JeffCo

Well, it has a name now.

For a while (years), I've been going through some sh*t(s): sometimes in succession, often simultaneously. And I haven't been doing well - at all. Increasingly less well, tbh.

Finally got a diagnosis. Extreme Autistic Burnout.

So YAY. Now - the moving through/past it part.
Wish me luck, amigos!

The good news? I'll share what I learn - I'm (and YOU AREN'T!) alone in this!

This is a big one, for a few reasons.

People that have come from scarcity tend to hold on to things. Things that no longer serve, if ever they did. Things that might be (MIGHT BE) needed. Things that were expensive, that had meaning, that were hard to find, that looked good when I had a 27 inch waist, that I thought I'd love or that'd change me somehow for the better. Things.

Wow, that got personal. I was all 'third-person'ing and then my subconscious got on in there! But you see what I mean.

Decluttering is HARD, I know. But it's crucial to growth to move forward unencumbered. Start where you can - if you're feeling plucky, do a room! If you're feeling unsure, start with a drawer. You'll need four boxes - Keep, Donate, Give to a Specific Person, and Garbage. Examine each item individually and ask yourself "If this got p**p on it, would I keep it?" and go from there.

The good news is that it does get easier, and it honestly is liberating. You can feel the weight shift off of you, and that's a real sign that you're ready to move.

And if you're really finding it challenging or impossible? A therapist can assist in understanding and reframing, and a professional de-clutterer (they exist and are amazing!) can help with the physical.

Don't give up. Future You is worth it. CURRENT YOU is worth it.

This. Is. Important.

I kind of hate it when pages do that period spacing thing, but here we go - I succumbed! Because I don't want you to zip past this.

If you don't know what you want, you'll never be satisfied

If you don't know what you want, you'll always be distracted by sparkly things

If you don't know what you want, you can't get it!

If you don't know what you want, you'll fill your life with things that have little-to-no-value

If you don't know what you want, you'll be surviving and not thriving

What is non-negotiable for you at this moment in time, this moment of your life?

Pro Tip: Keep your brain in the realm of the positive - write what you WANT and don't focus on what you DON'T WANT. The weeding of your garden can come later, this is the blue sky stage of glorious "I WANT".

ProPro Tip: Many of us have been raised to avoid I Want statements and thoughts, but friends - go for it. Become who you needed as a kid and make space for yourself.