As the oldest of six girls, all born individually within an eight-year span, I was naturally drawn to order. However, I was constantly teased for this trait, to the point where I felt ashamed. I didn't want people to see that I had organized my belongings meticulously, even something as simple as arranging my slides in a specific order. On top of that, my parents burdened me with their shame since I was conceived out of wedlock. My father even instructed me not to smile too widely, fearing that my crooked teeth would be too noticeable. Furthermore, I was told not to speak too much, as it might give the impression that I was more intelligent than I actually was.
All of these experiences were compounded by the fact that my father molested me and three of my sisters. Consequently, my graduation from college held little significance to my parents. In fact, my mother scolded me for accepting a $10,000/year position with my Bachelor's degree in '73, as it wasn't right in her mind somehow since my dad made that as a bricklayer for 20 years. I was continually being dismissed and belittled.
However, at the age of 38, I discovered that my interest in organizing was actually a gift or talent that I could embrace. This skill proved invaluable for my family, particularly because my husband had ADD and my son had ADHD. We tackled life's challenges with humor, humming together as a united family.
After recovering from a two-year bout with a debilitating virus that confined me to bed, I received an answer to my prayers. I was encouraged to help people get organized, and although it initially sounded crazy, I decided to pursue it as a fun endeavor. As my health improved, I immersed myself in this new venture. I vividly remember asking my first client if she saved used band-aids, to which she replied, "I am not that bad!" It was a lighthearted moment that marked the beginning of my journey.
Now, after 21 years of assisting people in simplifying their lives, I have acquired a sense of self-worth that had eluded me for most of my life. I have gained confidence in my ability to help individuals overcome the overwhelming feeling of being buried under their possessions. The work I do brings immense satisfaction to my soul.
Although I have experienced the loss of two husbands, I am determined to live a fulfilling life, serving women and continuously growing myself. I find peace and contentment in knowing that everything is well with my soul.