I had a good laugh at the lady that is a racist with short reading material. I'm so happy that you have got people who you trust and whose opinion matter to you, it can't be easy being in the public eye.
You have been an inspiration to me and have helped me to move forward with editing and reimagining my home. Thank you for sharing your clear and dynamic plan. Our ‘second bedroom’ is becoming a wonderful welcoming space for two guests and continuing as a studio/sewing space and office. I recognized so many items that were ready to move along. I love your books and the calm, confident feeling I have when I read them. Our space is not cluttered. It feels peaceful with healthy energy! You are incredibly talented and I appreciate your work SO MUCH- thank you,Shira🩷🩷🩷
I'm a relatively new follower, a yearish? Just today, when your newsletter popped up in my email, I noticed a new, immediate feeling...Excitement! And I promptly went to open your post over all the others in my inbox. Your writing makes me feel encouraged and calm, no small feat giving what's going on today. So an enormous thank you to you.
I don't know how you manage all the mean people on the internet. I know some are well meaning and just frustrated and additionally, tone is very difficult to ascertain in short comments. But there are some that are obviously unhinged. I guess to answer your reader question, that's the biggest personal thing I'm dealing with. How to clear my mind of the negative and hateful thoughts that just sit there unwelcomed. You obviously addressed some of this today and I'm going to read it in detail later tonight. My other issue is dealing with two grown kids that have just left the nest. I am effective at minimalizing/organizing all my things but for whatever the reason, I am unmotivated to deal with all of theirs and yikes after 20+ years, it's a lot!
It sometimes takes till you are 30 or 40 to realize that it doesn't matter what that negative percentage thinks. You are doing great and so many people enjoy it. I am almost 84 and stopped worrying about 100% approval a long time ago. Love your life, your "people", and keep doing your thing. The majority love it and you! That is what matters!
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful post. You’re a master of conveying your loving, creative energy through your words. As someone who’s retired now, I journey through the pros and cons of sharing my “new” life. Your story makes me reflect on what matters & perhaps help others navigate this season of life. It’s not something anyone prepares you for. Filter questions are essential in my day to day. Sending you love & lightness. 💗
Shira, how did you become so wise? I so enjoy your weekly newsletter and your latest book has had such a positive impact on my life. Thank you!
I am intrigued by your meal planning/grocery shopping approach (buying 5 proteins and some veggies without specific menus in mind) and would love a post about how that works/the types of meals your family makes. And l, advice on how to make entertaining an easy, regular part of life!
Yours is always my favorite newsletter Shira. One of the only ones I read from beginning to end. I find tremendous value in your words & advice. I appreciate you💗 xo.
Shira, I really enjoyed reading this! It takes a lot to put yourself out there in a vulnerable way but also appreciate you writing about your boundaries and what topics you don't address. That's so important and is a lesson to all, whether you have a public platform or not!
I appreciate your message. I greatly enjoy your weekly posts and your books and take from them what is helpful and inspiring for me. We should all be open to constructive criticism but as you said in different words it is important “to consider the source. “
Thank you for your posts and tips. Making your advice accessible to all socioeconomic status. Despite it sometimes taking a toll. Your work truly helps me and I appreciate all that you do. 💖
I love your advice this week (and all of your other writing!). I’ve really appreciated how personal you’ve made your work in your books and your newsletters. It was your first book that inspired me to move forward with my own home organizing business and (very small so far) Substack blog. I had been teaching high school for way too long after I had already decided I wanted something different but wasn’t as fulfilled in my home staging business I had started on the side as I thought I would be. I retired from teaching two years ago and transitioned the bulk of my business model to decluttering with midlife and older women because it just felt like I was making a bigger difference, and I’m glad glad I did. I originally had no plans to start a blog either but have so enjoyed yours and others’ like Laura Fenton’s that I thought I would give it a try.
While I haven’t had any comments on my blog posts yet, I did get a surprisingly hateful response when I disagreed with someone’s comment on an another writer’s note about teaching salaries. This person went so far as to tell me (and all public school teachers?) that I should kill myself for torturing children and should go and die. Even though this person was clearly out of line and just some stranger who didn’t mean anything to me, I admit I perseverated on it the rest of the day and felt the need to post a snarky comment back. After that I even questioned my plan this week to share some photos of my new place to talk about downsizing after the kids leave. So I appreciate your ideas about just letting garbage like that go and setting some boundaries!
This post came to my inbox at the perfect timing - I also consider myself to be sensitive and question if I have it "in me" to grow to reach more people because of this part of myself that also so values keeping things personal. As so many others have shared in the comments, your work is always so supportive and an email I really look forward to opening!
Thank you for sharing this valuable post. You are so wonderful! I love your newsletter! I am grateful for your kindness, expertise, and generosity. Your work has truly made such a difference in my life. Many thanks, Shira!
Your Substack is the one I never miss each week. An incredible resource that you offer up for FREE. Thanks, Shira!
Same for me!
TY!! x
This made my day!! Thanks, Audrey! xoxo
I had a good laugh at the lady that is a racist with short reading material. I'm so happy that you have got people who you trust and whose opinion matter to you, it can't be easy being in the public eye.
You have been an inspiration to me and have helped me to move forward with editing and reimagining my home. Thank you for sharing your clear and dynamic plan. Our ‘second bedroom’ is becoming a wonderful welcoming space for two guests and continuing as a studio/sewing space and office. I recognized so many items that were ready to move along. I love your books and the calm, confident feeling I have when I read them. Our space is not cluttered. It feels peaceful with healthy energy! You are incredibly talented and I appreciate your work SO MUCH- thank you,Shira🩷🩷🩷
So so happy to hear! xoxo
xxx You are amazing!!! Thank you🩷
I'm a relatively new follower, a yearish? Just today, when your newsletter popped up in my email, I noticed a new, immediate feeling...Excitement! And I promptly went to open your post over all the others in my inbox. Your writing makes me feel encouraged and calm, no small feat giving what's going on today. So an enormous thank you to you.
I don't know how you manage all the mean people on the internet. I know some are well meaning and just frustrated and additionally, tone is very difficult to ascertain in short comments. But there are some that are obviously unhinged. I guess to answer your reader question, that's the biggest personal thing I'm dealing with. How to clear my mind of the negative and hateful thoughts that just sit there unwelcomed. You obviously addressed some of this today and I'm going to read it in detail later tonight. My other issue is dealing with two grown kids that have just left the nest. I am effective at minimalizing/organizing all my things but for whatever the reason, I am unmotivated to deal with all of theirs and yikes after 20+ years, it's a lot!
It sometimes takes till you are 30 or 40 to realize that it doesn't matter what that negative percentage thinks. You are doing great and so many people enjoy it. I am almost 84 and stopped worrying about 100% approval a long time ago. Love your life, your "people", and keep doing your thing. The majority love it and you! That is what matters!
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful post. You’re a master of conveying your loving, creative energy through your words. As someone who’s retired now, I journey through the pros and cons of sharing my “new” life. Your story makes me reflect on what matters & perhaps help others navigate this season of life. It’s not something anyone prepares you for. Filter questions are essential in my day to day. Sending you love & lightness. 💗
Shira, how did you become so wise? I so enjoy your weekly newsletter and your latest book has had such a positive impact on my life. Thank you!
I am intrigued by your meal planning/grocery shopping approach (buying 5 proteins and some veggies without specific menus in mind) and would love a post about how that works/the types of meals your family makes. And l, advice on how to make entertaining an easy, regular part of life!
Yours is always my favorite newsletter Shira. One of the only ones I read from beginning to end. I find tremendous value in your words & advice. I appreciate you💗 xo.
Shira, I really enjoyed reading this! It takes a lot to put yourself out there in a vulnerable way but also appreciate you writing about your boundaries and what topics you don't address. That's so important and is a lesson to all, whether you have a public platform or not!
Thank you! And fun to see you here! xoxo
I appreciate your message. I greatly enjoy your weekly posts and your books and take from them what is helpful and inspiring for me. We should all be open to constructive criticism but as you said in different words it is important “to consider the source. “
Thanks for this thoughtful, insightful, and honest piece.
Thank you for your posts and tips. Making your advice accessible to all socioeconomic status. Despite it sometimes taking a toll. Your work truly helps me and I appreciate all that you do. 💖
I love your advice this week (and all of your other writing!). I’ve really appreciated how personal you’ve made your work in your books and your newsletters. It was your first book that inspired me to move forward with my own home organizing business and (very small so far) Substack blog. I had been teaching high school for way too long after I had already decided I wanted something different but wasn’t as fulfilled in my home staging business I had started on the side as I thought I would be. I retired from teaching two years ago and transitioned the bulk of my business model to decluttering with midlife and older women because it just felt like I was making a bigger difference, and I’m glad glad I did. I originally had no plans to start a blog either but have so enjoyed yours and others’ like Laura Fenton’s that I thought I would give it a try.
While I haven’t had any comments on my blog posts yet, I did get a surprisingly hateful response when I disagreed with someone’s comment on an another writer’s note about teaching salaries. This person went so far as to tell me (and all public school teachers?) that I should kill myself for torturing children and should go and die. Even though this person was clearly out of line and just some stranger who didn’t mean anything to me, I admit I perseverated on it the rest of the day and felt the need to post a snarky comment back. After that I even questioned my plan this week to share some photos of my new place to talk about downsizing after the kids leave. So I appreciate your ideas about just letting garbage like that go and setting some boundaries!
Cheering you on and appreciate your honesty and wisdom.
This post came to my inbox at the perfect timing - I also consider myself to be sensitive and question if I have it "in me" to grow to reach more people because of this part of myself that also so values keeping things personal. As so many others have shared in the comments, your work is always so supportive and an email I really look forward to opening!
Thank you, Amanda! xoxo
Thank you for sharing this valuable post. You are so wonderful! I love your newsletter! I am grateful for your kindness, expertise, and generosity. Your work has truly made such a difference in my life. Many thanks, Shira!