Baby step

[u/lilymaebelle]

I have a depression room. Actually, I have a depression apartment. But within the depression apartment is an even deeper circle of the inferno that is a depression room.

I just filled up a whole trash bag. I'm now sneezing my head off. Yikes.

But I filled up a trash bag. Or almost filled up a trash bag. It was starting to get heavy, so I think that counts.

I did not take a before picture, because having that on my phone would be depressing. But maybe I'll look in there tomorrow and see that there's actually some stuff missing and I'll feel hopeful enough take a photo.

The baby step wasn't filling up the bag, by the way. It's posting here. It would be lovely to have some support, but even if none is forthcoming, I was able to be honest with someone today, even if it's strangers on the internet.

I want to value myself enough that I'm able to treat my space as nicely as I would keep someone else's. You should see my desk at work, it's spotless.

One bag. It has to start with one bag.

[u/Mrs-Bluveridge]

1 bag will lead to 2.

You deserve a calm peaceful space. 

You got this! 

[u/PenHistorical]

Awesome job!

If you have any (K)N95 masks, it might be worth wearing them while cleaning. I find they help quite a bit with allergies.

[u/lilymaebelle → u/PenHistorical]

I know I have a few left over from traveling during lockdown. Was thinking about it for next time but now I'll definitely try it.

[u/meanlesbian → u/lilymaebelle]

I second wearing a mask! Also if you need to take a Zyrtec or a Claritin just do it, no need to suffer through it.

[u/randallthegrape → u/lilymaebelle]

Yes, even a bandana helps more than nothing!

[u/YogaChefPhotog]

Well done, you!! 🏆

I’m proud of you for posting here, for filling up a trash bag, and putting yourself first!

I hope you sleep well tonight with these big accomplishments. Every success, big or small, counts. 🫶🏻

[u/KDBlastIt]

Great job! One bag at a time, you will get the home you deserve.

[u/CircusPeanutsYumm → u/KDBlastIt]

1️⃣❗️

[u/louvemusiq]

I found the book How to Manage Your Home Without Losing Your Mind by Dana White helpful. I listened to it while I worked and while I'm not doing EVERYTHING as well as I had hoped, I do my dishes every morning amd spend at least 5 minutes of each day cleaning up akd it's actually made a huge difference. It's pushed me to look at all of the junk I have no emotional attachment or need for, and that's helped me purge a lot. I did the audiobook and definitely recommend giving it a shot.

[u/lilymaebelle → u/louvemusiq]

I've been doing SO much better with dishes lately. They'll still sit for a week, maybe two, but in the past it's been months. I haven't even been using paper plates much!

I watched a Dana K. White video on YouTube recently (it was probably recommended here) and I liked her a lot. I own several decluttering books that are, guess what, collecting dust. Maybe an audio book would hit differently! I'll have to try it.

[u/louvemusiq → u/lilymaebelle]

Let me know if you do and if it helps!

[u/Lauryeanna → u/lilymaebelle]

Check with your local library. I access mine through an app called Libby and I'm able to check out audiobooks for a couple of weeks. This way, you don't come out of pocket for something that you might find doesn't serve you as well as you hoped. But if it does work well for you, then you know it will be worth the investment in you.

And please - go look in the mirror. Take a good look at that lovely person you see looking back at you and know that you are worth the effort of your care tasks. Sometimes just getting onto the road is the accomplishment. And staying on the road can be tough but you ARE making progress and you should be proud of yourself for that effort and any accomplishments you make along the way.

Much hugs and love internet stranger. You've Got This!! 🤗🤗🤗

[u/MemphisJodi]

I/ We understand, slow and steady wins the race. Congratulations!!!! 🎊 👏 💐 🥳

[u/deansie13]

I’m so proud of you!

[u/scattywampus]

You have every reason to be proud of yourself!

You have started!!

This is literally the hardest part. And you did it.

[u/Just-Lab3027]

Great job! Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part. I like the idea of wearing a mask next time if you're raising dust or something.

[u/dawno64]

Yes, one bag is definitely something. Half a bag is something. Even one item is SOMETHING! You should be proud to have a bag to toss. It's not easy, battling your way through depression. But it can be done, sometimes one thing at a time, sometimes more.

[u/lagniappe68]

It didn’t get cluttered in one day. Small steps are great❤️👍

[u/paraboobizarre]

As a owner of a currently former but every once in a while again depression apartment, well done! It always starts with that one trash bag and that one corner that you clear.

You got this and soon there'll be more trash bags and more things sorted - you can do this! ❤️

[u/periwinkle_cupcake]

Every little bit is progress. You can do this for yourself.

[u/LowKitchen3355]

One step at a time. You have support, even from strangers on the internet. We're strangers but we're still human beings, with similar struggles. One bag. One step. You can do it

[u/BoxBeast1961_]

GOOD JOB!!!!!

[u/feltedarrows]

I'm proud of you! it's such a hard thing to do, it took me weeks even to get the trash bags into my depression pit

[u/RockCandy86]

Wow, proud of you!

[u/SecretlyAurora]

Keep going! Sanctuary

[u/kibonzos]

Well done!! It’s a step! It’s a start! So proud of you! Not sure if the bag has made it to the bin yet but am super proud of you whichever it is.

I have pretty bad dust allergies so sometimes open a window or vacuum as I go to try and manage it a bit.

[u/lilymaebelle → u/kibonzos]

It'll be quite a while before I'll be able to get a vacuum in there, but I could crack a window. I'm not usually able to have it open since it doesn't have a screen in it, but probably not a lot of bugs will be getting in when it's 30 degrees.

[u/kibonzos → u/lilymaebelle]

Cracking a window sounds good for your lungs in that case but not if it makes it too cold for you. (I don’t understand Fahrenheit) Make sure to stay hydrated too. You’ve got this. ☺️

[u/staceyeb]

The only way out is through…you’ve got this! One step at a time-

[u/Live_Barracuda1113]

Fantastic job!!

[u/Far-Watercress6658]

Go for it my dude

[u/Equivalent-Coat-7354]

One piece of trash at a time, you got this!

[u/Salt_Adhesiveness_90]

One bag is all it takes to get started. I did a drawer in the kitchen. The after would look like a before picture so I didn't even post anything!

[u/pebblebypebble]

An air filter run 24h really helps me

[u/lilymaebelle → u/pebblebypebble]

I have one going in the living room! It would probably be smart to temporarily relocate it.

[u/pebblebypebble → u/lilymaebelle]

Yeah! I run it a day before I work on the bedroom that has piles of stuff. Big diff in how much progress I make in a day. Mine has a slot for essential oils, which also helps a lot.

[u/dupersuperduper]

Well done! It can help to use the vacuum with a sock over the end or something first to roughly clean the room so the dust is reduced but you aren’t worried about sucking things up.

[u/namastaynaughti]

One bag at a time. If it’s heavy trash it and start a new one…. Now you’re at 2 bags!

[u/pink_gardenias]

You are worth it.

You should be very proud for starting.

You got this, and we support you.