Stepping Up to Recovery
Clutter Junkie
No More
By Barb Rogers
Reviewed by Angela Hutchinson
Spirit-Works.net
Barb Rogers offers her words of wisdom to clutter addicts using the structure of the 12 step program made popular by the alcohol addiction group Alcoholics Anonymous in her book Clutter Junkie No More. “Clutter is a wall constructed bit by bit to keep the world out. However, as with other addictions, it becomes the prison that keeps the addict in.” The familiar words of addiction and recovery are present in this small, but powerful book. It takes a look at how addiction can overwhelm a life, but there is hope when we seriously and humbly view our addiction clearly and work through the process toward a new way of living. Rogers explains and describes this behavior in a straightforward manner that compels the reader to keep reading and learning about this reactive state of mind. “All addictions are based in fear and are used for avoidance.”
Step 1- presents an in depth list of the common traits of clutter addiction so that we may recognize it in our lives or in the lives of those we love. We must see our addiction and admit that we are not able to deal with it and are powerless to change it on our own.
Step 2- “Whether it’s through connecting through spirituality or humanity, the power of two is always greater than the power of one.” It is through a faith in a higher power that we may believe there is a chance of recovery; there is a power greater than our own.
Step 3- “As you become more introspective there will be an understanding that it is time to let go of things of the past that no longer enhance your life, and worry over a future that you have no control over.” Living day by day and trusting this higher power is a choice that we must make constantly. We must know when to leave our problems before “God” and simply walk away.
Step 4- Is about “self discovery”. We must inventory our actions against others, as well as ourselves. This can feel overwhelming, but it is a process and the program is to be worked at an individual pace.
Step 5- We admit our wrongdoings and let go of the secrets that have overpowered our lives. “When you’re done, you will be amazed that the world didn’t come to an end just because your secrets are out there. You are still there, the other person is still there, and the only thing that happened is you have taken your power back.”
Steps 6 and 7- We surrender our lives to change what is not working. We must focus on ourselves and deal with the discomfort of change.
Steps 8 and 9- We must take responsibility for our actions and how they have affected others. We begin to make amends for the wrongs we have done. “Every amend you make, every difficult situation you overcome, removes another chunk of the emotional wall that has build the physical walls around you, until you know a new freedom, a new happiness, like that of a child experiencing the world for the first time.”
Step 10- Tells us there is no cure, only a management of addiction. We must integrate our process into our lives. Recovery is an ongoing process.
Step 11- It is a spiritual path. We continue to learn and become stronger to live an “inspired life”.
Step 12- We pass it on and pay it forward. We encourage and support those who have helped us and those who have come after us.
Addiction is a painful way to live. It imprisons and robs us of our freedom to be who we really are. The author writes honestly and compassionately for the many who now suffer. “It seemed God has a plan for me, and it took everything it took to get me here doing what I’m doing today. It took the wisdom to understand that the change in my life wasn’t to punish me, to take anything from me, but to lead me to my destiny.”
Life is a beautiful thing. Move forward and watch the universal support of love flow to envelope you on your journey to a better life. Liberate your soul through the wisdom of one who has journeyed the same path. This is an excellent book of hope and healing.