|
| Please select the statement that BEST describes your ongoing relationship with incoming paper. | I sort and manage incoming mail and other papers at least weekly. |
| Describe the types or categories of paper clutter that you find the most challenging to sort, purge, and organize. | Letters, pictures, stuff I'm gonna read, items I'm "gonna mail to a relative, or friend", sentimental esp of son who died 2023 - sympathy notes. |
| Please complete one or more of the following statements: “I struggle with paper clutter because ___.” “I would have an easier time managing paper if only ___.” “The accumulation of paper in my home makes me feel ___.” | I struggle with paper because I love it all. Every sweet sentiment I want to savor and remember. Notes from my children or family or friends. Maybe I'm gonna use tidbits to write back, to scrapbook, or maybe even write a book about our family's sudden loss in 2023 of our 25 yo healthy/accomplished/joyful son who suddenly died while hiking. Some is grief, but actually ironically it was this son who was tackling the garage overhaul who sat me down on our porch a few years ago with homeschool boxes found in the garage of my now grown children. I was able to toss the basic math papers and daily notebooks - to cut the volume by more than 1/2. Needless to say any creativity of the children was saved and I was thankful to find this son's journal in the drawer he had left it in years before. It had never even made it to the boxes in the garage. This son helped me make headway by empowering me - not criticizing, but rather helping me to make the time and space to do so. I was outside on a beautiful June day. Not holed away alone struggling with the piles. I just read "Good Bye Things". It was either there, something you mentioned, or elsewhere I heard if my affirmation was academic as a growing kid (yes school, sitting at desks, and doing what teachers asked came easily). About the only thing I remembered my alcoholic father praising me for or noticing was that my name was in the newspaper for honor roll in high school. This was good for me to hear - I get overwelmed with all the stuff I want to read (thankful here to love libraries). On top of all of this I'm super frugal (never had much as a kid) and a recycler. A nice picture from say a calendar can be folded and made into an envelope or nonsentimental greeting cards can be used for children's collages. I would have an easier time managing paper if there was less. Having the accumulation of paper makes me feel tied down - I want to be outside managing our woodlot, gardening, hiking, or with children and granchildren out of town. Our house affairs are mostly organized and filed. Every year or two we toss the nonpertinent medical/retirement info/etc. Approx. half of the bills and statements are online. Honestly our deceased son's affairs (house/utilities/mortgage/inherited IRA) have no home and is in an organized pile on the floor of our bedroom. Our son would want me free. He would want me to lean on my husband to give me peace of mind. |
| Here’s your chance to ask Gayle and Ed any question you’re curious about. It need not be related to this survey’s topic(s). If we think that your question—and our answer—might be useful or instructive to The Clutter Fairy Weekly audience, we’ll share them in an upcoming episode. | Thank you for the quizzes - just reflecting is theuropeutic. Also it feels like someone cares. |
| Future topics | Maybe success stories - how folks made the breakthrough. I'm guessing when you come on the scene it's mostly companionship and going along side being the cheerleaader and guide. What do you see as the strongest factors in getting "the ball rolling"? I know small successes are wins. I've been "following" you, Dawn the minimal mom, Dana k White, Joshua Becker, At what Cost, and Nurishing Minimalism for a few years now. I know I've made strides. I've felt I hit a roadblock. Now I'm ready to cross the bridge. I suppose I almost have to be mad. My son's death really reminds we can't take it with us and what does all this really matter in the end. I'm thankful for all of you out there! Thank you! |
Be the first to comment!
Comment on this survey response
Please use the form below to share a comment on this survey response. We ask that you keep your comments courteous and respectful. Polite disagreement is fine, but abusive language won’t be tolerated. Your comment will be held briefly for moderation after submission.
"*" indicates required fields
