Many years ago, while living in India, Barbara Hemphill had the opportunity to meet Mother Teresa in person when visiting one of her adopted children from a Mother Teresa orphanage. It was an experience she would never forget.

Among the many words of wisdom Mother Teresa shared, one statement has stayed with Barbara ever since:

"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you."

It's a simple yet profound reminder that meaningful change happens one person at a time. But Barbara believes there is an important extension to that idea:

The person nearest to you is often yourself.

Why Organizing Must Start with You

When people decide to get organized, declutter their homes, or prepare for a downsizing transition, they often focus on everyone else first.

They want their spouse to change.

They want their children to be more organized.

They want other family members to manage their belongings differently.

But lasting change rarely begins with someone else. It begins with us.

Barbara recalls that early in her career, parents would often ask her to start organizing their children's rooms first. Her response was consistent:

"You don't have a right to tell your children to be organized if you're not organized yourself."

While that wasn't always what parents wanted to hear, it highlighted an important truth: the most powerful form of leadership is example.

The Hidden Connection Between Clutter and Self-Worth

Many people assume clutter is simply a matter of having too much stuff. In reality, clutter often runs much deeper.

For some, it's decades of accumulated paper that represent dreams, goals, memories, responsibilities, and unfinished decisions.

For others, the clutter isn't physical at all.

It may be an unresolved relationship.

A lingering disappointment.

A lack of forgiveness.

A burden they've carried for years.

These forms of emotional clutter can be just as overwhelming as piles of paper and possessions.

Loving Others Begins with Loving Yourself

Barbara often shares that Jesus simplified the Ten Commandments into two essential principles:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself."

The second part is especially important.

You cannot truly love others if you do not love yourself.

Yet many people struggle with self-acceptance because they feel weighed down by the clutter, chaos, and unfinished business in their lives. The constant visual reminders of things left undone can create feelings of guilt, frustration, and inadequacy.

Clearing clutter is about more than creating a tidy space. It's about creating room for peace, confidence, and self-respect.

A Question Worth Considering

As you reflect on your own life, consider this question:

What is the thing that is preventing you from loving yourself as God loves you?

Is it physical clutter?

An unfinished project?

A difficult relationship?

A lack of forgiveness?

Identifying that obstacle may be the first step toward creating the life you truly want.

Because when you begin with yourself, you're better equipped to help and serve the people around you.

Ready to Take Action?

If you're ready to move beyond overwhelm and create a more productive, peaceful environment, join us for the SOAR Into Action Workshop.

You'll learn practical tools and proven strategies to reduce chaos, make better decisions, and take meaningful action—one step at a time.

👉 Register today: http://workshop.productiveenvironment.com