I love and hate stuff.
Almost daily, the boys hear me grumble as I walk through the house picking up all. the. things.
Yes, I am very grateful for the blessings God has given us. But often I wonder if “more” actually robs us of joy — the management of stuff taking priority over enjoying life.
It’s not just our home that’s cluttered. As the end of the school year approaches the calendar seems stuffed, too.
We could talk for days about my cluttered mind. . .
Today’s podcast guest is Ruth Soukup, New York Times Best Selling author of the book, “Unstuffed”**. She gets to the heart of why our lives can be overwhelming and full. Ruth clearly states she is not a de-cluttering expert, but a fellow journeyer. Helping us come up with simple solutions for challenges and redirecting our focus on what matters most.
Ruth and I have a fun time laughing and commiserating in this episode. We jump from topic to topic, things like: the challenge of managing our kid’s stuff, keeping junk out of our houses, and avoiding a ‘do it yourself’ mindset. (Oh, and Cabbage Patch Dolls, of course).
We also spend time talking about the “Basic Rules of Real Relationships”. I mention a chart in the book which helps friends discuss relationship imbalances. On the chart Ruth gives terms and conversation starters for when friendships are struggling. With the goal of helping develop grace and depth in relationships.
Lastly, I appreciate Ruth vulnerably sharing a hard part of her past. With her boldness, my hope is you find a sister who understands the weight of this world. Who has found God to be faithful and experienced the truth of knowing who she is in Him when all else is goes away.
Ruth has written a wonderful resource in this book. AND she has a great giveaway you’ll want to check out on her site. You could win a $2,500 closet makeover from ClosetMaid! (Giveaway ends April 20th). Check out more details here.
Connect with Ruth:
What we chat about:
- How clutter in any area of our life (home, mind, soul) can cause meltdowns
- Why we have the increased urge to de-clutter in Spring.
- Managing your kids’ stuff and how personality contributes.
- 3 ways to stop the flow of stuff coming in your home.
- How a “do it yourself” mentality contributes to added life clutter.
- Ruth’s vulnerable story of battling depression–which includes suicide attempts, hospitalization, bankruptcy and divorce.
- Evaluating friendships and growing in grace and depth.
Links Mentioned:
- “Unstuffed” book**
- KonMari Method from “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”**
- Read more details about Ruth’s Amazing Grace story here
- If you struggle with depression/suicidal thoughts, please speak with a friend, counselor, pastor, or call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
**Amazon affiliate link
How to listen to the podcast:
1.Listen on the blog. Click through to GodCenteredMom.com and click the play button at the beginning of this post.
2. Listen on your smartphone, iPad or iPod Touch – There are a lot of great podcasting apps. Apple has a free one (that I mentioned) in the app store, there is also one called Downcast. It allows you to search for shows, subscribe to them and even speed up the audio. If you don’t have an iDevice, you can listen via Stitcher.
3. Subscribe to the Podcast – access the podcast in iTunes (Click here to access via iTunes). You can also search for it on your smartphone app (like the ones listed above) and subscribe.
Heather, I am a regular listener; however, I didn’t want to listen to this. I have KonMari’d my house, and it’s still a bit cluttered so the last thing I need is another book to remove clutter. Nevertheless, after listening to Ruth, I am buying her book right now. Ruth is INCREDIBLE. When I hear her story, I see God’s grace, miracles, love and hope. I just want to give her a hug. I have a freakishly similar story, and it feels very comforting to hear someone else who has been through such tremendous darkness. THANK YOU, Heather, for sharing Ruth’s story on your podcast. It is so important to get these “secrets” out. Ruth is so brave and God is so good. Thanks, Heather!!! <3
Oh Seana!! I’m so thankful that you pushed play and listened to the whole episode. It’s so much more than the “things” which clutter our homes but the lies that clutter our souls. Praying for you to continue to see God’s healing in your own life and to shine a light to others of His goodness. Blessings to you sister!
This was great! Getting to those heart issues of comparison and relationship expectations. So much meat!
thanks Jenny for listening! so glad you enjoyed the episode!
Great podcast, Heather. I listened to it on my workout this morning. Ruth is awesome, and I have both of her books. I found her blog a couple of years ago and have gone back to it many times. This is Angela’s sister, btw. Thanks for the Podcast.
Hey Ashley!! so glad you enjoyed it! Ruth is wonderful. Thanks for listening and saying ‘hey’! 😉
Just listened to this episode. I loved Ruth’s humility and simplicity. She has inspired me to de-clutter my mind and my soul. I recently did a social media fast for 40 days and have been contemplating whether or not to sign back in. Listening to this episode was a confirmation that right now I need to keep de-cluttering my mind and stay focused on the blessings I have, which is my family. Thank you!
well I’m so very glad you got confirmation! Loved chatting with Ruth!
I am so behind in listening – trying to get caught up. Not all the way through this one yet – but my kids loved the singing baby DVDs as well lol!!! Someone had bought as a gift – and I thought they were weird as well – but the kids love them! Looking forward to the rest of this and all the others I need to listen to!