Just acknowledging your past and present struggles @NatureLover @tyme .
I used to keep bags, and newspapers, and buy multicoloured stationery, and lots of books. I've shed most now except the books. I had very little as a child and most of what I did have was thrown out when I was 14 or 15 when we moved.
Hoarding can be horrible and life-threatening when extreme and I think it goes with profound sense of hopelessness and helplessness and lack of self-esteem. But I've been told it's a lifestyle choice. It's not. It's an illness deserving care and intervention and recognising the poor soul whose self-inflicted torrnent echoes profound trauma. Here I'm advocating not so much for myself as for someone I know.
@NatureLover you've not done nothing but water and laundry. You've been diligent at times when feeling better and achieved heaps - you've told me when you've had successful days. I'm so sorry you feel burnt out but perhaps your resilience is better than you give yourself credit for. Your sticking to your volunteer job despite management changes is admirable.
Forgive me for saying all this - I'm probably a bit overwrought and overtired.
Take care.
