Baggage in Boxes: Clutter's Link to Hidden Trauma

Baggage in Boxes: Clutter's Link to Hidden Trauma

Author: Dawn Madsen January 19, 2024 Duration: 49:09
Have you ever had the thought, “why do these decluttering tactics work for everyone BUT me?” Is it possible that emotional or psychological trauma has contributed to the clutter and disorganization in your life? Listen in as Dawn and Anna Runkle from The Crappy Childhood Fairy address how clutter can often be a symptom of trauma and give encouragement on how to start the process of overcoming these hurdles in your life or in the lives of those you may know.   IN THIS EPISODE: -Anna’s motivation in starting Crappy Childhood Fairy  - Encouragement on the “doability” of starting to heal and where to start - Why It can be more helpful to write it out rather than talking it out!  - Removing mental clutter in order to help reduce physical clutter  - Theories on helping others who struggle with clutter  - Encouragement for the woman who always feels like an outlier  About Anna  Anna Runkle is not a doctor or therapist; she’s someone who grew up in a rough family that was deeply affected by addiction and all the problems that tend to go with that – poverty, violence, neglect, and shame. Everything changed for her in 1994 when she stumbled upon two techniques that unexpectedly made her feel better – dramatically better. With that little bit of healing, she was able to, at last, begin changing the self-destructive patterns she had learned (common for trauma survivors) and change the course of my life.  Today, almost half a million people follow her work and participate in her training. Her mission is to change the paradigm of what’s possible for people “like us” and to help all I can to heal and lead lives of joy and purpose. See Anna’s video: Clutter as a Trauma symptom: https://youtu.be/FZwY4tAfX1A?si=As4YXzXeG0rJ-JknIG: https://www.instagram.com/crappychildhoodfairy/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@CrappyChildhoodFairyFREE course: the daily practice: https://courses.crappychildhoodfairy.com/daily-practice?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=description&utm_campaign=daily-practiceWelcome to The Official Minimal Mom Podcast. Thank you so much for listening and could I ask a favor? Would you mind following? It helps podcast apps recommend this podcast to more friends. Thank you! Dawn

Dawn Madsen hosts The Minimal Mom, a practical guide for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff that accumulates in a family home. This isn't about stark, empty spaces, but about creating calm and functionality where it matters most. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who has been through the trenches of toys, paperwork, and overflowing closets. Dawn focuses on actionable strategies you can apply immediately, breaking down the daunting process of decluttering into manageable steps that actually stick. You'll hear honest discussions about the emotional hurdles of letting go, how to involve your household in the process, and how to maintain simplicity amidst the constant flow of family life. The podcast champions the idea that with less physical clutter comes more mental space, time, and energy for the people and activities you truly value. It’s a compassionate resource for rethinking your possessions and habits, offering a steady stream of motivation for your journey toward a lighter, more intentional home. Tune in to this education-focused podcast for grounded advice that makes minimalism feel accessible and deeply rewarding for everyday parents.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 61

The Minimal Mom
Podcast Episodes
Busy Kids Now Displaying "Trauma Brain"? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:14
Why are so many of our kids showing signs of trauma when they live in relative safety? How do we raise counter-cultural kids in a world of excess? Today, Dawn is joined by Kim John Payne, M.ED., who has been a counselor,…
Q+A: “You have time to do what???” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:07
How do I get myself out of the messy middle? How many kids books should I keep? How can I move towards minimalism with with chronic illness, young kids, busy schedules, etc. etc? Listen in as Dawn answers from listeners…
“We don’t have to own all this stuff!” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
What would your reaction be if you heard, “We don’t have to own all this stuff”? Do you dream about a life where less time is spent cleaning and organizing and more time actually living? This simple phrase jump started J…
Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff with Matt Paxton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
Are you struggling to downsize a home filled with memories? Does the fear and guilt of purging family keepsakes keep you from decluttering? In this episode, Matt Paxton shares helpful insight on how to discern what heirl…
Q+A: “I can’t say no to free” & getting kids to help [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
Do you want to involve your kids in decluttering but have trouble figuring out how? Have you ever shared your excitement over living with less only to be told, “good for you, but I could never!” Do you find it nearly imp…
The interruption of stuff (and how to stop it!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Do you feel stuck waiting for motivation to show up? Are you struggling to answer the elusive “why” in hopes it will propel you into transformative lifestyle habits? Is the work of decluttering even worth it? Listen in a…
How to get rid of piles on counters (and other places, too!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:37
Take Your House Back (Just $94): https://urlgeni.us/TYHB The Take Your House Back Course is a powerful way that I can come along side you and make sure you get your home simplified in the new year! (And it's only $94 rig…
What Really Happened with Cas from Clutterbug [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:07
Take Your House Back (Just $94): https://urlgeni.us/TYHB The Take Your House Back Course is a powerful way that I can come along side you and make sure you get your home simplified in the new year! (And it's only $94 rig…