Episode 703: You're Not Lazy, You're Overwhelmed: Unpacking the Shame Behind Anxiety and Clutter

Do you ever walk into your home and feel your chest tighten? That overwhelming sense of "what is wrong with me?" when you look around at the clutter? You're not alone—and it turns out, there's a powerful connection between what's happening in our homes and what's happening in our hearts.

In this honest and hope-filled episode, Kathi sits down with her dear friend Becky Keife, author of A Verse a Day for the Anxious Soul, to explore how anxiety and clutter are like twin sisters—different personalities, but showing up in remarkably similar ways.

What You'll Discover in This Episode

Both Kathi and Becky have walked through their own struggles—Kathi with clutter and Becky with a generalized anxiety disorder. Together, they unpack the lies we tell ourselves: "If I just tried harder," "If I wasn't so lazy," "If I could just be normal." Sound familiar?

The truth is, there's never just one cause for our struggles, and there's never just one solution. But there IS hope, and there ARE small, doable steps that can make a real difference.

Practical Tips Shared

For Anxiety:

• Go on a walk (you won't feel like it, but you'll feel better)
• Journal for just 3-5 minutes to untangle what's in your head
• Practice breath prayer—inhale "The Lord is my shepherd," exhale "I have all that I need"

For Clutter:

• Start with just 3 minutes (not 15!) and reward yourself
• Practice containment—you don't have to declutter, just corral items together
• When overwhelmed, focus only on dishes and laundry as self-care

A Word for the Woman Who Feels Ashamed

Becky offers this powerful truth: "Your anxiety, your clutter is not an indictment on your character. The state of your home has no reflection of the value of your soul." Whether you're struggling with a messy house or a messy mind, you are beloved. You are not alone. And today is not the end of your story.

Key Takeaways

• Anxiety and clutter share common roots: control issues, fear, trauma, shame, and unhealthy patterns
• Both can be hidden for a long time until we reach a breaking point
• There's a vast, livable space between "cured" and "why bother"
• Small, doable steps truly make a difference—you don't have to fix everything today
• You are worthy of support and don't have to climb out of the pit alone