Dear Ms. Kingston,

After reading your book on decluttering, I decided to shave off my beard of ten years. Would you consider this a form of decluttering the body?

- Ken Casey, USA

Karen's reply:

Absolutely! Clearing facial clutter definitely counts!
My own perception of beards is that men generally use them to hide behind. It makes them feel less emotionally vulnerable. I'm interested to know if you agree with this and feel more exposed since shaving it off?

Hi, Ms. Kingston.

I had to think for a while in order to answer your question. Concerning the "hiding" aspect of beards, I would agree with you in my case. I had just shaven it off the day I first e-mailed you. I do find your observation quite intriguing. Upon considering my emotional vulnerability, I would say, yes, I am experiencing a little more of it. I grew the beard upon a failed promotion at work. . I continued to work successfully in my pre-promotion capacity for an additional four years before I left the company.

It was not until my wife and I read your decluttering book that I considered even changing my face to the world. Since our last communication, I have cleared out the attic, recommenced an heretofore unfinished home improvement project, and most importantly, have sorted through and discarded old working papers from my previous employer! How's that for progress!

Previously, my family and I dabbled in feng-shui. Not until we read your book did we recognize the aspects of my clutterhood. We immediately jumped into action, and our lives are changing for the positive. Best regards,

- Ken Casey, USA