Hoarding

I have just finished reading about a lady that has a problem. She is a hoarder. One of the worst cases I think. Oprah did a show about her and they called in an organizational expert; Peter Walsh to help. He and a team of 100 people spent 2 months literally digging out 75 tons of garbage from their 3,000 square foot home. Beside the trash there are 1, 800 crates filled with toys, craft supplies, books, clothes, and gifts...enough to fill 3 Semi-trailers.

As the purging continues a shopping addictions is admitted. Why buy one shirt when you can buy one in every colour? Other things are being revealed...black mold and nests of mice! Walls actually need to be taken down and 75% of furniture replaced. As a gift their home was completely renovated.

Once all the unwanted items were removed from the house, they were displayed in a 10,000 square foot warehouse for a giant rummage sale (which includes 3,000 purses and 3,000 pairs of shoes)!! After several days everything sold and they brought in $13,000!!!

quote:
"Sharyn says it's amazing to be free of the clutter that plagued her for so long, but she says it took some time to adjust to it. "It's only been a week, but I feel like that never existed. It's like I know it's back there somewhere," she says. "I know everybody has their demons in one way or another. I dealt with it. I'm not saying I'm 100 percent cured, because the stores are always there and I'm trying to stay out of them. And I'm doing a really good job."

Now, Sharyn says she looks at possessions differently. "You're supposed to own your stuff. Your stuff should not own you. And obviously you can tell my stuff owned me," Sharyn says. "It was overwhelming. There were many times I wanted to start cleaning things and doing things and I would go out and buy the bins and buy the racks and everything. But when you don't even have a space to start in to do that, it's impossible."

Looking back at all the things she had, Sharyn makes a promise to herself and her family. "I was a sick person and there was a monster inside of me that had been unleashed and I will never, ever do this again," she says."

It would be interesting to see what her house looks like 2 years from now...
I hope that this has been a life changing event. Honestly, I think that unless Jesus is helping her and setting her free on the "inside", I don't think she can do it. Oprah is great. Professional organizers are wonderful. BUT...Jesus...He is the Ultimate! With him, the changes start on the inside and then work their way to the outside...

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Since writing this post, I have cleaned out my linen closet. How many pillow cases does one family need?? We had wayyyyyyy to many! I have half a garbage bag full of ripped sheets, and another small bag to donate. Hmmmm.... This feels GOOD!
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