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
Birthday Blues & the Physical Effect of Friendship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:22
Earlier this week Diana shared a YouTube video talking about how hard it is on our health to be lonely. Not just our emotional health (that's what we usually think of in regards to relationships) but our actual physical…
3 Things (Most) People Need to Declutter Successfully [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:45
As we've gotten to visit other people's homes to help them declutter, I've learned SO MUCH. And it never ceases to amaze me that we're all more alike than different when it comes to the stuff that we collect. Today, Dian…
Dear friend who has been hurt by the church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:52
Today Diana visits with Dawn, a licensed family therapist, about healing from pain caused by the church. This is a replay from a YouTube video they did earlier this week (I'm sorry the audio isn't a little better!). You…
The Guilt Free Timer (& Snake Attacks!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
Decluttering brings up SO many emotions...often guilt and regret which makes it harder to part with things. That's why I came up with the "Guilt-Free Timer", allowing you to declutter without any guilt-- it's perfect! Pl…
3 Characteristics of ”Good” Moms with Dawn Ramaker, M.A., LMFT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:23
Today I visit with Dawn Ramaker, she's a family therapist and homeschooling mom and I wanted to know: What has she observed as successful habits in successful moms? Not perfect moms, but those who seem to have it togethe…
Mental Minimalism in REAL Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:40
"Mental minimalism says that just like too much physical and digital stuff can distract us from our values and the things that matter most in life, our own mental stuff can do the same thing. Thoughts, emotions, memories…
Lessons from the Laundry Room [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:11
There has been something magical with our laundry room transformation...a benefit I never expected! We'll talk about that today along with donating ironing boards, laundry strips and more! Laundry Products Mentioned: Tru…
Betrayal, Redemption & Secret Places (the day I got fired from radio) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:22
This is a day I don’t think of much anymore, but looking back, it was a pivotal point in my life and has been something I’ve drawn on in many ways since then. Diana will also share some really interesting information abo…
How I (accidentally) got into YouTube [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:34
I never set out to be a ”YouTuber”...in fact, as an introvert and always happiest behind the scenes, that actually sounds horrifying to me! But, apparently it was meant to be and today I’ll share the story of how I got h…