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One of the things I committed to in 2025 was a 1-year book launch so I wouldn't be distracted by shiny new objects in entrepreneurship land. I'm so glad I made that commitment to myself, to the book, to the message.

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As of today, the book has sold over 300 copies!!!

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When I've been tempted to shy away, I've stayed the course and have now been on five podcasts that vary in style and location across the US. (If you want to listen to them, I'll list them all out at the bottom of this email for you.)

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The one question that keeps coming up in some form is "what do I recommend for those who want to get organized but look at the clutter and get overwhelmed?".

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Start Where You’re Stuck: A Grace-Filled Way to Declutter When You’re Overwhelmed

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If you’ve ever looked around your home and thought, I don’t even know where to begin, you’re not alone.

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Most of the women I work with don’t lack motivation. They're like you. High-achievers. Moms. Grandma's. They’re tired, busy, emotionally invested in their homes—and overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions clutter demands.

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Before the pandemic, a study was done and on average the American household had 300,000 items. I can almost guarantee that number has gone up since we are all addicted to the ease of Amazon deliveries. Simply put, “We’re the most materially rich society in global history.”

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That = 300,000+ decisions to make about clutter. That = 300,000+ visual cues to your brain. That = raised cortisol levels. I talk about this quote in my book: "…a growing body of evidence that clutter can negatively impact mental well-being, particularly among women...women who have issues with clutter have the signature pattern of cortisol that is associated with people who have chronic fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a higher risk of mortality."

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So, what do we do with this overwhelm and heightened cortisol levels?

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1. Give yourself grace. You are not a lone. It is a symptom of the modern world we live in. When every surface is full and every drawer is overstuffed, your brain is constantly working—whether you realize it or not. That’s why clutter often shows up alongside overwhelm, fatigue, and anxiety.
2. Start where you're stuck. Sounds juicy and feels good, right? But what does that actually mean. Close your eyes. Picture your current home, as it is, right now. What space or area literally makes you cringe? Makes your body tighten and your breathing change? That's the space. Start there. (Unless it's photos or memorabilia. Those places are particularly hard to organize. So, if you're new to organizing, please, don't start there.)
3. Start small. If you're really overwhelmed and short on time, start with one category i.e. spices, shoes, pots & pans. It doesn't have to be like the tv shows or memes where you've pulled you're entire closet out onto the bed and floor and now your stuck and it's dinnertime. (You can hire me to do that for you and then put it all away before the kids get home from school. 😉)
4. Time yourself for 15-30 minutes. That's it. Do what you can in that time frame today. Get a little more done tomorrow. When I lived in NYC and ran around like crazy working a full-time job, auditioning, and taking acting classes, that's how I kept my apartment organized and tidy. For real.

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“When you clear the clutter… you can hear your soul...

I believe our homes are supposed to be little sanctuaries…” (From the Anchored with Purpose podcast.)

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We don't have time to waste in this one life we've been given, don't let clutter steal your time and energy. Start where you're stuck. Start small. Start now.

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BE EXTRAORDINARY,

MELINDA GRACE

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P.S. Here are the most recent podcasts I've been on:

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1. ​Anchored with Purpose, Melissa Wilkinson
2. ​Widowed 2 Soon (*Sensitive Subject Matter)
3. ​Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino
4. ​Faith and Family Trailblazers Podcast
5. ​Real Talk with Reginald D​

P.S.S. My New Decluttering and Organizing Book, Reclaim Your Space with G.R.A.C.E. is here! Get your copy TODAY!

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