I am definitely an introvert, and have set my life up so as to have a lot of time and space to myself. This is how I function best. I know what feeds my soul and I also know when I don’t do these things everything in my life is affected.

Sometimes I need a reminder of importance of these things.

During a visit to New Zealand recently, I had occasion to stay with a family member who was so excited to see me, she wanted to spend lots of time with me and include me in every cup of tea. She was being a good hostess – she is also an extrovert. So, where she gained energy I was fast losing it. I did have some space for myself, but not enough. I assumed that a week like this was fine. I also didn’t fully unpack my suitcase, partly because there wasn’t anywhere to put everything, but also, I thought – it’s only for a few days.

I know effect of being surrounded by clutter, and I know I need lots of space – physical and emotional. I know effect of tolerating things that bug me. I also know that sometimes in past it has seemed like too much trouble to act on my needs.

One of big things I learned is that it DOES matter. Even temporary situations affect me. I learned there is no room for unconsciousness around my environment – there is no place to hide. I learned I need to respect my being an introvert. It’s part of what makes me unique. It’s part of how I express myself and give myself to others. And when I don’t respect this aspect of myself, part of me shuts down and everyone misses out.

When I look back on my time in New Zealand, visit that was most successful was with a friend who is an author and also an introvert. He made sure he had time to himself, which also gave me space.

I eventually took care of my needs by finding a Bed and Breakfast to stay in for my last week. With great good fortune owner was going out of town, so I had her whole, huge, sunny house to myself. I unpacked my suitcase, made my room inviting, and so created an environment that supported me. Everything looked different from this place, and from there it was a lot easier to create a balance between visiting and quiet time.

1. Use Ultimate Clutter Test - ask yourself “Do I love it, do I use it, does it make my heart sing?” Get a no? Put it in a box for charity shop, to give to someone who will treasure it, or to go to a consignment shop.

2. Clear your closet - this is a great place to start. Make space for new by taking everything out of your closet and only putting back clothes you love, fit you, are ready to wear and show you at your best. You know ones - they are ones people comment on when you wear them.

It is better to have half a dozen outfits that make you feel your best, than a closet of clothes that are past it or remind you of weight you've put on. If you really must keep clothes you no longer fit into, put them in a box, tape it up and put a date on it if you don't fit into them by that date maybe its time to make someone’s day by taking them to local charity shop - or making some money by selling them.

3. Clear your basement and attic - in Feng Shui basement represents foundation to your life. Any stuck energy here will be rising up through your home and affecting every aspect of your life.

Clutter in attic will be bearing down on you. And there is no hiding from clutter by moving it to basement, shed at bottom of garden, or even a storage unit. It’s in your environment and will still be affecting you.

4. Time Clutter - do you have too many things on your to-do list? Do you keep trying to fit just one more thing in? Do you feel under pressure? I have come to accept that I cannot possibly do everything in one day, or even in one week. This takes pressure off! Are you saying yes to what you want to be saying yes to?

5. Handle procrastination - do you put off taking action on some things you want to do, registering for a class, or making a phone call for example, so your head gets cluttered up trying to remember to do it?

Some things are worth taking action on immediately. Some things are worth scheduling so they are not done at last minute and under pressure, or even worse, are missed. Clutter is decisions put off - in other words procrastination.

6. Clear clutter in your office. This will be affecting your creativity, efficiency and prosperity. If necessary, pay someone to help you organize your office. Once you get it organized get rid of clutter daily.