Lately, I came across this interesting concept that's been in the ADHD community: "tossing." No, I don't mean tossing a ball or skillets of pancakes. Uh-uh, not this kind of tossing. It's an entirely different story, and honestly, it made me reflect on how we manage the chaos in our lives.
Let's face it, we've all been there.
You know that drawer, that box, that corner of your room where things just seem to multiply on their own? It's like a black hole for random stuff – receipts, old bills, trinkets you swore you'd find a use for someday. Before you know it, you have yourselves one full-blown "DOOM pile (Didn't Organize, Only Moved)." It's enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed.
For some individuals, the ones with ADHD, the solution to this organizational nightmare has one, very simple response: just get rid of it all. You heard that right. Throw it away, take it to the donation center, or set it on fire. It's a clean slate, a fresh start, a weight off your shoulders, somebody once said.
Sounds pretty tempting doesn't it?
But before we go clearing out our junk drawers into the garbage, let's think this one through. Is throwing the solution? Or is this just a band-aid for a deeper issue?
From what I've read, it would seem that tossing has very little to do with some swift fix to clutter and a lot to do with coping mechanisms against an overwhelming feeling of having too many mental tabs open at once. You know that satisfying feeling when you close all those browser windows you've had open for days? That's what tossing feels like for the ADHD brain. It's instant relief, a moment of zen in the chaos.
But here's the kicker, and there always is a kicker, right?
Tossing feels good at the time, but as a long-term solution, it isn't always the best. Think about it. How many times have you trashed something, only to find you need it a week later? It's like the universe has just played some sort of cruel joke on you.
And then, of course, there's the environmental toll one might want to consider. In the quest for a clutter-free life, are we creating mountains of detritus bound to choke our landfills? At any rate, it is a sobering thought.
So, what's the solution to all that? How do we balance ourselves between drowning in clutter and discarding all things in our line of vision? Well, I'm no expert, but I have a few ideas.
Maybe we have to revise the way we relate to stuff. Do we need all this stuff? Perhaps Marie Kondo might be right about that "spark joy" philosophy. If it does not make you happy or it doesn't serve a purpose, perhaps it is high time to let go responsibly at least.
I know, I know, the word "system" itself puts many people to sleep. But bear with me. What if we could have an easy way of handling whatever comes along?
A place for everything and everything in its place, the cliche goes.
It may take some time to set up, but this can save us from those dreaded DOOM piles in the long run.
And in those instances in which clutter seems to be overwhelming? Why don't we make it small? I love the idea of the "10 Things Game" that was spoken of in this article I read. Do just 10 items at a time. It's doable, it's not as frightening, and before you know it, you might find yourself on a roll.
Be lean (don't know if there's a better word) on yourself whether you are faced with ADHD or just simply the overwhelming feeling from all of the 'stuff' that surrounds you in life. Honestly, we're all just trying to make our way through this messy, beautiful thing called life. If a little bit of tossing is what it takes for you to breathe easier, go for it.
