One of my clients shares how getting a professional organiser to help her was the best thing she ever did.
Mimi:
How did you feel about contacting me?
S:
Writing the first email was torturous. I felt anxious, embarrassed, ashamed and nervous. I didn’t want anyone to see my mess or to know I wasn’t coping. Plus, whoever I worked with was going to need to be adaptable and experimental in approach as I didn’t know what I was going to be capable of. Due to my condition, my body and legs still had a habit of giving way and I often had difficulty speaking when I became tired.
I needn’t have worried. Mimi’s initial response was so kind and reassuring that from that moment on my anxiety changed to excitement and I couldn’t wait to get started.
Mimi:
What made you get in touch?
S:
I had an accident and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, my life and capabilities changed in an instant. After years of rehabilitation, I improved enough to take notice of my house and it clear I couldn’t return to my job as a teacher. I wanted to get rid of everything work related as quickly as possible. I was still having difficulty picking things up and got tired very quickly. I couldn’t face the task alone and knew I wanted help.
Also, prior to the accident I had hated the way tidying seemed to be an endless task. Decluttering helped but it didn’t remain clutter free for long. I was certain living in a society of plenty was not compatible with an ethos of you ‘keep it just in case you need it’, a view strongly held by my mother and husband. I couldn’t face spending what little energy I had returning to that life but I didn’t know what to do differently. So, I secretly went in search of a different approach because frankly my life is too precious not to change the things that make me unhappy if I can.
I feel ridiculously lucky to have found Mimi and the KonMari Method™ first.
Mimi:
How did you feel as we got started?
S:
I was too afraid at the beginning to be as ruthless as I secretly wanted to be. As time passed, I came to realise it was not only okay to let go but it feels really good to. With the exception of one book (which I could easily buy again if I really wanted to) I can honestly say we have not missed anything we have parted with.
Mimi:
What did you struggle with the most?
S:
The hardest part was the enormity of the task. Not only did I have my own physical and mental disabilities slowing me down but there was so much to tackle. A four-bedroom house with kids that have flown the nest leaving a trail behind them, as well as all my teaching and creative resources.
Mimi:
What has been the best part?
S:
My house feels like a home again. The space is clear, calming and now I have the skills to keep it this way forever.
There have been so many good things to come out of it.
• Tidying up is so much quicker
• I let go of things without feeling guilty or fear
• The joy of giving things away and hearing about the pleasure they bring or the money they have raised for charity
• Improved relationships! I’m feeling more relaxed and enjoying a home rather than hating a house and resenting tidying up
• Finding it easier to create space to adapt to our changing needs
• Creating a space for pottery after my neuro-physiotherapist recommended throwing pots for core muscle rehabilitation
Mimi:
Anything surprising to come out of this?
S:
That so many people are taking inspiration from my home including my 87-year-old mother.
