Out of every single minimalism, essentialism, decluttering video...this one... THIS ONE, has really spoke to me the most. You really spoke to me from a place of compassion and a place of love. Thank you so much.
Thank You Rachel. 🥰 Yep. Too much stuff in my studio apartment. Trying to do too many things. Mental and physical exhaustion. Thank You for guiding through my journey to minimalism. 💜 💟 💜 💟 💜
“The things we dream of doing are not always the things we actually spend our time doing” Yes, that fact is what often gets me so depressed. But it’s realizing this is the reality and doing something about it that’s going to make the reality what I want it to be.
I so wish my younger self had got this message. I was so overwhelmed trying to do so much, acquiring so much, and living in chaos. If only I had known that the way out was to own less and do less not more, thanks for sharing your story.❤❤
I know I've said this before, but you really are the wiser older sister in my life than I've always needed. I didnt really explain that before as im hesitant to share things. But i feel compelled to do so now. I am happy to see your video pop up on my feed. Your experiences and the way you articulate it help me understand myself and not completely loathe myself for not being perfect. You help me see a way out of dealing with myself and unresolved trauma that ive carried with me to adult hood in the form of holding onto things. I cleaned last month and got rid of lots of stuff. I am going to do anothet clean this weekend to get rid of more things. Thank you for sharing your experiences and life wiadom with us. I know ive cried more than once from your videos lol. You are just wonderful. Thank you for helping me. ❤️
I stumbled onto your video's and I m very excited about every thing I'm learning. Big thank you! I cleaned my furbabies treat drawer n i know it sounds crazy but i kerp opening it to look at how nice n organized it is. Thanks again!
Ha! I did not see that coming - the friend is YOU! 🥰 You have the clearest, most articulate ways of explaining my life & habits! 😆 Thank you for another super helpful video! *your dreads are so cute! You look 20 years younger!
Rachel, you are brilliant at articulating why we end up with so much stuff. It really is the dream of the perfect home that ends up filling up the home! The dream and no habits is what got my home in such a cluttered mess. I realize that now that my kids have flown the nest. I focused so much on being present for them that I would just pack away stuff for “another day”. That day has come. I have great dish and laundry habits. I am now trying to conquer the stuff. You always inspire me to minimize and simplify.
While I'm not currently doing family life or a shared domestic life with anyone, I love that you shared that quote from Madeleine Albright. Having it all at the same time just isn't possible. For me, "having it all" is so deeply linked to fantasy self and idealizing a life that is different than my own. While I can use those daydreams to shape my reality, I have missed the important step of asking myself "what's the reality of this?" before jumping off the deep end. I've done this with my career, my hobbies, my relationships and I have burned myself out and acquired to fit myself into a mold that I don't belong in. Minimalism has helped me see through the noise of fantasy and what ifs to live a life that's actually mine.
Love your star chart. ❤ Rewards are so motivating no matter what. My reward is to pay myself for the stuff I get done. It’s just a dime or so per task but I put the money toward my new-ish car. Already saved $100 since May.
Rachel I really gravitate towards your videos, you’re so genuine . I’m grateful you share your journey with us. I also want to say I love your new look with the hairstyle you look happy and healthy 💗
OMG!! you got dreads!! They look adorable!! I love how they look on you! You look so much younger too. Thank you for all the help you offer to everyone. You rock!
Wonderful message, Rachel. So much information to make life better for people. I especially liked your recommendation of having set times for certain tasks. As you were talking i was reminded of what I said when my family and I were still under one roof and there was a lot of housework being done. I said, "The house is supposed to serve us, but we serve the house".
My Dearest, Darling Rachel! Please accept my deepest gratitude for uploading such a motivational, lovely video! Your videos really give us motivation to declutter our homes ! Love you loads
Thank you for sharing your experience and explaining what it was that I’ve been trying to put into words. I have too much stuff and not enough empty places where they should go. I have too many hobbies and things I want to do. I have an entire book shelf of things that are just “pretty”. I’m going to relinquish all those things and put the things I actually use, that are currently on the floor 😅, there instead. Thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏽💗
Hello Rachel, this is my first comment ever, but I have been following you for about a year now. I love your content and, in this video in particular, your whit and humour! I thought you were just brilliant in your illustrative description of wanting to do everything at the same time in life 😂 I sure needed this wisdom that Madeleine Albright put so eloquently... in many phases of my life, I was resisting the inevitable drudgery that comes with that particular phase. Which of course only led to unnecessary unhappiness and dissatisfaction 😢 Your videos help me to go with the flow, instead of fighting against it 🙏
My story so very similar to yours. My journey began with implimenting habits also. I was at a homeschool Christmas cookie swap in 2007 when I first heard of Flylady and the rest is history. I love your channel. I watch other decluttering/minimalist channels, but yours reminds me of why I am on this journey and how far I have come. Thanks for your continuing encouragment.😊
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Keeping only what I use and not what I think that I should, could, want to use, is SUCH an insightful and extremely helpful mindset shift. From the 10:47-11:46 time markers - I watched several times as it hit me in a new way today. The whole video really. :) Thank you, so much, Rachel and to your "friend" from 20 years ago. *hugs*
A magazine spread worthy interior was always one of my dreams. It didn't become a reality until I reduced my belongings and had a system to immediately put things away. But the decluttering has to come first.
Helpful and interesting. It has become overwhelming for me now as it has many times before. I think this speaks to the desire for outside approval when we really just need to love ourselves. I think allot of people feel like they can't do anything right. Maybe we just need to give ourselves the space emotionally. I never think I'm going to do it right. My mother used to say to me from a young age, "You don't know how to do that?" and then do it for me. I was 8 before I could tie my shoes. Please, no sympathy needed. I only say this because it might help someone else. I worked most of my life in places where things were unpredictable. I thought maybe this was a good thing so I asked someone why do I thrive on chaos. They said, "You don't. You're just comfortable with it." I'm just trying to separate shame and discomfort.
Thank you for sharing! Often times it feels easier to stay in a bad situation, because we're comfortable with it, rather than facing the discomfort of making the change. I'm glad you're seeing things the way you are now, so you can take the steps you need to. ❤️
People with Executive Function Disorder (commonly and only partially correctly refered to as ADHD) often thrive through Chaos, (We are able to "do exceptional" in chaos) especially when someone else is in need of saving/protecting/rescuing. That is because recognition of our talent, kind-heartedness, ability to come to the rescue in unexpected circumstances help us to feel worthy. Most sufferers have been down-talked by outsiders, but worse, by people who should love and support them. So the only praise we get, is by doing what seems beyond expectations. So, why can't we do the easy/standard thing, e.g. do our taxes on time, make appointments, do the dishes, etc... ? Well, these are expected, they bring no praise with them. That is one aspect. The other is what Jessica Macabe calls, "the wall of awful". It's what Dr. Scott Eilers calls "shut down" and psychology in general calls the "freeze response". The important thing to know is that there are genuine, bona fide, physical, biological reasons for feeling overwhelm when what is overwhelming to us may be "easy" for other people. It's ok to be wired differently! The wiring also makes for talents that make some people able to "do exceptional" but not able to "do easy" whereas other people are only able to "do easy" but not "do exceptional". We need to re-frame our perspective. "Easy" is defined by the majority, so when someone has special talents, they are down-graded by the majority who don't recognize that talents sometimes take the place of standard easy. Einstein supposedly said: "If you expect a fish to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking it is a failure." So, minimalism can help us to be part of both worlds if we can prioritize the things we actually do and accept that there are things we can do just as well but not all at the same time 🙂
Rachel, Have you ever tried cornrow or small braids at the front of your hair and larger at the back? I think you would look beautiful with those as well :)
Constructive living. Despite how l feel...l ask, now what needs doing? I am healing from trauma. So steps is all l can do right now. But each day l see, clear it, clean after..maintaining. l will get cleaners in just to do the floors/skirts and tiles. I need that help. Then l can maintain.
I am finishing up those craft supplies(in now spare room) and giving myself this room for a time will tell. There are some items not quite sure I need. Working so far. Working thru the crafts for gifts this year and bagging stuff regularly for donations. This works for me because I can enjoy the minimized rooms and when in a declutter mood head into the time will tell room.
That is so much my before and after story. Lol. Down to the last fork or pair of underwear. I think I’ve recently leveled up even more with just staying on things. Idk exactly how I was able to make all those mental shifts tho. It was just so gradual that it just kind of “grew on me.” But I’m still trying to now apply the same concepts for my own self care. It seems to be so easy to just “skip yourself” if there is no pressing “reason” to spiff up or primp or do some frivolous or fun me time and so on. It was like Miss Procrastinator to Miss Proactive. I think who is this new girl? But I like her so it’s all good. Lol. Def I would say tho that it did all start with just throwing out a whole boatload of stuff and dropping a whole lot of “must do” or “should do” things. One thing tho was def being more aware of what all I do in a day. And acknowledging that. I made a list of “what all I did today” when I used to just be beating myself up about what all I “didn’t do today.” And I treated myself like I’d treat a friend. Such as look tho. You actually did a LOT today. Anyone would be hard pressed to even keep up with what all you did. So I guess I just started making a point to notice and not minimize how much I DID manage to pull off in one single day. To simply allow myself “credit” for that. And of course it was those old voices of my abusers but I was telling them off too such as shut your pie hole. Look what all I did today. I don’t want to hear another word about how it wasn’t “good enough.” (Along with plenty of crude expletives and telling them where to go etc, but I digress lol). But I know at least that brow beating yourself about it never helps you make progress. And how ironic it is that self compassion and self acceptance actually works a lot better towards making actual progress.
That would’ be ! I’ve been on my journey for four years with my tensing child at home who’s a mess ! She’s special needs but she can clean like no one’s bussiness ! I have add so it is hard . I lose everything !!Being a single mom too with two out of three spec needs kids it’s harder ! It’s always are fault not the ex’s fault who is a complete failure as a father !
I'm sorry you have so much on your plate! It is hard, and its hard not having the other parent participating and supporting. I'm glad you have one child that helps clean though! You are strong, you and the kids will make it through and be stronger because of it. ❤️
Thanks Rachel, and everyone that comments, you all make me feel like I'm not alone! I thought I was the only one who over collects and then gets overwhelmed by so much stuff and how to deal with it! Having a starting point and clear goals will hopefully motivate me to at least accomplish some decluttering.😊🫂🖖
Thank you for the hope. I have watched this several times to hear your message and your great presentation. Good job! Now back to my dishes! ☺
Out of every single minimalism, essentialism, decluttering video...this one... THIS ONE, has really spoke to me the most. You really spoke to me from a place of compassion and a place of love. Thank you so much.
Wow, thank you! ❤️
Thank You Rachel. 🥰
Yep.
Too much stuff in my studio apartment.
Trying to do too many things.
Mental and physical exhaustion.
Thank You for guiding through my journey to minimalism.
💜 💟 💜 💟 💜
“The things we dream of doing are not always the things we actually spend our time doing” Yes, that fact is what often gets me so depressed. But it’s realizing this is the reality and doing something about it that’s going to make the reality what I want it to be.
I knew you were talking about yourself as I’ve been listening to you for so long absolutely love your channel
I so wish my younger self had got this message. I was so overwhelmed trying to do so much, acquiring so much, and living in chaos. If only I had known that the way out was to own less and do less not more, thanks for sharing your story.❤❤
This is one of my favorite videos you have done. You described me over the last many years ❤
I know I've said this before, but you really are the wiser older sister in my life than I've always needed. I didnt really explain that before as im hesitant to share things. But i feel compelled to do so now. I am happy to see your video pop up on my feed. Your experiences and the way you articulate it help me understand myself and not completely loathe myself for not being perfect. You help me see a way out of dealing with myself and unresolved trauma that ive carried with me to adult hood in the form of holding onto things. I cleaned last month and got rid of lots of stuff. I am going to do anothet clean this weekend to get rid of more things. Thank you for sharing your experiences and life wiadom with us. I know ive cried more than once from your videos lol. You are just wonderful. Thank you for helping me. ❤️
❤️❤️❤️ oh thank you for sharing, that means so much to me!
I stumbled onto your video's and I m very excited about every thing I'm learning. Big thank you! I cleaned my furbabies treat drawer n i know it sounds crazy but i kerp opening it to look at how nice n organized it is. Thanks again!
Ha! I did not see that coming - the friend is YOU! 🥰
You have the clearest, most articulate ways of explaining my life & habits! 😆 Thank you for another super helpful video!
*your dreads are so cute! You look 20 years younger!
😁 Thank you so much Gabrielle! ❤️ I have to take out the temporary ones, but I have an appointment to get real ones, I'm super excited!
Rachel, you are brilliant at articulating why we end up with so much stuff. It really is the dream of the perfect home that ends up filling up the home! The dream and no habits is what got my home in such a cluttered mess. I realize that now that my kids have flown the nest. I focused so much on being present for them that I would just pack away stuff for “another day”. That day has come. I have great dish and laundry habits. I am now trying to conquer the stuff. You always inspire me to minimize and simplify.
While I'm not currently doing family life or a shared domestic life with anyone, I love that you shared that quote from Madeleine Albright. Having it all at the same time just isn't possible. For me, "having it all" is so deeply linked to fantasy self and idealizing a life that is different than my own. While I can use those daydreams to shape my reality, I have missed the important step of asking myself "what's the reality of this?" before jumping off the deep end. I've done this with my career, my hobbies, my relationships and I have burned myself out and acquired to fit myself into a mold that I don't belong in. Minimalism has helped me see through the noise of fantasy and what ifs to live a life that's actually mine.
Beautifully said Shelby - thank you for sharing! I believe that's what minimalism should do. ❤️
Love your star chart. ❤ Rewards are so motivating no matter what. My reward is to pay myself for the stuff I get done. It’s just a dime or so per task but I put the money toward my new-ish car. Already saved $100 since May.
Oh I love that!
Rachel I really gravitate towards your videos, you’re so genuine . I’m grateful you share your journey with us. I also want to say I love your new look with the hairstyle you look happy and healthy 💗
OMG!! you got dreads!! They look adorable!! I love how they look on you! You look so much younger too. Thank you for all the help you offer to everyone. You rock!
🥰🥰🥰 thank you!
Wonderful message, Rachel. So much information to make life better for people. I especially liked your recommendation of having set times for certain tasks. As you were talking i was reminded of what I said when my family and I were still under one roof and there was a lot of housework being done. I said, "The house is supposed to serve us, but we serve the house".
My Dearest, Darling Rachel! Please accept my deepest gratitude for uploading such a motivational, lovely video! Your videos really give us motivation to declutter our homes ! Love you loads
🥰 Thank you Uzma!
@@Nourishingminimalism So nice of you for replying so promptly!Stay blessed
Thank you for sharing your experience and explaining what it was that I’ve been trying to put into words. I have too much stuff and not enough empty places where they should go. I have too many hobbies and things I want to do. I have an entire book shelf of things that are just “pretty”. I’m going to relinquish all those things and put the things I actually use, that are currently on the floor 😅, there instead. Thank you for the inspiration 🙏🏽💗
Hello Rachel, this is my first comment ever, but I have been following you for about a year now. I love your content and, in this video in particular, your whit and humour! I thought you were just brilliant in your illustrative description of wanting to do everything at the same time in life 😂
I sure needed this wisdom that Madeleine Albright put so eloquently... in many phases of my life, I was resisting the inevitable drudgery that comes with that particular phase. Which of course only led to unnecessary unhappiness and dissatisfaction 😢 Your videos help me to go with the flow, instead of fighting against it 🙏
Thank you so much for commenting and sharing that! 🥰
My story so very similar to yours. My journey began with implimenting habits also. I was at a homeschool Christmas cookie swap in 2007 when I first heard of Flylady and the rest is history. I love your channel. I watch other decluttering/minimalist channels, but yours reminds me of why I am on this journey and how far I have come. Thanks for your continuing encouragment.😊
Eliminating the fantasy self is so liberating. So grateful ❤
I loved this video and I love you Rachel! Blessings.
Thank you Nance! ❤️
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Keeping only what I use and not what I think that I should, could, want to use, is SUCH an insightful and extremely helpful mindset shift. From the 10:47-11:46 time markers - I watched several times as it hit me in a new way today. The whole video really. :) Thank you, so much, Rachel and to your "friend" from 20 years ago. *hugs*
Oh I'm so glad to hear it!! ❤️
I like the 3 tree painting where you have it over the piano
Congratulations on your journey and your uniquely wonderful way of sharing it and inspiring people! ❤
See you at the declutter-a-thon Saturday!
A magazine spread worthy interior was always one of my dreams. It didn't become a reality until I reduced my belongings and had a system to immediately put things away. But the decluttering has to come first.
Helpful and interesting. It has become overwhelming for me now as it has many times before. I think this speaks to the desire for outside approval when we really just need to love ourselves. I think allot of people feel like they can't do anything right. Maybe we just need to give ourselves the space emotionally. I never think I'm going to do it right. My mother used to say to me from a young age, "You don't know how to do that?" and then do it for me. I was 8 before I could tie my shoes. Please, no sympathy needed. I only say this because it might help someone else. I worked most of my life in places where things were unpredictable. I thought maybe this was a good thing so I asked someone why do I thrive on chaos. They said, "You don't. You're just comfortable with it." I'm just trying to separate shame and discomfort.
Thank you for sharing! Often times it feels easier to stay in a bad situation, because we're comfortable with it, rather than facing the discomfort of making the change. I'm glad you're seeing things the way you are now, so you can take the steps you need to. ❤️
People with Executive Function Disorder (commonly and only partially correctly refered to as ADHD) often thrive through Chaos, (We are able to "do exceptional" in chaos) especially when someone else is in need of saving/protecting/rescuing. That is because recognition of our talent, kind-heartedness, ability to come to the rescue in unexpected circumstances help us to feel worthy. Most sufferers have been down-talked by outsiders, but worse, by people who should love and support them. So the only praise we get, is by doing what seems beyond expectations.
So, why can't we do the easy/standard thing, e.g. do our taxes on time, make appointments, do the dishes, etc... ?
Well, these are expected, they bring no praise with them.
That is one aspect.
The other is what Jessica Macabe calls, "the wall of awful". It's what Dr. Scott Eilers calls "shut down" and psychology in general calls the "freeze response".
The important thing to know is that there are genuine, bona fide, physical, biological reasons for feeling overwhelm when what is overwhelming to us may be "easy" for other people.
It's ok to be wired differently!
The wiring also makes for talents that make some people able to "do exceptional" but not able to "do easy" whereas other people are only able to "do easy" but not "do exceptional".
We need to re-frame our perspective. "Easy" is defined by the majority, so when someone has special talents, they are down-graded by the majority who don't recognize that talents sometimes take the place of standard easy. Einstein supposedly said: "If you expect a fish to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life thinking it is a failure."
So, minimalism can help us to be part of both worlds if we can prioritize the things we actually do and accept that there are things we can do just as well but not all at the same time 🙂
Rachel, Have you ever tried cornrow or small braids at the front of your hair and larger at the back? I think you would look beautiful with those as well :)
Your 8:11.. ish minute mark - was sooooo refreshing to hear 😅. Thank you!! Really like your vlog style!!
😂 All the fun things!! ❤️
Lovely video, thank you 🙂 And a lovely top you are wearing!
Motivational as ever - thank you! And: I LOVE your new picture 🧡
😊 thank you Jane!
Thank you for today's video.
Constructive living. Despite how l feel...l ask, now what needs doing? I am healing from trauma. So steps is all l can do right now. But each day l see, clear it, clean after..maintaining. l will get cleaners in just to do the floors/skirts and tiles. I need that help. Then l can maintain.
I love the new painting! Great content.
Rachel, I absolutely love your new painting. The colors are so vibrant and bright.
Thank you so much!
A very good video. I suspected that your "friend" might be you!
I am finishing up those craft supplies(in now spare room) and giving myself this room for a time will tell. There are some items not quite sure I need. Working so far. Working thru the crafts for gifts this year and bagging stuff regularly for donations. This works for me because I can enjoy the minimized rooms and when in a declutter mood head into the time will tell room.
That's an excellent way to go about it!
Where have you been. I really miss your videos. Hope all is well
Great video!
Thank you for the video. I also love your artwork.
That is so much my before and after story. Lol. Down to the last fork or pair of underwear. I think I’ve recently leveled up even more with just staying on things. Idk exactly how I was able to make all those mental shifts tho. It was just so gradual that it just kind of “grew on me.” But I’m still trying to now apply the same concepts for my own self care. It seems to be so easy to just “skip yourself” if there is no pressing “reason” to spiff up or primp or do some frivolous or fun me time and so on. It was like Miss Procrastinator to Miss Proactive. I think who is this new girl? But I like her so it’s all good. Lol. Def I would say tho that it did all start with just throwing out a whole boatload of stuff and dropping a whole lot of “must do” or “should do” things.
One thing tho was def being more aware of what all I do in a day. And acknowledging that. I made a list of “what all I did today” when I used to just be beating myself up about what all I “didn’t do today.” And I treated myself like I’d treat a friend. Such as look tho. You actually did a LOT today. Anyone would be hard pressed to even keep up with what all you did. So I guess I just started making a point to notice and not minimize how much I DID manage to pull off in one single day. To simply allow myself “credit” for that. And of course it was those old voices of my abusers but I was telling them off too such as shut your pie hole. Look what all I did today. I don’t want to hear another word about how it wasn’t “good enough.” (Along with plenty of crude expletives and telling them where to go etc, but I digress lol). But I know at least that brow beating yourself about it never helps you make progress. And how ironic it is that self compassion and self acceptance actually works a lot better towards making actual progress.
That would’ be ! I’ve been on my journey for four years with my tensing child at home who’s a mess ! She’s special needs but she can clean like no one’s bussiness ! I have add so it is hard . I lose everything !!Being a single mom too with two out of three spec needs kids it’s harder ! It’s always are fault not the ex’s fault who is a complete failure as a father !
I'm sorry you have so much on your plate! It is hard, and its hard not having the other parent participating and supporting. I'm glad you have one child that helps clean though! You are strong, you and the kids will make it through and be stronger because of it. ❤️
❤
Thanks Rachel, and everyone that comments, you all make me feel like I'm not alone! I thought I was the only one who over collects and then gets overwhelmed by so much stuff and how to deal with it! Having a starting point and clear goals will hopefully motivate me to at least accomplish some decluttering.😊🫂🖖