Readers' letters

A FIRE HAS BEEN IGNITED IN MY SOUL

I just finished reading Clear you Clutter with Feng Shui and am currently reading Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui.  I am embarrased to say that both of these books have been sitting in my overcrowded bookcase for longer than I can remember. That being said I am hooked.

I studied Feng Shui several years ago and have practiced it on occasion with moderate success, I now have an idea why my past efforts fizzled. After reading your books a fire has been ignited in my soul and I can't wait to re-energize my stuck practice. I have never written to an author comenting on how their book affected me but I had an overwhelming urge to do it in this case.  I can't wait to study with you, and since it doesn't appear that you come to the United States I will come to the UK. I will need some time to get the resources together for this adventure but with the help of the information I received in your books I know it is only a dumpster away.

Thank you, Karen, for your wonderful books.

~ Christine, New York, USA

CLUTTER AND THE DEMIZE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION

The laundry room in our building contains an informal book exchange and is where I came across Clear Your Clutter. It was for me a karmic event in that it was time for me to do some cleaning. I am an ex-naval officer and former business owner and know the value of neatness and order and don’t usually have a cluttered environment; nevertheless, clutter has been creeping up on me and your book awakened me to this condition.

Removing everything from my desk that didn’t belong there and then dusting it buoyed my spirits and motivated me to cleanout the incoming and sent mail in my computer and all other files as well. I have gone through my calling cards and threw half of them away. The desk drawers are almost complete and after that I will do the filing cabinets and then my closets.    

You referred to the benefits of meditation, which is to become one pointed and focused. I believe that an uncluttered physical environment compliments that purpose. I commend you on your informative and motivating book, which was clearly presented and easily readable.

I commend you on your informative and motivating book, which was clearly presented and easily readable. I have decided to write an essay on clutter and Western society and post it on my website

~ Elder George, USA

I TOOK ALL MY CLUTTER BACK TO THE FLEAMARKET I BOUGHT IT FROM

Never before has a book changed my life as much as yours did.

Your advice is so practical and seducing. I used to go to the fleamarket by foot and come home with a taxi full of things....but in the last few weeks I cleared my home, went to the fleamarket and came home with 759,75 euros!!!!

And how beautiful and fresh my flat now is! Thank you very much! I am looking forward to my new life without heavy luggage!

I am now working on stopping putting clutter into fleamarket boxes. My neighbour has orders to stop me if I try to get rid of my toothbrush :-)

~ Marei, Germany

I'M IN THE MIDST OF THE "BIG DIG"

I was introduced to your book thru a Facebook page about clearing clutter that quotes you and your book often. The quotes were always inspiring so I purchased your book and it arrived yesterday!

I am in the midst of what I call the "big dig" sorting thru lifetimes of stuff. I moved back to my parents home in 2001 putting the majority of my own home into storage. I moved back into my childhood home to be with my parents and to help them financially and physically. In 2005 I entered a new stage of life, caregiver. One of my sisters moved back home also to help me to help our parents.

Within the next years our father had a heart attack, then 2 years later a stroke which took his life. Our mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, my sister who came home to help me was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer a year after our mother.

Our dad died in 2007, my sister in 2010, our mother followed 4 months later (to the day) in January 2011. Devastated is an understatement but I started the sorting thru the stuff in our home and it became like therapy. The more I cleared, the more I gave to a charity that was helping veterans, the more progress I saw I found my thoughts were clearing also.

The last 3 weeks I fell off the declutter train I was on, hell, I was the engineer! I started reading your book and I can feel the motivation welling up inside me again. I know I will finish this book before the day is done and I will back on that declutter train, this time I believe it will be an express train.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

~ Sincerely, M.M.

EIGHT AND A HALF BAGS AND STILL GOING STRONG

Karen,

I just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying your book, Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui.

It's really inspirational.  I cleared out eight and a half bags of newspapers over the week-end and I am still going strong!!  Smile...  It's physically hard work but that is only because I spent ages. I like your idea of doing a bit at a time and going with your energy level.

Thanks for your inspiration and hopefully I will clear my clutter by the end of this month.

~ Jeanette, UK

I'M 16 YEARS OLD

I'm 16 years old and I bought your book a few weeks ago. I was staying with my grandparents so I wasn't at home when I read it. But I sometimes almost wished to go home because I couldn't wait to start clearing my room. When I read a part of your book before sleeping, I couldn't sleep because I was so excited! Haha.

I began to clear my room the evening I came home. And now, one week and one day later, I'm sitting hear to tell my story. I think everyone knows the good feeling after tidying up. But now I really cleaned parts of my room that I didn't touch for ten years or longer!

Danke!!!

~ Holda, Germany

THANK YOU!

Karen,

Thank you for this book.
I am throwing, throwing, throwing....

~ Soňa, Czech Republic

LETTING GO OF OLD ARTWORK

I had some big, expensive paintings by well-known artists. They were all abstract art and were mostly paintings of blobs, splatters and basically NOTHING! For years I didn’t understand why the energy in my home wasn’t there. It always seemed so cold and lifeless no matter how I tried to ‘warm up’ the decor.

After reading Karen’s books it dawned on me, my art symbolized NOTHING! They were ‘empty’ looking paintings which didn’t ‘say’ anything. They were just shapes, colors and blobs that happened to match my furniture. It was art just for the sake of having something to hang on the walls. None of it had a real message or said anything! The paintings were pretty colored splashes but like a lot of things in my life at that time, they had no form or direction!

So I SOLD them all! I had them for years, they were in lots of family photos and I was sick of them. I sold them for even more than they cost me. I went out and got all NEW art with birds, flowers, trees and beaches and things that look alive and that represent something. My home instantly had a much warmer and happier feel!

My life also started taking shape. I have more energy, I have better focus and I started getting things done! I also used the extra money from the old art to hire a home decorator. Now my place looks even better! I wanted to do this for years but never had the money. She agreed 100% with selling the old paintings. When she saw the photos she said the paintings overpowered the room and my new art is much more harmonious. It is funny that even she understood my reasons for letting it go!

I am not saying abstract art is bad…but I have to agree with Karen on one thing: If the art no longer inspires you and it doesn’t make you feel good, GET RID OF IT! Selling those blobby old paintings was the best thing I ever did for my home! I had a lot of guilt connected to them because some of them were painted by famous artists, they had been given to me as gifts or I found good deals on them. These are not good reasons to keep something that you no longer like! If not for Feng Shui I might have been clinging onto those old paintings for years. To see my house how it looks now I wondered how I EVER thought it looked good before! The art looked like lava lamps from a 1970′s ‘Love Shack’ and was honestly awful. I stopped liking this style years ago! I am SO happy I made this decision!

Thanks Karen! ~ Anna M.

WITH EVERY AREA I DECLUTTER, THE BETTER I FEEL

I am so glad I went into the used bookstore at the library and found your book.  I have gotten a lot of good out of it already (still reading...) and it was a great investment for the small amount I paid for the book.  I am feeling more and more inspired by what I am reading, and have begun decluttering my home.

It is so true - with every area you declutter, the better you feel.  I have had things I felt I could never part with, but after reading the wisdom you share, I see the importance of clearing them out.  Knowing that I am making way for new and better things in my life, it gives me the courage to part with what is holding me down.

A couple of years ago my body was diagnosed with lymphoma, I spent 3 weeks in the hospital, and underwent chemo for about 6 months.  It was a very horrible time in my life, and I am working towards getting my health and zest for life back.  It has been a hard road, and it has caused financial problems for me as well.  Now I feel more hopeful and feel more empowered by taking more control and responsibility for my life, my possessions, my health, etc., etc.  You have truly inspired me (and my boyfriend as well).

I cannot thank you enough for sharing your knowledge in your books.  It is some of the most practical information I have seen, because it not only suggests clearing the clutter of what you no longer need or want, but it tells you why it is important to do so, and goes into the spiritual aspects of the whole situation. ~ A.S.

WITH EACH LOAD, MY SPIRIT FEELS LIGHTER

Four years ago, my wife committed suicide. For a good 2 years before that, she was existing in a dark hole of physical and psychological pain. For some time after her passing, I was stuck in a cycle of guilt and regret -- what could I have done to change the course of events?

As I began to emerge from the darkness after her death, I found your book, Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui, and most recently, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Your work opened my eyes to stuck energy throughout my house, at my office and within my body. Since then I have been taking a carload of the past to the recycling center each week. With each load, my spirit feels lighter, more in the present and ready to move forward.

After years of seldom leaving my home, I have gone hang gliding off of Mount Tam, learned to telemark ski here in Vermont, attended workshops at a nearby Zen center, started a meditation practice, and later this month I am taking a scuba certification course. I am calmer, more focused, and better able to help others instead of wallowing in my own self-pity and pain. For me, your work has been a tremendous catalyst, transformative, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Nameste. ~ K.H.

CLUTTER CLEARING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE

Six months ago I purchased your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui. Your book has literally changed my life! For years I have collected, stored and embraced my stuff (aka: my clutter) I believed that it was part of me and essential to my being and existence. That to part with any of it would mean giving up a part of myself.

Since reading your book I realised that I was holding onto the past, both happy and sad times and not allowing myself to move forward and live my life in the now.

Within a few days of reading your book I gave away or sold 80% of my wardrobe (your theory is so true about only wearing 20% of what we have). I also colour matched my clothes, which really works. The small amount of clothes I have purchased are in colours and styles that make me look and feel great!

Over the past few months I have been through my kitchen, children's rooms, my living areas and half the garage and made $450 in a garage sale. Additionally, I have sold alot of my clutter on the internet and made over $3,500. I have also taken two car loads of stuff to a charity shop and another three car loads of PAPER to the recycling depot! And this weekend I intend to ninja the rest of the clutter. Since clearing out my financial corner I have had a huge increase in my income and work has been more enjoyable. I have sorted out my finances and made a budget to get me out of debt quickly and now feel in control of my money.

My friends and family, not to mention my ex-husband are in shock! To the point they feel concerned that soon I will have given away everything! I have recommended your book to so many people and have four friends who are super keen for me to help them clear their clutter when I am done. So many people say I have more energy and look younger since I started moving my stuff that I am inspiring them to 'clear the clutter'.

Your motivating words and your wisdom and humour is inspiring and I feel blessed to have read your book and for the strength you have given me to start on a new journey and embrace life once more, clutter free! ~ Dawn

THIS BOOK FINALLY HELPED US DE-CLUTTER

I read five books last year on de-cluttering. None of them really helped us. Turns out we collect clutter for entirely different reasons. Books that try to deal with "personality" just didn’t seem to work for us. Books that more or less said "get over it" also didn’t work. But we have to pare down because we are going to move twice in the next two years (ugh.)

The secret to Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui was to find why we both were keeping some things. (There is a section with helpful questions about why you keep stuff, such as inheriting it, sentimental feelings, habits, family habits, and even grief.) In our case, a friend from childhood and a parent had both died within two years and this caused a desire to cling to a lot of old things.

Excess clutter is thought to sap energy. It certainly saps concentration and gathers asthma-inducing dust. Now our apartment looks better, breathes better and yes, smells fresher and thanks to this book. First one I’ve ever read that could help two different people living together because it deals with the individual motivations behind the junk they keep.

WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I MOVED THE LAUNDRY BASKET

Dear Karen

I am reading your book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and so far find it one of the most potentially transformative works I have yet to encounter. When I moved the laundry basket out of the bedroom, it was the first time my 14 year old son put his laundry in it! ~ John

THANK YOU FOR YOUR BOOK

Dear Karen,

Thank you for taking your time to write such a wonderful book. As someone who loves professional organizing and helping people to understand the essence of clearing clutter, your book was amazing to read. Never ever have I read a book with so much pleasure and found every sentence to be so true.

I love the book because it highlights so many aspects of clutter in someone's life you never imagined. While reading your book I started to look at my stuff again and yes, the result felt great spiritually. Today I returned your book to the library but I will buy a copy and start reading again (which I never do with books).

Again, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to explain.

Tangi (= thank you in Sranan Tongo) ~ Ninon

CLUTTER CLEARING IN THAILAND

Dear Karen

I live in Thailand. I bought your book (1998 edition, Thai translation) twice. The first time I bought it, I read it more than 3 times and I gave it to my friend. Then I thought about it so much that I bought it again and read it more than 5 times. After this I was able to clear the clutter in my room, my condo, my house, my car and everywhere else. I felt exhausted but happy that I could make everything clean and clear and live with less things. I gave anything I hadn't used for a long time to other people. It felt very pleasing and after that I felt relaxed and got new things instead. I would like to thank to you very much. Your book has helped me make a new and better environment for me and my family. I will get the new 2008 edition of your book for sure. ~ Siriluck

POSSESSIONS CAN WEIGH YOU DOWN

Dear Karen,

I just read your book and I wanted to thank you. For years I have loved to live with fewer possessions, and it seemed everyone here at home, apart from my boyfriend, did not understand me. Always when I traveled I loved the freedom of living with only a few things, but when I brought home that idea friends and family did not like it; one friend even said she felt panic when I gave things away to charity. And then I read your book and you clarified and explained everything so well, I felt such relief and happiness to read the words by someone who said that what I felt was not wrong - even that it was good to live with less things! I hope more people in the West will understand that possessions can weigh you down, and will experience the freedom that comes from following the advice you give in Clear Your Clutter.

I used to be very depressed (for years I had to take medicine and go to therapists) and I am confident that what you say about useless clutter - for example how it can prevent us from even leaving our homes as it steals our energy, makes us exhausted and makes us feel there is always much that must be done in the house - can help many, many people who are willing to make a little bit of an effort to gain so much freedom, energy, happiness and sense of direction from it.

Also I wanted to give you an extra thank you for the advice about how best to use a western toilet - it really worked! :)

Thank you so much! Bless you! ~ Margareta

THE LAST THREE YEARS HAVE BEEN THE HARDEST OF MY LIFE

Dear Karen

I went to the library on Tuesday like I usually do to pick up a book. I really started reading a few years ago and I'm pretty picky. For some reason I bought your book at the library support shelf. It's the best investment I have made in the last 3 years.

I cleaned for the last 4 days and dumped 5 trash bags and about 5 boxes of junk. My wife along with my in-laws watched as I moved from one end of the house to the other organizing and cleaning the clutter. The strength I have gained is incredible!

The last three years have been the hardest of my life. Until I read your book and did what you suggested I was feeling doomed. I now feel my spirit alive again.

Today my home phone rang twice, not from creditors as it has been doing, but from new business prospects. And my son found toys and videos he thought he had lost because I cleaned up his play room and organized the TV shelf for him.

I have always listened to motivational tapes and held my collection so close to my heart that no one dared touch them. About 10 minutes ago I listed the last one on Amazon. What a feeling. Believe it or not, many held their value so long that I broke even. Some I placed on CD and ended up keeping 5 real favorites that I will transfer to MP3 later on.

I really really want to thank you for writing your books and your work. My wife is amazed at what I have been doing because she always called me a pack rat. We both cleaned out the closet, organized, donated and gave away things this weekend. Soon after, I had 5 orders come in for my DVDs and a $250 donation. True story! I really don’t know what the fear or block was. Your book unlocked me! Thank you again. ~ Angelo L.

HUSBAND AND WIFE CLUTTER CLEARING TOGETHER

Dear Karen

MY BEAUTIFUL RED HANDBAG

Dear Karen,

Two weeks ago I managed to tackle my clutter problem. I had been low, reluctant and very ambivalent about my move to a wonderful retirement village on a quite extraordinary Eco Estate. How lucky can a girl be?

My beloved brother had been watching and listening to my dilemma. He eventually said, very gently, "There is a wonderful book that will help you get started and hold your hand while you confront 25 years of suppressed emotions, hurtful memories and fears the bravest of us would have shied away from." I bought your Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui book and have hardly put it down since.

I started on a cupboard that contained smallish boxes dating back to 1985, unopened. What follows is an unexaggerated account. I broke the seal, lifted the lid and out fell a small pair of exquisite red leather gloves. My vision blurred, my pulse accelerated and my hand shook so badly I was only just able to pick them up. As I held them memories, long submerged, flooded in and almost overwhelmed me. But being a fairly intrepid soul, I soldiered on.

What completely undid me was a beautiful red handbag. As I opened it, the faintest whiff of Shalimar perfume wafted out. I was instantly transported back in time. Back to a life of happiness but also great sorrow and loss. It was this loss, never fully confronted, that I now had to deal with. On hands and knees I crawled to my bed and lay there in a foetal position, sobbing. It took me hours to regain my composure, but I did and I'm proud to report that I have cleared that period from my life, and subsequent painful periods. I feel strong and proud and able to take full advantage of the next stage of my life. At 64 yrs old, I'm ready to fly, free as an [old] bird.

Thank you for your profound book. And for being there for me on my liberating journey. ~ Edith van Onselen, South Africa

YOUR BOOK GOT MY DAUGHTER CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen

I was introduced to Feng Shui last summer and have read your books and anything else I can get hold of about Space Clearing, Clutter Clearing and Feng Shui. I recently purchased your Clear Your Clutter book and have been out shopping for bamboo, incense and other things to bring into the home. My 11 year old daughter would tag along because she is into burning incense and candles.

Last night she was asking me questions about why I put this there and etc...  I was explaining Space Clearing, Clutter Clearing and the likes. She asked to borrow your book so I thought she would just look thru it and that would be that. She read the first few chapters and then was hauling garbage bag after garbage bag up to her room to CLEAR THE CLUTTER. I could not believe it.

I sat her down and explained how clutter affects different parts of your life. She was so excited and I am too. I helped her finish her room and gave her a few special things to put in there. Now that her knowledge corner is clutter free, I hope that she will be able to catch on to her maths! I'll keep you posted. Thanks, Karen. You've changed our lives!!!

~ Sincerely, Shelly M.

THE PROGRESS I'VE MADE SINCE CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

I have to tell you about the progress I've made in the last 8 months since I read your book. I have suffered from rheumatism for 10 years now. I've taken a lot of medicine for it and have had periods of pain and immobility where I have been bedridden for weeks sometimes, and unable to go to work for 12 - 15 weeks a year or even longer. I have been overweight (79 Kg, height 155 cm), and sometimes wasn't able to do anything, especially after work. I just wanted to lie in bed.

In April this year I hit upon your book. Since that time I have read it 4-5 times and started to clear my clutter. It took me about 6 months to get rid of everything I don't really need any more or that made my feel bad. I gave it all away to friends and to charity and threw a little bit away.

When I started to clear my clutter, my life started to change...

• I read books about rheumatism, food and health.
• I changed my eating habits, reduced animal protein step by step and stopped eating beef. Now I don't eat anything that had a face anymore and only a little animal protein.
• I stopped eating industrial sugar and flour. I eat wholefoods now and a lot of organic fruit and vegetables.
• I lost 13 kilos without dieting and feel great - healthy, satisfied and happy.
• I changed my shopping habits. Before I buy something I think about it twice.
• I have a lot of contact with other people now who are on the same spiritual level as me or higher, and that's great.
• I read books about healthy living and spiritual awakening and development.
• Now I am thinking about sun food and changing to raw food.
• I have a lot of goals now and my life is so much fuller. I'm amazed that this is really me.
• My best friend says that I'm even looking different, not only slimmer, but my charisma is more alive and shining.

My next project is the Space Clearing of my home. I have been so busy with all the changes in my life that I haven't found time to do it until now. I know that I am on my way and that I will find my destination. My life is happier and brighter now. Thanks for pushing me in the right direction.

Lots of love,
Heidi, Germany

HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED WHEN I STARTED CLUTTER CLEARING

Hi Karen,

Thanks a million for your clutter clearing book!

Here's what happened:

Monday evening I started reading your book - and kept reading til I was almost half way through.

Tuesday I went ninja :) on my home and decided to just give away everything that was blocking it.

Wednesday 3/4 of the rubbish was gone. Somehow everything - including myself was slowing down. I was exhausted. I went on reading your book.

Thursday I broke down, having a terrifying headache in the evening, and - what amazed me most having diarrhoea (not that elegant but hey). I have been constipated virtually most of my life...and I NEVER experienced a thing like this - needless to say I felt terribly, but terribly happy as well.  It s like breathing different air.

Now it's Friday and I still have a light headache, but the clutter is gone. Save for a vacuum cleaner and a paella-pot which I am confident will dissapear as well.

My son likes your book too :) He's 7 months old and I found him chewing on it :)

Now it's time to clean. Thanks for lighting up our lives!

Alma, Germany

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN WEIGHT AND CLUTTER

Dear Karen,

The correlation between weight and clutter is real. It's all about image and how we feel about ourselves. When I began decluttering my house this past week I noticed a huge surge in energy (to the point where I became too wired at night to sleep), and less inclination to snack on junk food. I am overweight but I already feel better about myself and I can see the difference in how I dress. Today was the first day I arrived at work on time, dressed well and neat and organized, and feeling good about myself. I hope this feeling lasts forever. What a wonderful side effect space clearing offers! ~ Cherie

120 POUNDS OVERWEIGHT AND CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

Back in 2000, I read your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, and did a thorough clearing out. There were clothing items in all sizes in my closet and there were especially some small sizes that I was "one day going to fit into again" although I had not been able to wear them in over a decade. At that point I was 120 pounds overweight!

After reading your book, I was inspired to let go of them and just decided that my weight was just that....my weight at the moment (even though it had been that amount for many years). I really didn't think about the issue again for about 3 months until it was revealed to me about a weight loss surgery called the Biliopancreatic Diversion/Duodenal Switch. Immediately, I knew that this was the solution for me and everything went very smooth in the details to get it. I had the surgery on 10/19/2000 and released the 120 pounds, along with alot of bad self-esteem and physical ailments due to the morbid obesity. The surgery was THE best thing I have ever done for myself and the weight has continued to stay OFF (it never had stayed off with any other diet/exercise program ever)! I'm convinced that if I had not let go of those clothes and done the clutter clearing that info about the surgery would not have come to me.

We are now in the process of a thorough clearing out again, because there are issues we need to address and the clutter has once again built up without us really paying attention and realizing it. I just bought your book, Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui, and will space clear after we finish the clutter clearing. I'm looking forward to the results! ~ Sincerely, Dee, USA

INSPIRED TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL AGAIN

Dear Karen,

I have just finished reading your book today. I am totally inspired by it and it has helped me move on a huge step in a difficult process I am going through at the moment. I have always been a great person for clearing clutter, but had never thought of it in terms of emotion and stale baggage before, which your book has taught me. For the first time in many years I feel alive and positive again and dying to move on with MY life.

It has, by the way, taken me a few weeks to clear my clutter as I have 4 children to run around after, I have been reading your book off and on, but I have had spurts off clearing in between. You will be glad to hear though that most of my clutter in now stored in my garage awaiting to be disposed of in various directions over the next few days and the only area now weighing me down is the attic which (as it is Sunday) I am now off to attack! Thank you for your book and for inspiring me to live life to the full again. ~ Jane, Ireland

CLUTTER CLEARING BEFORE MOVING HOUSE

Dear Karen,

Thank you for your book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I am going to be moving shortly and to reduce moving costs I had to eliminate clutter that has collected for the past 40 years. After reading your book, I found myself able to part with things I had held onto "just in case" for many years. It was and is truly liberating.

~ Marianne, USA

HOW CLUTTER CAN AFFECT RELATIONSHIPS

Dear Karen

I have just finished reading your Clear Your Clutter book and have actually been motivated into tackling the bags of stuff in my study that I have had piled high since we moved eighteen months ago.  When I read that cluttered areas create staleness, I looked at your diagram of the positions in the house and relationships in various areas and realised that my clutter was blocking a relationship with a couple of members in my family. How bizarre! ~ Angela

CLUTTER CLEARING AND SPACE CLEARING IS A WAY OF LIFE

Dear Karen,

I just wanted you to know I'm in the middle of clutter clearing and find it again immensely satisfying letting go of the old and simplifying my life!

I've found out that while recovering from a heartache, it is easier to let go of things/clothes/ books/CDs etc., and give myself a fresh new start, a new beginning. I never buy anything new while I'm going through any stuff in life, because it's the time for letting go. I don't want the old painful energy to mix up with the new. I know that when I'm finished clearing my stuff/my life, I'm ready to begin again, buy some new lovely clothes and vibrant colours, refreshed thoughts and outlook on life, and to rock´n´roll!

Clutter clearing and space clearing is a way of life, a way that works for me, thanks to your important books and knowledge that you share with us. Million thanks!

~ Johanna, Finland

CLUTTER CLEARING HELPS ANXIETY BUSTING

Dear Karen,

Your book was required reading for one of my courses in college. I loved the book and was thrilled to be able to learn all of the information you provide. It was so helpful to be able to unclutter my own home and workplace and it made a huge difference in my life. I am the author of the Anxiety Busters Program and we also have a Free Anxiety Helpline. I am constantly talking with others and giving information and advice.

Uncluttering made more room for me to do this in more ways than one. Also, unloading the emotional clutter was extremely helpful. I wanted to write to you and thank you for writing such a wonderful book and let you know that it ties in with helping others past anxiety conditions. I hope to pass on much of the information to those who contact me and recommend your book to them as well.

All the best to you always and thank you again for such worthwhile and enjoyable information.

Ronnie Freedman
Founder of Anxiety Busters, Inc.
http://www.anxietybusters.com

EACH TIME I MOVED HOUSE I LOST FIVE POUNDS

Namaste, Karen

Last year I moved for the second time in two years. Each time I moved I gave away useful things and threw away junk. Each time I lost 5 pounds!

With the second move my clutter sensitivity rose. Although much clearer, I'm aware of what remains to be done. It's like a little itch in my psyche. Interestingly, in procrastinating I've gained back a few pounds. Now I'm going to hop to it.

I'm also clearing and planting a formerly neglected garden behind my apartment and feel the energy shift not just in the land but in my home, three stories up. I've put in two birdbaths and love to hear the splashing when the birds bathe.

I appreciate your newsletter's keeping this consciousness alive for us. Thank you so much!

~ Mary Jane

MY BOYFRIEND FOUND CHECKS WORTH MORE THAN $3000

Dear Karen,

I read Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and applied your principles to energetically streamline my life several years ago. Recently, I moved in with my boyfriend, a wonderful man, who is still sorting through his 'old life'. I bought him a copy of your book.

Well, the book sat around for a while. As time passed I repeatedly moved the book into view, brought it to the top of the pile. My boyfriend was too busy and distracted by his other 'stuff' to look at it.

Finally, two days ago, I was feeling particularly congested and depressed amid the household clutter. That night I pulled my boyfriend into bed and read to him aloud the first three chapters of your book, until he fell asleep.

In the morning the two of us were a de-cluttering machine. We threw out enormous piles of garbage and junk, re-arranged furniture in every room of the house, and went through every loose slip of paper. My boyfriend found several undeposited checks payable to him totaling more than $3000... and he finished filing his taxes. We were so energized by the momentum of our spring clean, we didn't stop until 4 o'clock the next morning.

This morning I woke feeling like a new human being. I eagerly did my exercises (it had been a while). My boyfriend visibly looks like a weight has lifted from his shoulders. We had been talking about moving... now we both love the house and want to stay. Even our dog looks peppier. All that clearing inspired by just the first three chapters of your book. I can't wait to read him the next three chapters.

Thank you from every fiber of my being ~ Maggie D.

MY FUTURE FATHER-IN-LAW THREW ALL OUR STUFF AWAY

Dear Karen,

I recently read your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, and really enjoyed it.  So here's the story.

I bought your book around 6 years ago after someone highly recommended it to me just because she felt great after reading it and thought that I would really enjoy it.  Well, there it sat with the rest of my clutter for 6 years!  With every move I brought this book with me along with so much other stuff - I think I moved six times in six years.  Any way, I just moved again and found your book and for some reason was ready to read it.  Once I started I couldn't put it down and I really got so much out of it.

My fiancé and I sorted through all of our stuff that we left in his parents shed. We threw stuff in garbage bags that we wanted to bring to the dump, and we put the rest of the stuff that we "needed" in plastic storage bins to bring to our new apartment where there is little space for it.  We went to the dump on Easter Sunday and it was closed. My future father-in-law told us he would bring it for us on Monday morning. We could use his vehicle to drive back home and he would use ours to bring our stuff to the dump, then bring the rest to our place.

Well, for some reason he didn't get the part that we were bringing the stuff in the plastic bins to our place, and he threw it all away!

At first I gasped when he told me and I thought of all of my things like my summer shoes, my winter coats, my photo albums etc... Then I felt this tremendous sense of relief! I feel great, but I know that if I hadn't read your book I would have been devastated. I told my future father-in-law this and he just looked at me like I was nuts.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Patty

I THREW AWAY 30 BIG BAGS OF CLUTTER

Dear Karen,

I want to thank you for the great advice in your book, I started a few months ago and cleaned my 45 square meter apartment of, I think, 30 big bags of clutter. I wonder where all this clutter came from?

Many good things have happened since then. My relationships to my boyfriend and parents have improved and also my job responsibilities. A very funny thing that has happened is that I seem to find things I need in the garbage can in our backyard. I recently found two brand new dresses, one of which I saw and wanted to buy at Mango. I know this sounds really funny and I am not normally a person that goes through other people's junk! I also found a brand new pot and also decoration stuff beside the garbage can. I really had to laugh so much thinking about your sentence that life provides you with what you need.....

Thanks again ~ Monika

I AM 20 POUNDS LIGHTER THAN WHEN I BEGAN CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

I am a horrible insomniac. I have tried every trick in the book, so about three months ago I decided that the next night when I encountered a sleepless night, I would "read a boring book." The experts say that will lull you back to sleep. At the time, I grabbed your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, from the bookshelf and was sure that I would be in a deep slumber within minutes.

Well, your book was impossible to put down. Needless to say, it did not qualify as that boring book that would help me get sleepy. Instead, I was so inspired that I called in for a sub for the next day (I teach high school band) and decided the most important thing I could tackle would be my garage.

It had seemed so overwhelming that I had been just shutting the door and ignoring it. The garage lies directly below our kitchen and family room - where we spend most of our time. I was 20 pounds over weight. As I forged through your book, I saw some serious connections between the clutter in my garage and the clutter in my life.

It is now several months later. My garage looks like a model home. My office at school - and my classroom - are in a state of organization I never thought possible with 240 teenagers traipsing through each day. And...I am 20 pounds lighter than I was when this began. Yesterday I bought a pair of size 10 pants - for the first time in 10 years!

Your book doesn't just do a superficial "fix it" for looks, it truly offers solutions that transforms lives. Thank you for writing such important information in a manner that is accessible by 'regular' people. My life has improved. I feel freer. I could not have done this without your book!

THANK YOU for changing my life!

~ Lesley, M., USA, High School Director of Bands & Percussion

CLUTTER CLEARING HELPS UNIVERSITY STUDENT

Dear Karen,

I'm 21 and a fourth year university student. I'm majoring in IT and working on with many projects that the instructors have given me. At first I couldn't find the way to solve and handle these much projects, so I just kept ignoring them.

After reading your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, my lazy life has changed. I have more energy to clean up my place and space. I can start over with school projects I ignored. Your book does not just teach me to clear up my place but also my mind. Thank you for letting me know how the art of space clearing works. It works for me!

~ Janpen, Thailand

HELP FOR A CLUTTERHOLIC

Dear Karen,

My neighbor recently gave me a copy of your book that she picked up at a used book sale.  I chuckled since my administrator had just commented on the state of my classroom clutter and my husband can never stop complaining about all my 'junk'.  So I started to read it, going in with the attitude that it will be interesting but not really much help for a clutterholic like me!

I have to tell you that about 2 chapters into the book something changed.  I started to read it with an openess I haven't felt in years.  My whole body felt more relaxed and as I read about the reasons I hoard and add clutter to my clutter,  it became like a weight lifting off me.  I couldn't put the book down.  I started recommending it to everyone I know, some have already ordered the book for themselves.

I have now finished it and plan on reading it again.  I have been clearing out rooms FULL of stuff, have been taking your advise about giving the not so used things to charity, my coworkers and my fabric scraps to the school for a service project (making a quilt to give to a charity).  I feel great and my house is looking cleaner and neater.  I have such positive chi that a new business I just started is really taking off.  I already have a recruit and 3 bookings for parties.  All of this happened just from reading the book!

Thank you for helping me to see why I felt a need for clutter and how to help rid myself of it, both outside and inside my body.  I come from a long line of clutterholics, and it is time to break the cycle

~ Donna A, USA, Eighth Grade Science Teacher

YOUR BOOK MAKES SO MUCH SENSE

Dear Karen,

I have had your book for years. Over the past 4 years things have been a challenge, mainly financially. I have had to move a bit, each time to a smaller space and now I just rent a room so my stuff has really collected up. I was living with many boxes in a 10 foot by 10 foot room and when I cleared out the boxes it was just amazing - it was like this downward pressure was lifted and my life just opened up.

Since then I have been reading your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, and I just have to tell you how much sense it makes. Your writing style is very simple but very poignant, so I just wanted to send you this very sincere thank you. Please keep up the good work and thanks so much for putting these books out so one can gain from them without going to a workshop.

Cheers,

~ Andy, California, USA

I GOT RID OF THE USELESS STUFF I'D BEEN KEEPING FOR YEARS

Dear Karen,

I happened to come across your book a couple of weeks ago. And I've been reading and rereading it since then. The book is very interesting. I like both what you are saying and the way you are saying it. And your system works very well: numerous trash bags were filled up and taken away already (that's not too bad for a start, I guess). I got rid of the useless stuff I'd been keeping for years. And t makes me feel happy!

I have read a few books on feng shui already. They were good, but it was only Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui that brought me to action immediately. Thank you very much for this wonderful book!

~ Alexander P., Russia

REFORMED 9-YEAR OLD PACKRAT

Story from a clutter-hoarding-pack-rat-princess!!!!

I'm 9 years old and I used to be a total pack rat! I use to fit in three-fourths of the clutter-hogging reasons -  the 'just in case' items, identity, territorialism and scroogeness. I used to keep every letter, receipt, movie stub and clothes that didn't fit me. I was mad when my old clothes got passed down and sad when I threw stuff away. I'd just like to thank you for writing your book so that I and many others could be free!!!

Sincerely, Danni

EACH PARAGRAPH OF YOUR BOOK IS AN EYE-OPENER

Dear Karen,

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is the perfect resource for people like myself who are controlled by the stuff that so quickly accumulates over the course of a day, a week, and a lifetime. I bought the book not knowing it was 'clutter specific'. I sort of walked into it in a bookstore, saw that it was a feng shui book and very compact, so I picked it up. It was exactly what I needed. Not cluttered with too much info (we clutter-o-holics do not have enough time or energy to focus on excessive amounts of information) yet you manage to touch on every aspect of my clutterness.

Although I have still a lot of clearing to do, I have begun to see the 'stuff' differently and let go of things easier. Each paragraph of your book is an eye opener... a wonderful, positive jump start. Thank you.

~ Anon

CLUTTER CLEARING MY COLLECTION OF HORSES

Dear Karen,

When I was little, I adored horses. I would draw them and I took a few lessons but having a horse of my own was out of my family's reach. I wound up with a lot of horse figurines and model horses, which I still have. About 10 years ago, in my early 30's, I realized my income was my own and I could choose to spend some of my money on riding lessons, which I did. One thing led to another and I bought my first horse a little more than a year ago now. My partner bought a new horse for himself about the same time.

I had the model horses because I so wanted a horse of my own, but I have horses now. I don't need to hang onto these models anymore!!

~ Tyra M., USA

MY HUSBAND IS MOVING CLUTTER OUT SO FAST

Dear Karen,

My husband and I both have just read and re-read your book on clearing clutter. I have tried for over a year to encourage him to unload some of his mental baggage and holdings. I read the book and read a few paragraphs out loud and he was ignited on fire like I have never seen. He is moving clutter out so fast and so much of it neither of us could believe it. He has so much more energy and is finally taking the time to actually finish the book!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

~ Stephanie S., USA

I'M ENERGIZED AND NO LONGER FEEL OVERWHELMED

Dear Karen,

I read Clear Your Clutter a year ago. I read it in one day and was very excited, however did nothing to clear any clutter. My life took over with stress at my job and the illness and loss of my mother. I was more lost and overwhelmed than ever.

Five months after my mother passed, I needed something to help me get my head above water. I picked up your book again and was SO energized and excited. I have cleared clutter that has been stored and gathering dust for over 20 years! Bags of things have been thrown out and SO much is ready to be donated to charities.

During this month of sorting, discarding and cleaning, I was given an unexpected check for $5000, found out about an inheritance of $3000, found gift cards and gift certificates worth over $400, found out about more income that will be coming monthly, and gathered about $75 worth of change too.

The additional income has been wonderful, but more than that, I'm energized and no longer feel overwhelmed. I'm comfortable and happy in my home. I'm reading about Feng Shui and applying the principles at home and in my classroom. Thank you for getting me started!

THANK YOU!

~ E.S.

49 PROJECTS AT THE RATE OF ONE PER WEEK

Dear Karen,

Your little book jerked me into action more than eight months ago and I am still at it. I put 49 items/projects on my list; small and big, costing from nothing to take care of to several thousand (new kitchen counters, for example). I put all those tasks on paper.  I know that some will take a good deal more time to accomplish. I also realize that this is an ongoing activity.

At the beginning of this year I promised myself to take care of one item per week.  I pretty much stuck with it through the end of June, but now I am getting to the more laborious, or costly items which, by nature, will take more than a week to accomplish. I am OK with that;  I just keep pecking away at it. The benefits of open space with the right things in it are manifold.

I have one amazing story to share. For 21 years I (we) had a large triptych of embossed serigraphs hanging on the wall over our heads.  The pictures featured spiny cacti.  For all those years I would wake up in the middle of the night, finding my arm covering the top of my head.  The arm would get so stiff and pained that I had to use the other hand to bring it down under the covers very slowly. When my husband was alive, I would even ask him to put his hand on top of my head and that is how I would go to sleep.  After reading your book, it suddenly dawned on me that maybe those prickly cacti might have something to do with all that pain.  So I took the three large pictures down and donated them to a local charity.  In their place I hung a painting of a green valley oak in a field of lupine.  I am not kidding you; I have not covered my head with my arm to guard against the cactus spines since.

Thank you and warm regards,

~ Emmy A., USA

STRING TOO SMALL TO SAVE!

Dear Karen,

Two sisters had the unfortunate job of clearing out their recently deceased brother's house. He was known throughout the area to be a saver of string. Balls of every color and texture were stacked, rolled and stuffed everywhere. Down in the basement among the smaller balls was a can with a piece of tape labeling its contents... "STRING TOO SMALL TO SAVE"!

Ha,ha. Hope you enjoy this little letter and thanks again for helping me gain a little more SPACE.

~ June K., USA

I HAVE CLEARED OUT 80% OF THE THINGS I OWN

Dear Karen,

Since I read your clutter book 3 weeks ago I have sold or given to charity, or binned 80% of the things I own. I've made £550, sold 400 books, got rid of half my old comic collection, half of which I had kept just to have an example of that artist's work, not because it gave me any pleasure on a regular basis, or even at all. My furniture is starting to go. My housemate rapidly followed me, and we've rearranged every room in the house barring our other housemates'. He is still blinking owlishly at the whole whirlwind we've created.

I've decided to stuff London at this present time, after 3 years. I'm a northerner by upbringing but my heart has always been in the Lake District. So that is where I am going to live. Now I'm not attached to this stuff I realised that the only thing keeping me here was my friends. And that wasn't a good enough reason, much as I love them all. Job and house lease end at the end of January and I've been wondering what my next step would be for months. I think fate already knew what was in store.

Thank you so much for the books, the common sense, the clear insight, and the practicality. How can you argue with such matter of fact truths

~ Alan S., England

FROM A 33-YEAR OLD REFORMED CLUTTERHOLIC

Dear Karen,

I bought your book and read it cover to cover. Having been away from my job for almost three months due to depression, I was amazed by the enthusiasm I suddenly had to clear my clutter. I am encouraging my partner to read your book too. A conversation we had went like this:

Me: "Where did this ashtray come from?" (knowing it not to be ours).
Partner: "I brought it home from work."
Me: "Why?" (we have NINE already!)
Partner: "We had two at work and I was trying to get rid of some junk."

Well, as you can see, I may have my work cut out with this guy!

When we moved from our last house we had to clear the loft. Apart from the usual loft junk, there was also fishing tackle that belonged to my partner and his brother when they were boys, and a dining room table and six chairs. The table and chairs went but we still have the fishing tackle even though my partner is nearly 49 years old, and in the five and a half years we have been together he has never been fishing, and nobody actually knows where his brother is!

Thank you for inspiring me. After months I am beginning to feel a bit of enthusiasm and energy again.

~ Helen T., England
33 year old reformed clutterholic

I MOVED TWICE AND TOOK ALL MY CLUTTER WITH ME

Dear Karen,

I have read both your books and have uncluttered 15 years worth of stuff. I was such a hoarder that I moved twice and took all my clutter with me.

~ Linda C., South Africa

JOB PROMOTION AFTER CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

I spent the whole weekend at the office clearing my desk and the next week I got promoted to the job I've always wanted! Now I'm inspired to clear out my home and my car.

~ John M., New Zealand

CLUTTER CLEARING AT 75 YEARS OLD

Dear Karen,

I picked up your book quite by chance in a local library and I've had so much pleasure from reading it. I couldn't put it down. It is so beautifully written and so very clear and easy to understand.

I spent all day yesterday packing up stuff to throw out. I don't need it so why keep it? I am working my way through the house but what I'd really like to do is throw the whole lot out and start again with new stuff chosen by me. However, at 75 years old, I ask myself, is it worth it? If only I had known about all this years ago I might have had a better life instead of the miserable life I've always had.

~ M.B., England

I AM SO ENERGIZED WITH MY NEW MISSION TO BE CLUTTER-FREE

Dear Karen,

This book has been the key to unleashing the emotional attachments to the things I have been dragging around for much too long. Friends who come to my home think I am so neat and orderly! Ha! Yes, it's true that most of the time my home would present itself very nicely - especially if I know you're coming! But start opening drawers and cabinets and the hidden disasters become quite obvious.

Your style of writing has such an easy and flowing way of reaching the reader. I love to pick your book up and open to wherever it may and my eyes just fall somewhere and I read. This approach has led me to the same passages many times over, and I understand that it's no coincidence as it's usually an area I really need to pay extra attention to in my own clutter clearing! Wonderful how the universe always stays on task!!

I have conquered a disastrous pantry, cupboards and my wardrobe so far. Two days ago I dropped off 7 bags (large garbage size!) of my clothing to the local women's shelter! I am so energized with my new mission to be clutter-free in this time of such new energy.

I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all of this wonderful wisdom in your fabulous book. It has been like a magic spell for me

~ Lisa J., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING BOOKS

Dear Karen,

I just finished reading your book, and what a fabulous book it is! I'm an organized person, so I have organized clutter. This has allowed me to organize an awful lot of stuff into very limited space and then hang onto it forever.

I began going through all my old (and dearly beloved) books. Sorting through and pitching out old memories and associations I no longer need has been such a cleansing experience! I was amazed at what I had that I had no idea I had! I am dissociating my identity from these books, and am putting it back where it belongs, which is in what I AM, not in what I HAVE. I give a prayer of gratitude for what each book gave me and release it with love to carry its message to others who will read it.

I'm telling you, my bookshelves literally glow. There is a whole new resonating energy around my books, and I even removed the top shelf which I no longer need, making the height proportional to the space the bookshelves are in. Everything remaining there is by conscious intention, and it shows. I thank you dearly for your teachings and books and inspiration.

~ Beth K., USA

P.S. The next morning after the "book clearing," my female canary, Gaia, laid her first egg and is contentedly sitting on it. Buttercup, her mate, is happily hopping around the cage like the proud papa he is.

I'VE READ YOUR BOOK THREE TIMES

Dear Karen,

What a great book!When I read it, I was so motivated to clear the clutter from my house -- I was, as you describe it, a white tornado! The next three full days were dedicated to clearing the clutter in my home and included five trips to the rubbish dump, one to the salvation army and one to the library. Since then, I've continued clearing clutter and learning about and implementing Feng Shui remedies at a more leisurely pace.

The changes have been incredible. Besides just feeling more positive and optimistic about my life, and having the emotional energy to 'intend' positive changes, my relationships have benefited, I've been getting so many calls for new business (so much so that I've had to turn down some projects!), and -- not coincidentally, since my home office is in the self-improvement/knowledge/wisdom area of my house -- I am learning and growing so much in the area of personal growth and development. I've 'happened' upon some great books that answer questions, inspire and encourage me in areas of my life where I've been less than clear. Thanks! I've read your book three times now, and I still find it tremendously inspiring.

~ S.S., Hawaii, USA

CLUTTER CLEARING HAS TAKEN ME FURTHER THAN COUNSELLING

Dear Karen,

I have been trying to clear my life of junk at all levels - emotional, physical and spiritual for nearly six years now (if not the whole 35 that I've been alive!). The great thing for me about your book,  Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui, is that finally there is one place where all the ideas and understandings come together. I've intuitively felt that I needed a clear-out from time to time, but I always panic and go get more junk to fill the space left by the clear-out! Then I get stuck and depressed again. Your book has really helped me, and because it is practical and I have to do things, it has got me further in one reading than several years of counselling.

Thank you.

~ Sean S., United Kingdom

CLUTTER CLEARING AND LOSING WEIGHT

Dear Karen,

I have battled with my weight for many years now and am currently completing my fourth month with Weight Watchers having only lost 4 kgs (8,8lbs)!! Today at weekly weigh in, the scale said I'd lost a further 1,4 kgs (3lbs)!!!! I've done nothing different other than get rid of a load of clutter in my house - I think my body got the message!!!!!

Our clutter clearing continues. Today my husband is clearing out his tool box - this is truly amazing as it is the first time in about 10 years!!! This may sound weird, but I am noticing a glow in my house. Seriously, it's as if everything is shining. My home is becoming a truly lovely place to live in. All since clutter clearing began. What an inspiration. Thanks again.

~ Rae M., South Africa

I RECEIVED $8775 FROM A RELATIVE AS A GIFT

Dear Karen,

After reading your bookI was motivated to take a day and clear all the junk out of my home. I worked for 13 hours straight and got rid of stuff I'd been hoarding for years. Especially the items in the Prosperity section of my home. That was on Monday. Today is Thursday and in the mail I received a check for $8775 from a relative as a gift. Needless to say, everyone I know is hearing about your wonderful book. Goddess bless you for such a wonderful book and for a wonderful change in my life.

~ Ann, Ohio, USA

CLUTTER CLEARING SUCCESSES

Dear Karen,

I have now just finished reading Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui for the third time, and am embarking on my third junk clearing! Since my first attempt at clearing, I have moved to a nicer flat, my boss granted me a 20% pay rise, I have lost the "orange skin" on my thighs, and I feel incredibly better.

~ Catherine B., France

CLUTTER CLEARING HUMAN WHIRLWIND

Dear Karen,

A couple of weeks ago, I popped into my local spiritualist store and, wandering over to the books, saw both Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui & Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I bought both, read Clear Your Clutter in a matter of hours, and have been a human whirlwind ever since. Last week we put 10 bags of rubbish out for collection, and we had to borrow a van for all the stuff we took to the book fair to sell.

I have always been interested in oriental philosophy, I Ching, Feng Shui etc, but your book seems so straight forward to me; suddenly I understand why the small things I was trying to do (crystals, wind chimes, mirrors) did not seem to make any difference. And the yard where we always dump our rubbish until it is collected ? Right in the Money area of the Bagua ! My family has always joked that I have the concentration span of a flea, but it wasn't until I sat down and worked it out, that I realised how much unfinished work I have around the house; half knitted jumpers, half written stories, even a patchwork quilt I started when I was 13 yrs old (I will be 40 soon) I am so ashamed, but determined to sort it all out, no matter how long it takes, so that I can properly space clear the whole house.

~ L.W., UK

CLUTTER CLEARING AS PART OF HEALING CANCER

Dear Karen,

I have just read your book. I'm manic with my clutter, as in I don't have any. Other than a messy drawer in my flat the only out of control room is my daughter Alice's room - this happens to be the Wealth area. Now, showing her the book, she has taken to clearing clutter with a vengeance. Alice is 13 years old and has already developed clutter bug tendencies. I now hope with thoughts on her mother's money pile or lack of it we can nip this in the bud.

I have also given the bug to a very close friend and it has made him realize why he is not moving forward in all areas of his life! The main concern he has is why our relationship never moves passed just friends -- the book answered his question and my prayers.

A huge thank you as it feels like after years of being labeled a nutter for never keeping junk I'm now seen as being open, normal etc.

~ Vicki D., UK

PS. If you ever do research on people who pull through a major upset like cancer you will find they all embrace the removal of clutter. I had a year off to fight cancer and took up the mind, body and house clearing process as a major way of self healing.

I CLUTTER CLEARED MY WEALTH CORNER

Karen,

I love your books. I clutter cleared my wealth corner/kitchen counter top. Then I put a small, but beautiful water feature there. Four days later I got a phone call from the vice president of a company, buying the company I was working for. He offered me a job, he cut my hours from 70 per week to 40 per week, demoted me from manager to assistant manager AND he gave me a 30% salary increase!!! Died and went to heaven, that's what happened to me!!! Now I can also practice Feng Shui. A million thank-you's.

~ Marty H., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING AFTER A DEATH

Dear Karen,

Your book has made such a difference in our lives! Thank you! We bought copies for all of our family members and just this morning I got a call from my mother saying how much she appreciated it. She now feels ready to move on after her husband's death. Thanks again!

~ Charlie and Michele, USA

PROMOTED TO A NEW JOB AFTER CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

I did some workshops with you a couple of years ago and they were brilliant. I have successfully space cleared and feng shui'd my home. A few weeks ago I had a serious clutter removal at home (especially in the cupboard under the stairs where my 'fame' area is). I then cleaned, charged and programmed my crystals and within a week I was made the Managing Director of the company where I have worked for seven years. So it really does work!

~ Julie S., UK

CLUTTER CLEARING HELPS CALM ANXIETY

Dear Karen,

I just finished Chapter 16 of your book and had to put the it down then. I was so motivated to get started, so that is exactly what I did.

I am 20 years old and my life is packed with unnecessary stress which has come to affect my nerves. I was recently put on medication to calm my anxieties. But since my clutter clearing of just my bedroom I feel better already. I ended up with 18 garbage bags of trash! Thank you so much.

~ Amber J., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING STAGNANT STUFF

Hello, Karen!

I just wanted to thank you for such a useful and readable book! I had been doing some self-searching and improvement, and had begun tackling my clutter, when a friend who lives in another part of the US spontaneously decided to send me a copy of your book! It arrived just in time to keep my momentum going, and to affirm that I had the right idea!

I began my clearing with my overgrown and wild gardens, then hauled some old and no longer loved or needed furniture out of the house. That led to a few carloads of clothes and odds and ends going to Goodwill, and I've STILL got plenty left to do! It feels SO GOOD each time an area is lightened and another load of "stagnant stuff" leaves the house!

I have asthma, and I'm finding I can breathe more easily and deeply, already, particularly in areas where the clearing out is nearly completed. I've always believed that we attract what we need into our lives, but your book showing up with such timing was certainly an affirmation of that theory! I am going out to get your other book, and seeing what more I can learn. I took a class in Feng Shui, last year, and while the teacher was very knowledgeable in the subject, she only mentioned that one's house "needs to be clean and tidy", and went on from there. At that time, I was mired in the lack of energy and "where to begin" miasma you so aptly describe in the book, and I tried a few of the principles without really clearing things out. I just cleaned up around the clutter, which isn't the same thing at all!

Anyway, thank you for your spare and clean little book which is helping me build a spare and clean little life!!!

~ Barbara H., USA

YOUR BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE

Karen,

I just wanted to write and let you know that your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, changed my life - and I am not usually prone to such gushing statements!

It was given to me as a gift from a very dear friend of mine when I was unceremoniously dumped by my last partner. I felt I could take no more - every area of my life was a failure - career, love, health, family, friends.

I started reading and I could not stop. Your advice totally struck a chord with me and I decided things had to change. I decided to move out of my home (particularly resonant was your section on bad things happening in the house creating a negative effect in the environment) and packing everything up of course gave me the perfect opportunity to clear my clutter, and also to a deadline! I must have thrown out, recycled, gave away or sold half of my belongings.

I have since kept up the good work and now, some time on, I am in a new, much better career, my health has dramatically improved, as have all my relationships, and I am pleased to say I am getting married this year! (is that a result of the pictures of the moon I have hanging in my love and marriage area?).

I am now re-reading the book just to give myself inspiration to do a 'spring clean' and this weekend took 20 items of clothing to the charity shop, and I still have some work to do. After that, I plan to pass the book on to my friend so others may feel the benefit of your advice. Thank you so much for letting me feel I can take control of my life again.

~ Louise O., England

I FOUND STOCK CERTIFICATES WORTH $4000

Dear Karen,

When I cleared my filing cabinet I found stock certificates that are now worth $4000! Your book certainly paid for itself.

~ Y.T., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING RELATIONSHIPS

Dear Karen,

The best thing I got rid of was the drunk I was living with!

~ Morgan A., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING IN SWEDEN

Dear Karen,

I am just finishing reading your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, and continuing with my intensive cleaning job.

I am familiar with feng shui and tried to introduce it in my home, discarded things from time to time here and there but never in such a scale. Thank you for pointing my attention into the problem of "all old things which are laying around".

I thought that I have it under control, well, that was not really true. Who needs 15 bottles of smelling oils which are out of date???? Thank you once more for writing this book. Really good piece of work and inspiration and help for a change in our life!!!!

~ Joanna P., Sweden

CLUTTER CLEARING TELEPHONE BOOKS AND PHOTOS

Dear Karen,

I am in the middle of cleaning and clearing my home. I work at a Art & History Museum and wanted to express myself about the positive side of saving and collecting. We are dependent on people saving photos, paper, clothes, objects, and art to be able to tell the story of the past. I have a near complete collection of telephone books and about half as many City directories. We have photographs of people and places from over 100 years ago. All these items help illustrate and inform us about the past.

A phone call to the local historical society before throwing things away may benefit future generations.

And, of course there is always the other side - people with things that are too precious to them to be thrown away when that is exactly what needs to happen to them.

Thanks again for the support in clearing unused, broken, and ugly (to me) clutter form my home.

~ R.M., USA ( where our history is both quite new and ancient)

I FOUND YOUR BOOK IN MY CLUTTER

Dear Karen,

Once I made the committed decision to clear, I mentioned it to my sister on the phone and she told me that I needed to purchase the book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Oh no, I don't need that, I've got a book about that somewhere that my friend loaned me, so I'll be fine. Well, as I cleaned up my clutter, the piles decreased and guess what I discovered? Yes, it was the book - your book - but I hadn't remembered what my friend had given me. Should have started sooner!

Good luck in your travels and thanks for writing such an important book.

~ A.N., USA

76-YEAR OLD WOMAN FEELS LIKE NEW AFTER CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

Three months ago my mother, aged 76, broke her hip. She had been depressed and very obese for quite a time. During her stay in the hospital I went to her house to water the plants and so on, and I was amazed how much clutter was around. I suggested I would help her clear this clutter when she was sufficiently recovered. She agreed and when she was home again we started to clutter clear her apartment.

You won't believe this (she didn't either) but we found 6 suitcases, all far too heavy for an old lady, 12 new pairs of shoes, clothes far too small ("for when I am not so fat anymore") and lots of junk. Well, to put it in a nutshell: she went on a diet, has lost more than 10 kg already, her depression is gone, her apartment is spic and span, and she feels like a new woman (her own words). Thank you very much for your book.

~ Jacqueline B., The Netherlands

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR WORDS OF WISDOM

Dear Karen,

Thank you for writing this book. I've been looking for words of wisdom to help me clear clutter and stop hanging onto things. I've bought books by Don Aslett, Michelle Passoff - they helped a little in small areas. But, unfortunately, their books had no overall, easily graspable thread to keep me reading and on the path I need to be on.

Then last Friday, I came across Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Something about the cover was very inviting. (You planned it that way, right? Very good!) Anyway, I grabbed the book, and was even more encouraged when the sales clerk said "This is the greatest book!"

One unexpected result I've noticed since reading it: in the last few days, whenever I go shopping for something I need, I come away with just the items I need - and that's it. I quickly browse the clothes, but am no longer incented to buy impulsively. For years, my husband has asked me not to buy anything else, and I've always sincerely felt that whatever I bought, I really really had to have. Well, I don't need any more clothes or house decor or stuff. I am amazed that I can enjoy looking at department store finery, but then pass right on by with words to myself like, "Oh, I already have something like that," or "That's pretty, but it's not going to help me get anything."

Can't exactly put my finger on what your book has given me, but maybe the knowledge that I can toss (or recycle) helps me know that I - myself - am the essence, and that I don't need anything else to help me 'be'. It's wonderful! I'm looking forward to space clearing, and to leading my husband and kids onto this track! Thanks a million!

~ Shari, USA

I ONCE MOVED HOUSE WITH 23 JAM JARS

Dear Karen,

For years I have fought my tendency to accumulate clutter with only limited success (I am one of those who once moved house with 23 empty jam jars - and who paid a removal firm to pack them!). I was given your two books by a friend at Christmas and with their inspiration I am finally kicking the habit!

Having gleefully sorted through a few drawers and my clothes cupboard, I decided to move on to consideration of the location of my clutter in relation to the bagua. The area of 'Fortunate Blessings' had an accumulation of clutter and was the only area of the house which did not yet have properly arranged pictures or ornaments - just an old clock that did not work! It will come as no surprise to you to learn that the only area of concern in my life is money.

Inspired to try the system out, I cleared the clutter, fixed the clock, and then started to decorate the area. I found a picture of rice fields and luxuriant vegetation, hung it in place and walked across the room to judge the effect. As I turned round it was like receiving a blow to my solar plexus - I felt a real jolt of energy. That evening my husband commented that he had not seen our two elderly cats cavorting around like that for years as they raced through the house. All night I felt as though we were sleeping beside a powerfully rushing stream - and the children felt it too, being unusually restless. In order to stem the flow, as it were, the next morning I positioned an ornament and a pot plant on the sideboard!

Amused at the effect of my little bit of directed clutter clearing, I examined the clutter in every room in turn and was astonished to discover that in every room, including the bathroom, my office at work, and the barn where we keep the pony, my favorite spot for clutter was .... 'fortunate blessings'. To top it all the only place in the garden for the dustbin is, you've guessed it, 'fortunate blessings'!

I have systematically cleared every room and am working on the garden, and so far I can report the following results:

1) I have been wanting a new piece of sports equipment, but holding back because of the cost. One morning I was inspired to call a supplier to ask for a quote. That afternoon they called back and said they could supply me with what I wanted at a considerably reduced price because the previous day they had decided to make precisely that item for an exhibition.

2) I took my daughter to buy some new shoes. The very pair we wanted, in the right colour and size, had just been marked down from 31 pounds to 10 pounds!

3) On my way to do an errand for my mother in law I walk past a rail of children's clothes on sale and find an item in my daughter's size. A little further on I come across two matching items, also on sale. At the checkout they further reduce the items so that the total comes to less than 7 pounds.

4) A contract that my husband has been working on was renewed without any of the hitherto customary administrative difficulties.

Coincidence or what? Perhaps another name for 'fortunate blessings' is 'good luck'!

~ S.B., UK

CLUTTER CLEARING AND NEW MOTHERS

Dear Karen,

For several years now, the clutter in my home has been sucking the life out of me. I have moved 10 times in the past 10 years and have dragged my junk with me every time. Every time I tried to get my home in order, I would feel paralyzed by the mountains of STUFF. A week ago, I just got fed-up. I pulled your book, Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui, off my bookcase and devoured it in a few hours. I'd had the book for several months, but have always been too afraid to begin. I have only scratched the surface of my clutter and already the changes are amazing! I have more energy than I've had in years. Quite an accomplishment for the mother of a 3 month old baby!

My post-pregnancy weight had hit a plateau, but I dropped 3 pounds since I began cleaning, without even trying! The junk food that was so comforting to me now has no flavor.

I am finally ready to get rid of the things that were keeping me in the past. My things seemed like part of my identity. Now I know that they keep me from being who I am NOW. This morning, I began cleaning out my closet. What I thought would be an all-day project took less than 30 minutes. Now I wonder why on earth I hauled that stuff around!

As a new mother, I am realizing that my clutter has been holding me back in life. I cannot, will not allow this junk to carry over into my daughter's life. Our family deserves better. I don't know where this will lead us, but I can't wait to find out! Since I began clearing, my husband spontaneously started throwing out old magazines of his. Apparently, it's contagious. What's so funny is, he doesn't believe in Feng Shui!

Your book is so important. You are giving people like me the inspiration to take back our lives. Keep it up.

~ J.W.S., USA

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR TECHNIQUES

Dear Karen,

I bought a copy of Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui in late May, and began to clear all the clutter in my house. I concentrated on the Creativity area of my home, since I was hoping to leave a job with a very uncaring supervisor. I applied for a job at another school district, then had a picture of myself taken in front of the high school I was hoping to teach at. It was amazing when the principal called and asked to interview me, then called to ask me to sign a contract a few days later!

I had been really depressed until I began to clear my house. I now seem to have more energy, and have started working out at the gym again. I also tackled my 12 year old son's room, which had become a big mess. I gave away clothes and toys and old furniture, then we spent two wonderful weeks shopping for furniture and things to make his room less childish. We made sure the items were "feng shui approved", and placed them as you suggested in your book. Now the room looks great, and I know there is no "stuck chi".

Before, when I couldn't sell something at a garage sale, I just stuffed it in a closet or attic. You gave me the permission to throw away what I didn't love or need. Your book really turned my life around, and I am hoping to attend one of your workshops. Thank you for sharing and teaching your space clearing techniques in such a delightful way, and providing easy to follow steps. Please consider writing more books!

~ L.S., USA

Note from Karen: Just to clarify, clutter clearing is a preparation for Space Clearing, which is the energy-clearing ceremony described in detail in my first international bestseller, Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui. Having had such success with clutter clearing alone, you are likely to experience even better results if you now do Space Clearing too.

I'VE BEEN TO THE LAND FILL 6 TIMES THIS WEEK

Dear Karen,

One night at a workshop where we were learning how to save all the extra paper and cards we can...ha,ha, to reuse....a gal entered the shop announcing..."I have been to the LAND FILL 6 TIMES THIS WEEK! We all felt a "rush" of life.....got the book and have been clearing ever since... Thanks!

~ June K., USA

SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE CLUTTER CLEAR

Dear Karen,

Just wanted to comment that I have been a student of the mystic sciences for the last 14 years. I have been observing the lives of the most successful people and they are exactly as described in both your books. I guess their subconscious minds direct them unknowingly without them realising that they are following clutter clearing procedures.

~ Sunil J., India

I READ YOUR BOOK AND STARTED TO CLUTTER CLEAR RIGHT THEN AND THERE

Karen,

A colleague at work lent me your book around 12 months ago. I read it and half heartedly had a go at clearing but did not take it any further. Following a Feng Shui consultation a couple of months ago, just after I moved house I saw your Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui book in a bookshop and decided to buy my own copy. The day after I woke early and just couldn't get back to sleep. I read the whole of the book and started to clear the clutter right then and there. To cut a long story short I then strongly encouraged my husband to read the book and we have just got rid of two carloads of clutter at the car boot sale.

The amazing thing is that we both love reading and had accumulated hundreds of books. I decided that I did not need to keep them any more and sold most of them at the boot sale. We still have some way to go but are both feeling much more energised!

Even at work I have felt the compulsion to clear and have thrown away loads of stuff I was keeping 'just in case'. I also cleared my computer files and deleted around 4,000 e-mails from the system - that did feel good!! Thank you for your book - it was an inspiration.

~ Sally B., UK

CLUTTER CLEARING BOOKS AND MOVIES

Dear Karen,

I have some wonderful books and tapes that I've accumulated and just felt that some things weren't right for the Goodwill - which I have been to 7 times since I started -- and yesterday I had a wonderful thought. My father, before he died last year, stayed at a nursing home that helped him regain his health. Everytime I would go by I would bring him things and noticed the moods of the people there. I think we put so much emphasis on new life that we forget how precious older life is.

I called yesterday and asked if books would be nice for the residents. The new director there said, "Absolutely", and they also have movie night once a week. Well, let me just say that with all the cassettes I have that I can probably sponsor those movie nights until the end of the year.

In addition, last evening I was cleaning my bathroom cupboard of all that unwanted, unused, old products and found a ring that I thought I lost years ago on a plane. I have no idea how it got there! I am proudly typing you this note with it on now.

Thank you again for providing such uplifting, invigorating, encouraging, empowering and non-judgmental information.

~ Debra L., USA

MY BOOKCLUB READ YOUR BOOK

Hi Karen,

My bookclub read your book, which is how I heard of it. We have never had a more lively discussion, and nearly every meeting since we clear our clutter at home to share with each other. It seems we all have such a difficult time just throwing stuff away, so if we can find a good home, it's much easier. Thanks so much for bringing your gift to the world.

~ Lori K., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING SON'S ROOM

Dear Karen,

I'm reading your book for the second time in a week and it's magical the way you have compelled me and thousands of others to action. My son and I spent three hours clearing out his room, and the rest of my house and yard will get the same treatment. It's wonderful.

~ K.O, USA

CLUTTER CLEARING 13-YEAR OLD

Hello Karen!

Even if I am just thirteen so I became inspired of your book. It was like look in the mirror, I recognized so much.

When I finished the book I just began to clean up all the rubbish. I was cleaning in over 5 hours!

I became very satisfied over the results. Little of it began already when me and my sister change room. I found so much rubbish but couldn't throw it away. But finally after I read your book I started to clean up. After that become I so much more alive.

Thanks for everything!

~ J.M., Sweden

HOW MUCH YOU CAN DO IN TWO WEEKS

Dear Karen,

We had 2 weeks holiday. We did 4 day trips and then we:

• Finished the hall ceiling
• Finished the hall woodwork
• Painted all the window frames
• Got rid of a van-load of rubbish
• Got rid of an old van
• Painted the new van
• Got rid of 2 old doors and bought 2 new doors
• Finished wallpapering
• Bought and fitted a bedroom carpet

We weren't even tired, it all just flowed. The people I work with couldn't believe it.

~ A.S,. England

I FOUND A NEW JOB AFTER CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

I read your book and within two weeks of uncluttering I found a new job after being stuck in my old one for FIVE AND A HALF YEARS!!!!!!

~ Eileen R., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING IS ALL-CONSUMING

Dear Karen,

I had no plan to spend last night and most of today bagging-up magazines and other miscellany but I did. Five bagfulls to the recycling centre today and hardly the surface scratched! Many thanks.

~ Peter H., England

WHAT HAPPENED SINCE WE STARTED CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

my sister gave me your audio book, clear your clutter with feng shui, a little over a year ago. you might think i was a bit crazy, but i listened to it at least 20 times. i am sure i bored everyone i know with how much i talked about you and the book.

i got off to a slow start with actually doing the work. i seemed to need to hear the message quite a few times, but i decided to be okay with that. then my daughter came home from college and we went berserk. i kept an itemized list for the tax acct. and we donated $25,000.00 worth of extra stuff which has been hanging around here for over 10 years, to the goodwill. with every load i felt better and better. i know if i got back at it, there would be much more that could go.

my son came home from college at christmas and he got into the swing of it too. so there are about 5 car loads needing to go.

my husband is the worst pack rat---but even he is beginning to get the message and has recently thrown away his beloved moldy old slippers.

but here is the kicker......i teach yoga in a small community, and have only been holding 2 classes per week, and moaning about how there isn't much business. since ridding myself of all that junk, i have had endless new ideas about how i could create classes in this community. i am now holding 12 classes per week and my income is over 5 times as much as it was 4 months ago.

my husband and i are realizing that with all the junk gone, we could easily move to a smaller house, have more money freed up and much more free time, not spending time and money all on house and garden maintenance. i can't believe how much my life is changing.

the other thing i have noticed is that i have so much more energy, and i seem to have an endless capacity for creative ideas..... also a free and open feeling in my heart. thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful, inspiring book.

~ J.P, USA

I'VE NEVER BEEN SO INSPIRED BEFORE

Dear Karen,

I got your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, from one of my sisters, she told me that she has cleared out her whole house after reading it and she has a big house, three daughters with lots and lots of toys, books, everything. Now their home is almost free from clutter! I was really impressed - would reading a book make me take care of all the clutter-clearing I needed to do???

I can tell you, I've never been so inspired before! Every closet we have in the house is nearly done, I no longer have the piles of paper I always somehow had in every room of the house before. I've thrown and given away half my wardrobe and cleared out a whole room were we had nothing but junk!!!

I also have to tell you that it makes a difference in my life. We live in an old house that needed a real change on the outside. Every time I came home I felt horrible looking at the outside. Now we've got new windows and the house has a new color. After that I lost half my overweight and I´m not done yet! Now I´m working with the inside, with both me and our house!

An important experience was to read about me having to deal with my own clutter before my husband would do the same. I was ALWAYS angry about him never doing the laundry, the dishes and everything else that you have to do in a home. I now see changes in his behavior. He got rid of several carloads of junk that have been lying around since... I can´t even remember how long!

I want to thank you for your book, it´s a great inspiration and I will look for your book, Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui! I´ve told all my friends about Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and they love it as much as I do!

~ Sara A., Sweden

CLUTTER CLEARING AS A REMEDY FOR DEPRESSION

Dear Karen,

Six months ago a friend gave me your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Wow!!! Such a small book has had a huge impact. I read the entire book... within four hours I was de-cluttering and still continue to do so - a monthly ritual! I had bags for the rubbish, bags for the Good Samaritans and bags for friends! It's amazing - my house is exactly how it should be - simple and clutter free. My thinking has become more clear, my depression is on the up and up and I am so motivated in my garden it is remarkable! I have never been a hoarder but after reading your book, I still had a great deal of clutter and was hanging on to it for no reason other than just another bad habit.

Thank you for your inspirational, user-friendly guide to sorting out my life and showing people a way they can make simple changes at a real roots level. I hope you make millions...you absolutely, unashamedly deserve to!!!

~ Kelly, Australia

I CLEARED TWO CAR LOADS OF RUBBISH FROM MY ATTIC

Dear Karen,

I was about to lend your clutter book to a friend (many, many people have read this book) when I thought I'd give it a quick read through first. It prompted an extreme reaction. I shouted out loud, "Well, that's ridiculous, how can anything unfinished be clutter. Everything's unfinished - my whole life is unfinished." And the book flew across the room.

Luckily, I am self aware enough to realise that maybe this was an issue I needed to work with. I made a list of everything that was unfinished and there was an awful lot. As much of it was to do with my personal aspirations I thought that I should take another look in the attic - which I thought had been cleared 2 years ago. Amazingly, I found two car loads of rubbish, which included old school exercise books and almost everything I'd ever written. These things left on Saturday and I have completed Space Clearing ceremonies today. Since Saturday yoga and meditation have been easy and this evening I have made real progress with my writing. ~ Julia C.

WHY KEEP THINGS THAT DON'T MAKE YOU HAPPY?

Hi Karen,

I got your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, from the Chicago Public Library and I find that it really speaks to me on an emotional level. I cleared a lot of useless stuff a few years ago using a Don Aslett book but until I read your book I couldn't quite get the message about keeping only things that make you happy and don't have negative associations. You repeat that in many ways in your book and it's finally sinking in.

I also credit my breakthrough to friends who cleaned my kitchen a week ago. I felt so loved and this inspired me to go out and get your book.

Thanks again and good luck with getting your message out. ~ R.L., USA

YOUR BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE

Dear Karen,

Well, I read your book about clearing your (my) clutter. I'm not kidding. It changed my life! In fact I was up all night for two nights reading and re-reading it. At the end I asked myself why I was hanging onto all this stuff? Finally I came to see that I was hanging onto the past, and not necessarily my past. I then began. I dumped so much that now I have closet space with nothing to put into them.

The language used in the book gave me permission to let go of things and pass them on to someone who needs them. They had served their purpose here and sat around in corners and closets waiting to be useful again. So there they went.

And now for the best part. I quipped to my best friend that by clearing out the clutter, would my live in boyfriend "go along" too. She laughed and said that I would never get rid of him. Well....one week to the day that I finished the book he moved out because I was able to just let go and when he made his threats I gave him 24 hours. He left. Yes...my home is again a safe place to come home to. The cats are spending more time in the living room and so is my son.

My neighbor laughed heartily when I said (and not once), "That book has changed my life!" Then she read it and she is now clearing her clutter.

I love this book and yes, you have my permission to share my feelings with the world. I have control of my possessions again instead of visa versa. ~ Elva V.

YOUR BOOK MOTIVATED MY HUSBAND

Dear Karen,

I love your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I am telling my friends and relatives about it. I have been reading parts of it to my husband and motivated him to clean up the garage and attic with me. We threw lots of boxes away. He listed a lot of motorcycle parts with www.ebay.com. Within 24 hours he had sold $100 and the bids are still going up.

Some of these things had been here for awhile. So, now he is ready to do more Feng Shui clutter clearing next weekend.

~ Thanks, Michelle, USA

CLUTTER CLEARING MY GARAGE

Dear Karen,

I read your book in less than a week, and I have started reading it again - that is, when I can keep myself out of the garage (tossing out so much clutter that I thought I could never get rid of). I have only just begun, but I would have never even done any of it if I had not read your book. It is true my energy level goes up dramatically with every sack of garbage I fill up. That is, 3 big black garbage bags full, plus other junk that I stuffed into my car's front & back seat and trunk and taken to the dumpster. Bless you. ~ M.W., USA

YOUR BOOK SPOKE TO ME SO DIRECTLY

Dear Karen,

At the Barnes and Noble on Sixth Avenue at about 20th Street in New York City, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is prominently displayed in the Self-Help section so that, on a recent lunch hour, the inviting cover with its red flowers, vases, candle were at eye level.

I picked up the book with the thought of piecing through it. Then I sat on the floor and read assiduously for half an hour. Put it back. Came home, began clearing through some drawers. Two bags full that night.

The next day I returned to B&N, bought the book, sat and read through it all, then threw out two more bags of stuff, including most of the frogs from a lifelong collection. I kept the ones I really loved, that made me smile when I look at them.

I have NEVER come across a book that spoke to me so directly, that opened me to action in such a direct way, that filled a real need, that created such immediate change in my life. Thank you. ~ Robert M., USA

YOUR BOOK HELPED ME BREAK UP WITH  MY BOYFRIEND

Dear Karen,

I'm a young woman from the Netherlands who is really happy she found your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I would like to share this story with you. Please excuse me for my imperfect English.

Your book helped me to break up with my boyfriend. I didn't love him and I realised (thanks to your book) that the only reason I stayed with him was out of fear of staying alone. All I needed was to have faith in the future and to meet wonderful new men.

This happened two weeks ago. In the beginning it was a bit hard but right now I feel I've made a giant leap forward. Within a week new opportunities arose to improve my love life. Thank you. ~ Lonnie, The Netherlands

Hello,

I CLEARED MY CLUTTER AND FOUND A NEW JOB

I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I picked up your book on a whim one day while I was at the bookstore. I was always curious about Feng Shui, so I thought I would give it a try. I cleared out all the clutter from my closets, bookshelves, and video collection. The areas of my apartment where these items were located corresponded to the career and relationship areas of my life.

After getting rid of all my junk I finally found a job after nine months of desperate searching. What's more, the job is in a location where it is considered nearly impossible to find my kind of work!!! I still don't have a girlfriend, but there is one woman who seems to want to get to know me better, which rarely happens to me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

~ Christopher S.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE COURAGE TO MOVE FORWARD

Dear Karen,

I have read your books a million times and have used them to propel myself out of a rut. I purchased your books a year ago. At that time I was married to a man who did not want me to go back to school. He could not provide for our family, but would not allow me to work. I decided I needed to leave him, but to do so I needed to be able to support myself and get my teaching credentials. The power of your books enabled me to muster enough courage to change my life course. Since then I have been accepted into a Masters program and am getting straight A's! I am also divorced with full custody of my son, and I am able to support myself with a student loan. In fact, I received a scholarship that paid for my tuition!

Thank you for giving me the courage to move forward in my life! :)

~ Michelle V., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING AND MOVING HOUSE

Dear Karen,

I went to your Clear Your Clutter workshop and asked a question about how to rid my house of my former husband's energy. You suggested I would need to move!! My jaw dropped!! With the clutter in my house I could not consider moving!! Also, my divorce agreement was such that it would be financially disadvantageous to move...

Well, I will be moving next month -- to a better home, with great energy, with a financial benefit to all!! I just filled a dumpster full of OLD stuff in less than one week, and I will do it again next week (I need a little rest in between!).

I wish I had taken the entire Space Clearing workshop when you were here, but it was a scary struggle for me to commit to the clutter clearing workshop. Thank you! ~ Sandy Y., USA

CLUTTER CLEARING BOOKS AND CDs

Hello Karen,

I have found that when I am ready to resell books or CDs it is helpful to gather them together at home and clap around them, holding the intention that I am removing my energy from them. What a used book or music store is willing to buy depends on many things; how well an item will sell, how many they have, etc., but there is also an element of chance and since I started clapping I have been able to resell many more things. Our economy isn't very good right now, but I have been able to sell books and CDs that previously were turned down at these stores, even in better times. Since most of these places offer store credit they still make some money, and I get 'new' books and music at a discount.

I love your books and thank you for inspiring this idea. ~ K.W., U.S.A.

I HAVE FILLED MY STATION WAGON NINE TIMES

Dear Karen,

I read your book, Clear You Clutter with Feng Shui, about 18 months ago. Since reading the book I have filled my station wagon up nine times with stuff to donate to charity. To this day, the book is still affecting me.

I always felt drained when I came home. Friends never visited other than to pick me up at the door. With info I gained in the book I started to tackle small areas at a time.

The most inspiring section was the part on chatty cabinets. I realized I had a chatty house and hated a lot of big furniture items, as well as sheets, towels, dishes, lamps as they were given to me in less than prosperous times or they were gifts I felt guilty about throwing them out, or reminded me of past boyfriends - looking at all this stuff just made me angry. As I slowly started to remove all this stuff, I was able to replace them with items I had in storage that reminded me of good times from all my travels around the world. Now I have friends over several times a week and my place is a lot more comfortable.

If I want to buy souvenirs when I travel, I now try to make them be useful things, like tea towels with the castles I've seen so they are integrated into my life every day.One thing that stays with me from the book is that certain things you bring into your life have a time and place - some items just need to be removed after they have reached their usefulness. You give thanks that they came into your life when they did, but now they need to get passed on to someone else. ~ T.S

DOMINO EFFECT OF CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

Many, many thanks for this wonderful little book - which I have loaned from the local library - in anticipation of the 'total' de-cluttering of my life.

Has anyone else noticed the domino effect that happens even after mentioning some of the details included in your book? How it inspires others to take the initiative in clearing their own clutter?

I sit next to a girl in my workplace. She has asked the Manager if she can swap seats with someone as all she wants to do is leave work early and go and empty her cupboards.

And, my parents, bless them. After years of hoarding shoes and matching handbags from the 60's my Mom has finally made the decision that they are not about to come back in fashion, nor will she really ever wear them again (she is nearly 60 herself) so... off they go...

My Father hoards wood, and bits of metal and things which 'may come in useful' some day. Not only has he cleared his shed this programme has given him the gee-up he needed to finish several projects that were almost, but not quite, finished.

WOW !!

Only me now I'm afraid I've been that busy reading and sharing the knowledge I am a little left behind. Oh well, "Boss, any chance of me leaving early tonight?" ~ Alison H., England

WE FOUND NEARLY $8000 WHEN CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen,

After having read your book I decided to clear out my grandmother's house I was now living in. Trust me when I say that the family didn't like my clearing and getting rid of all of their "mommy's stuff".

As I was going thru old trunks I found over $5000 wrapped up in an old handkerchief. This got the family's interest and they all descended and we cleared out everything and found nearly $8000 in total that was hidden over the years. ~ Kim, Florida, USA

LAYERS OF CLUTTER CLEARING

Dear Karen

Your book about clutter is my all-time favourite! I have cleared clutter many times over the years in my home and in my life (including mental clutter) and I seem to go even deeper every time I do it. "Why did I keep this the last time I cleared clutter?"

Afterwards something new and fresh always comes in as something old goes out the door. I go through again a major clear-out - every CD, video, book, my clothes, shoes, bags, make-up and stuff from the kitchen thinking,"Do I love it? When did I last use it? Have I outgrown it?"

Now it feels so great without the clutter that on my visit to Florence I did not buy any souvenirs; I was thinking: "Bah, I don´t need that, it will end up being clutter." ~ Johanna S., Finland

I DECIDED TO TRY AN EXPERIMENT

Dear Karen,

I've had a copy of your book, Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui, since 2000 and recently decided to try an experiment on my housemate: I simply left the book out on the kitchen table for about 24 hours.

The next morning he announced his intention to give away one of the three sofas and one of the four chairs which crowd the living room and by the afternoon there was a box of stuff outside the back door cued up for the trash.

I got quite a laugh! ~ Georgina L., USA

WE ARE CLUTTER CLEARING LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Hi Karen,

We are clutter clearing like never before! We have dealt with most of the physical clutter now (that just leaves the electronic stuff). When we were doing it, we put all the "stuff" into the living area, and called the garbage men.

A man from the government happened to come by before the garbage men arrived - he said he wanted us to fill in the government census form, but that if we were moving house, then there was no need! ha ha.... there was obviously a lot more clutter than we realized. ~ Chris K., Japan

I WON CLOSE TO $20,000 IN PRIZES

Dear Karen,

The first time I read Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, I cleared many items from my house and I gave the items to good will.

A couple of days later, I attended a conference for three days and in each workshop, there were prizes to be won. I won a prize in almost every workshop and I ended up winning the end of the conference prize, which was selected by ballot, from amongst 700 people. I think this was even more surprising considering that I won the opening day prize by ballot as well.

I came home with close to $20,000 dollars in prizes. It was the most bizarre experience of my life but I couldn't help think about what Karen said in her book about giving and how good things come back to you. Even better than the prizes, I met the most wonderful people who I still keep in contact with after two years. ~ Tricia L., Canada

CLUTTER CLEARING IN GREENLAND

Hey Karen,

Your book comes also to Greenland, the biggest island of hole world. It is so fantastic written, that I already has thrown 5 big trassbags away, and that I still did'nt biggin the kitchen and my living room.

I thougt my home was perfect, but I find out, that I've got lot of clutter. First I get sich when I read your book, becouse I realised how much trass I've been collecting, inclute my son. But since I've get more and more energy and we are still go in on right way.

I'm sorry my english is little diffecult, but I'm sure you'll anderstand.

Thank you so much, and God bless you. ~ Kristine O., Nuuk, Greenland

I CLUTTER CLEARED AND FOUND A JOB

Hi Karen,

I have been unemployed for 8 years due to divorce & depression. I now have a partner who helps me gain my confidence.

I recently came across your book on your web site and bought it online. I had a huge clear out and the next day I had a job interview - my first one for 8 years - and two days later I had a phone call...the job was mine. No I'm not joking, I'm serious.

THANK YOU for your little, valuable book. I'm sure your book turned my life around. ~ Louise, England

CLUTTER CLEARING IN GERMANY

Dear Karen,

Two years ago your book, Feng Shui Gegen das Gerümpel des Alltags [the German translation of Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui], found me and it initially landed with my assorted collection of other Feng Shui books. And why did I end up reading it now? As fate would have it, I couldn't find a cat sitter anywhere and had to cancel my vacation (first time in 14 years!). I decided to take the time off anyway and started cleaning my apartment with just the intent to clean it. And then your book turned up on the bookshelf (which was in need of repair). I've been reading it every morning at breakfast and on breaks.

First the "bad" news: This has been an incredibly stressful time and honestly, I feel like I've been hit by an 18 wheeler.

Now the good news: I've managed to reduce 3 meters of clothing to 2. Everything fits into one closet now. That was the easy part! Now I'm working on the books and just the other day I discovered love letters from my very first boyfriend. Off to the bin they go, including the stuffed animal he gave me. (Strangely enough I found him via internet the same day I found the letters and was glad to see that he's not the knight in shining armor of my youth, but just an ordinary out-of-shape obgyn practicing in a dumpy little town.) I didn't think it would take this much time ... I started with the balcony and the hallway and now I'm  working on the bedroom.

On to the really amazing part: you wrote that one should trust in life that it will provide what you need. Last week my coffee machine broke and I decided I wasn't going to buy a new one. Yesterday I went to the basement looking for an empty box for my old books (found one of course), pulled the box off the floor and what did I discover? Yup. A nearly new coffee machine that my dad had left behind when he moved.

I still have plenty of work ahead of me, but I'm sure the results will be worth it and I'm looking forward to more surprise now that I have space for them! Thanks for describing the phenomenon and the psychology of clutter, how to get rid of it and make sure it stays gone. ~ C.F, Germany

P.S. I'm filling sacks of junk on a daily basis!
The German word is "unrat" ("un" + "supplies" = wrong supplies/rubbish)

LETTING GO

Madam,

While doing fasting for physical and spiritual reasons, I got a huge desire to clean some space in my house to reflect how my life is. A friend gave me your book at the time and I have to say that it has been an incredible help in my process and a source of deep reflection for me. I really want to thank you a lot for your help in my inner growth.

It also brought to mind a story that was told to me by one of my closest friends. He lost his mom to cancer when he was a child. His dad died about 30 years after. The new woman he had been living with immediately moved out of the big house back into her apartment.

My friend had the hard task of emptying this big house in order to sell it. When he opened the cupboards, for instance in the kitchen, there were all the spices and products the new woman has been using, and in the back he found all the spices and products his mom had been using more than 30 years before. Everything was untouched (and no need to say, long past due).

In the main bedroom his dad and his new wife had been sharing for 30 years, there was still all his mom's clothes, papers and things. They had just been pushed in the back of the closets to make some sort of room. Same thing in the office, and all the rooms of the house. Every letter, object or product his mom had been using, was still there.

This is in my point of view, one of the most awful and sad story I've ever heard about not letting somebody go.

With all my respect, Maguelone, Canada

CLUTTER CLEARING JOURNALS

Dear Karen,

I had been writing journals and diaries for over 20 years. I had 6 banana boxes full of ‘my life’. These notebooks were very much tied up with who I thought I was. I would dip into them to read and cringe or marvel at parts of my life and worry about what would happen to them when I die: How could I protect people I love from reading them? Were they valuable? Should they be archived? They took up a lot of energy and drew me back into the past in a sticky way.

Over the last two years, with the help of your very cool book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, I’ve been consigning notebook after notebook to the fire. It’s been challenging and incredibly satisfying. A couple of months ago I realised I could clear the remaining 15 notebooks without reading or skimming…and now they’re gone! I’ve let go of a huge weight of the past (6 big boxes worth) and a heavy sense of misplaced responsibility.

I’m still amazed at how spacious, light and free I feel.

Thanks for your books and the work you do, it’s a lively and wonderful contribution to our world. ~ Sue, Wellington, New Zealand