We beat ourselves up all the time. It’s totally NOT HELPFUL! It’s not motivating. It’s dispiriting. Embarrassment and shame only cause contraction and retreat.
Craving/wanting leads to suffering – that’s inevitable. “Hoarders” are not happy people. An unquenchable, intoxicating desire for acquiring and keeping stuff does NOT lead to peace and contentment. It just leads to more craving. Getting and keeping stuff can never fill that hole many of us feel inside. So whether we overeat, overwork, “over” anything, it ultimately doesn’t work.
So what does work? Recognizing that something is going on – becoming aware of our habits and inclinations. Then, and only then, are we in a position to take action and do something to resolve our dilemma.
As I’ve said in a previous post – Proceed with compassion & sensitivity & caring. This is hard, difficult work. The years of accumulating stuff takes an enormous emotional toll (and often covers up some significant issues). Seek out books and other resources on the topic, talk with folks (caring & helpful friends, sympathetic counsellors), join a self-help group, enlist the services of declutterers/organizers…
