Washington Post Journalist confronts his hoarding
Mark Frauenfelder
Michael S. Rosenwald of the Washington Post wrote a a brave piece about coming to terms with his hoarding condition.
Later, I would learn from Frost that I keep my stuff on tables and in piles because having everything in plain sight provides comfort and, in a sense, a form of organized disorganization. If I can see it, I know it's there. That was the practical explanation. But as the students questioned me -- about the pleasure I feel acquiring stuff, the anxiety I feel tossing it -- I sensed that there was something deeper, more philosophical. And it was this: All of the stuff I pile up is a sort of second body, my twin. I am Michael Rosenwald, and those piles -- the books, magazines, fountain pens, inks, newspapers, everything -- are also me. The more I have of it, the more I am me. Up there in front of the class, I was beginning to confuse myself, and then I felt as if I might cry.I blurted this out to the class: "What would I be without it all?".......
the wapo article:
The mess he made: A life-long slob decides it's time to get organized
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2 comments:
I wouldn't classify myself as a hoarder, but neither am I a neatnik, and I will say that the photo of his bedside looks a lot like mine. And if we had a dining room table, it would probably look like his.
i didn't dare look at the photos. i started cleaning my car out yesterday. got a bit done, but there is a LONGGGGGGGGGG way to go. i must have hundreds of dollars worth of yarn alone in there. books, magazines. NO NEED for any of that in my car. there is only room for a driver. the back seat and passenger seat are full. i will get the rest done today.
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