No Shame: Thoughts from a Professional Organizer

These days, “ shame ” has become a buzzword. But it’s also something very real and very powerful. Researcher and author BrenĂ© Brown defines shame as: “ The intensely painful feeling or experience of believing that we are flawed and therefore unworthy of love and belonging—something we’ve experienced, done, or failed to do makes us unworthy of connection .” When it comes to our homes and daily lives, shame sneaks in more often than we realize. Think about the things you don’t hesitate to spend money on if you’re able to: Trips to the dentist Gym memberships Therapy Hair and nail appointments Massages These are investments in your well-being. They help you feel better so you can be better. In many cases, you’re paying someone to do something you can’t (or won’t) do on your own—and there’s no shame in that. But when it comes to our homes...here’s where things shift. So many people feel like they should be able to manage a clean and organized home, keep up with to-do lists, and sta...