Ridgewood YWCA program focuses on the costs of clutter
JULY 8, 2014 LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2014, 3:05 PM
BY BY JODI WEINBERGER
STAFF WRITER
As women milled about the room in the Ridgewood YWCA at the end of a presentation on de-cluttering, the topics of conversation between them were about anything but “stuff.”
Some talked about issues with aging or dying parents, others talked about relationship struggles, and some talked about their children.
Randi Bale, the de-clutter expert, wasn’t surprised.
There are costs to clutter – financial and personal – and Bale has made a career out of helping women understand the emotional tolls of clutter and the happiness and health benefits that come when you break free.
“Clutter is an energy zapper,” she said, speaking to about 30 women furiously taking notes.
Bale’s presentation was part of a new series at the YWCA called Women’s Empowerment Network. The series began in March with the “Week of the Women” and events have been held monthly since, with topics like healthy living and successful communication. The vision is to create a space that inspires and connects women for personal and professional gain.
Bale helps her clients with the practical side of de-cluttering, like organizing an office, and educates about the personal ramifications of clutter.
To put it bluntly, clutter “makes us crazy,” Bale said.
“Fear is the source of all evil,” Bale said, and that can manifest when you hold onto stuff and don’t let go.
“When you clear out, you clear out emotionally and mentally,” she said.
Clutter can stifle creativity and become overwhelming when “stuff” is not dealt with quickly.
“Piles don’t go away,” Bale said. “They haunt you.”
– See more at: https://www.northjersey.com/community-news/clubs-and-service-organizations/ridgewood-ywca-program-focuses-on-the-costs-of-clutter-1.1047953#sthash.Kbgn31Zh.dpuf
Thank goodness we have a civil servant who removed those pesky quarters that were cluttering town hall for us.
Oh, and a councilwoman who de-cluttered the dais by going on vacation for one of the most significant votes of the year.