Survey #267—Full Response from Anonymous user
| Describe ways in which aging has negatively affected your ability, willingness, or desire to declutter or organize your home. | At 59, I was struck with an incurable condition which has forced me to depend much on others to help me, i.e. live like an old person. Most of the people who helped me are gone now, and I actually have become old. The reality that I will most likely never get to stroll through shops or jump in the car to go get something makes me want to keep what I have so that I can shop my own store. As a result, my home remains stuffed with plans, projects, and mementos. I really enjoy having supplies at my fingertips for maintenance, repair, or creative whims. I think I have grown more sentimental as I have aged. As friends and relatives die or drift away, I enjoy my mementos more and more, because they take me back to happier times and remind me that I have accomplished a lot. I use family heirlooms rather than store them, feeling connected to those relatives who once used and cared for them. These are how the "stuff" helps me maintain a relationship with loved ones who are no longer dwelling on earth. I would like to live in a less cluttered space, but the fact is, there are only 4 people who have visited me in the past eight years, so appearances don't matter very much. My decluttering and organizing goals, for now at least, are to prevent stubbed toes and broken bones, and to have the house clean and safe enough that no one will be tempted to call authorities, claiming that I am not competent enough to care for myself. |
|---|---|
| Describe ways in which getting older has positively affected your ability, willingness, or desire to declutter or organize your home. | I have learned that I need to store items in smaller containers and to light spaces better because of dwindling strength and worsening eyesight. Had I been living the decluttered lifestyle when I was 59, my stashes would be more easily accessible now. My new health crisis put Earth Life in a new perspective, so I am able to identify junk and clutter more easily. |
| Describe ways in which you’d like for your space and belongings to better support your goals and dreams for the next years of your life. | There is some question whether there will be more years of life for me, so I find myself wondering what people would think if they come in after I die and see how I lived. Then, I think, "I don't have to be threatened by others' judgements or opinions in order to have a beautiful, organized, serene place to live. I can make that space for myself, and maybe even get to live many more years in it!" My goal, then, is to create the space I want to live in. |
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
