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Post by Irisheyes on Nov 4, 2014 10:57:38 GMT -5
Welcome back, Kimmy. This place feels like home for those of us who get it, whether we've been here since the beginning of SS, around for a few years, or only recently found SooS.
There are so many words... but I think you already know them. :-) I'm new to this site, but not to the rest. Hugs to you for all you endured, everything you've been doing to conquer it, anything you still carry with you, and for throwing yourself under the public bus. How many times have you heard since then, "Me, too!?" ;-)
I wish you continued victories, and hope to see you around frequently.
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Post by Warrior Kimmy on Nov 7, 2014 10:04:50 GMT -5
Thanks Irisheyes and Sunny, yes this is one place where we don't have to hide. And we all have something very intensely personal in common! I feel I could clean and tidy and organise anything now! It always feels and looks so much better when you face the awful squalor. Mind over matter....but when stuck in the midst of it, much much more than just mind over matter...very very painful and just makes you freeze.
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Post by angelpuss on Nov 16, 2014 22:47:44 GMT -5
Hiya Kimmy It is good to see you again - I have just returned myself. I remember when I first read your story - the hope it gave me. Your story was the beginning of my journey, and I sit here now in a clean, clutter free home, with tears streaming down my face, in gratitude to you and all the fabulous members here who saved me from squalor and depression. I joined June 4, 2011, truly a life-changing day.
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Post by Warrior Kimmy on Nov 17, 2014 16:42:45 GMT -5
Hi Angelpuss, I am so pleased you conquered the clutter and have the immense joy of clean home. Squalor kills and is sadly not recognised alongside depression which is the biggest tragedy. It makes me cry too to see what those photos of my home did for so many. Really, it made it all worth the angst and horror at the time. It takes massive effort as you know to get motivated when everything is stacked agaisnt you, the trash can be treasure at the time and freeze your decisions. It is something that instantly bonds us though....all our trouble to hid it is lifted when you see a fellow Squaloree in the same predicament. Sadly, it provides "entertainment" to people who don't comprehend that suffering and compounds the pressure. I think this site is truly unique in that we are stronger than the jokers out there and soldier on despite their snickers. Squalor and depression often go hand in hand and people are now fast to help the depression but can't understand the squalor. It is actually a never ending circle for anyone with squalor and depression and breaking the cycle is a battle as you know. But you did it! We did it! And here we are years later still strong sticking around to help those who were where we were once.
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Post by emeraldine on Nov 17, 2014 18:35:18 GMT -5
Dear Kimmy, I bow down to you, O great warrior queen!
Had I not found your original, astonishing thread, now an Internet classic, then found my way to this supportive community, I would not have had the inspiration and energy to give my crap marriage the flick and start digging my way out of the squalor that was draining the life-juices from me. Thank you for being a courageous figure-head for us all.
I hope all is well with you.
PS: Your advice about peppermint oil to shoo mice out of the house is brilliant! They left and did not return. Do you think mint bushes in the garden would keep the critters out of my compost bin?
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Post by Celeste on Nov 17, 2014 21:30:42 GMT -5
You last three posters have taken toxic living environments and toxic people out of your lives and moved on. My love to all three of you, Warrior Kimmy, angelpuss and emeraldine. I'm proud to know you.
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Post by Warrior Kimmy on Nov 20, 2014 5:00:46 GMT -5
Oh Emeraldine I bow down to thee too for conquering the almighty Squalor bug and rising above the trash! Celeste is correct in saying we all took toxic things in our lives by the horns and turfed them out and life is so much better for it. You could give the mint bushes a try, maybe any leaves that fall could be distributed around the compost bin with a spot of peppermint oil to help the minty smell? Worth trying and something I never thought of. Happy to hear the pesky mice have moved on from your home, they certainly can increase in numbers quite rapidly and seek warmth during cold winters, especially when snowing. Ah Celeste, my dear, dear friend, what would we do without you? There is no room for toxic people when you know someone like Celeste. I think we have known each other 13 years now and you are certainly an inspiration Celeste - not only to me, but to 1000s! One of the originals who saved me
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Post by limegreen on Nov 30, 2014 8:18:59 GMT -5
Hello Kimmy, what a blast from the past! Nice to see you again.
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Post by Warrior Kimmy on Dec 31, 2014 18:58:51 GMT -5
Hey Limegreen, yes it certainly has been many many years since my little post online turned into a MONSTER!!!!! Oh gosh, how funny!!! I love reading all the posts here, such enthusiasm and it makes me feel so normal to look at the photos of others and see me in them. I doubt anyone can look at squalor photos and really understand them unless they have their own to hide or show. It is such an emotional issue and so debilitating that I know many would just suicide rather than have that awful task of facing the room or rooms or whole property. Limes are very refreshing, so it is nice to see a big fat half a one here!!!!!
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Post by flyonceiling on Jan 17, 2015 12:23:58 GMT -5
So good to see you back, Kimmy! :-D
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Post by danny15 on Jan 30, 2015 5:50:21 GMT -5
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Twix
New Member
Joined: August 2014
Posts: 31
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Post by Twix on Jan 31, 2015 9:00:05 GMT -5
Are you Australian, Kimmy? I just wonder because I was reading your original thread and I noticed your story about how someone called you 'Cyclone Tracy'(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Tracy for those who don't know what I'm talking about).
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Post by dayeanu on Jan 31, 2015 12:45:25 GMT -5
Your story was certainly the beginning of my journey! I still remember how shocked I was to see that there was an actual website for "Squalor Survivors."
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Post by Bethel on Feb 2, 2015 17:44:55 GMT -5
Your story was certainly the beginning of my journey! I still remember how shocked I was to see that there was an actual website for "Squalor Survivors." X2 here! I'd been trying to do Flylady's system, but it just wasn't enough for me. And then someone on a Flylady chat board shared a link to the Squalor Survivors website. I think the person sharing the link was also active there, but I can't remember. What I do remember is both the realization that I wasn't the only one, and the horrified reaction of the non-squalorous Flylady followers. I'm so very glad I found you guys.
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Post by lostchild on Feb 3, 2015 17:12:11 GMT -5
When I found out Squalor Survivors was gone I cried until I found SOOS. I was sure there was no bigger pig than me and I was hopeless. It took almost a year before I pulled it together and got to maintenance. I post pretty much daily and my mother told me she didn't understand but whatever I was doing with SOOS to keep it up. She said I really had became happier and way cleaner. She is now proud of me. Kimmy I salute you specifically for courage and showing us hope. I read your entire story in two days.
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