This really woke me up. I’m 68 and I got rid of spiked heels, corsets, scarves, piles of purses, clogs, bikinis bathing suits, dresses, skirts, party clothes, short-shorts, tank tops, hats, sheer nighties, fur and feather accessories, jewelry too young or flamboyant, tons of sunglasses that don’t have magnifiers, wigs and wig care. Imagine the space I freed-up. Thanks.

My fantasy self does all sorts of crafts, does her own alterations on clothes that don't fit quite right, and reads way more books than I do. She also looks up recipes in cookbooks instead of online like I do.

This video is so helpful and validating. We recently remodeled our home and in redoing it, I’m letting go of all the future fantasy entertaining ideas I have held on to for 15 years. It’s just my husband and I and we have a few friends or family over a few times a year. We need our home to be for us only - then on occasion we can share what we have with others. I have ditched the guest bed that got used once in 15 years and made an office that I use every day. All the serving platters and fancy dishes except ones my husband and I now use for ourselves. The big dining room set is now gone and my husband uses a smaller table as a desk that we can also use to seat 6 people if needed. It’s hard but so freeing to embrace the life we actually have rather than the life we used to have growing up or a fantasy future life we’ll actually never have. I realize all those ideas were about wanting relationships I don’t have, and I’m trying to focus more on the ones I do actually have.

BOOKS. My real self reads 70 books a year. My fantasy self reads 1,000 a year. I keep waaaay too many.

I decluttered most of the things you mentioned: clothing for my socialite fantasy self, going out dresses, high heels; crafts stuff: beads, and so on; cooking and pastry making stuff because I wanted to become a pastry chef; hundreds of books on almost everything; buzzcut my hair, so all the stuff for hair care is gone, and also makeup: I still own 1 mascara, 1 eyeliner, 1 blush stick, and a concealer, no nail polish (used to own tons of them). I came out to be a very simple styled person, not so girly, but still feminine. I prefer to nourish my inner self than the appearance. that's it.

My fantasy self is a fisherman, camper, and general outdoor enthusiast. But I actually hate fishing and camping. I have so much gear I never use! I’d rather just go swimming or for a walk then go home and watch a movie. Thank you!

🧘‍♀ I lost about 90 lbs and was doing extremely well but ultimately I wasn't able to dodge the hereditary gallbladder disease & needed surgery. It took me 2 years to fully recover. The point is, I kept all those tiny clothes thinking I'd bounce right back and be wearing them again! Today I packed up all of those clothes (many of which were NEVER worn! They still have all their tags on them!) They're going to my 2 nieces for them to take whatever they like & whatever they don't want will be donated to charities. I have one more tote to empty & today I finally feel like I made some real, lasting progress!

It looks as if my fantasy self is going to become a cook, and live for thousands of years, judging by all the recipe books she made me buy! 📙 📚

My fantasy self lives in an empty white home with only very minimal items, lies on a divan and reads books. With that ideal I will forever feel my minimalism journey is incomplete.

My fantasy self thinks she can lose weight and fit into the smaller clothing she has already bought. She also thinks she'll put her photos into nicely decorated scrapbooks; knit hats for newborns; and make multiple quilts for friends and family. Thank you for helping her think long and hard about discontinuing to hoard and binge eating due to severe trauma over many years. Hugs...

When you said “protect your happiness” - that hit me. Such a great self awareness motivator.

I just pulled out 8 mugs from my kitchen cabinet while watching your video lol . Everytime I see them(daily) it reminds me of the fact that I bought them and never used (guilt)- I blame "picture perfect" ads/ Pinterest/"you must have a set of mugs"- society.. so I am going to find them a new home and I now have space for my waffle maker that was sitting on my counter.. the joy 🙏🤗 Thank you xx

I loved scrolling through the comments and reading about everyone's fantasy selves. And some are so motivated, enthusiastic and fun and, above all, relatable!

Easy, guilt free disposal of art/craft supplies: as a former K-12 art teacher, I can attest to the need public school teachers have for anything like that. Also, nowadays it is hard to find newspapers and magazines for class projects. Bring them on!👩🏻‍🎨🎨🖌👨‍🎨📚

I’m really struggling with decluttering my wardrobe because of my fantasy self - I blame Carrie Bradshaw!

I graduated with a Philosophy degree in 1993. When I decided to go to law school, my thesis advisor warned me, "You cannot be a philosopher and a lawyer." I let go of many of my philosophy books over the years but, partially in an attempt to prove her wrong, I held onto a number of remaining books. I have a rewarding 24-yr legal career, and today I have let the last of these books go...so bittersweet.

🏡 My house is my fantasy self. I don’t enjoy home ownership. I feel like it’s a prison.

I have china and crystal that I've finally been able to part with. It wasn't MY fantasy self it was my parents' fantasy version of me. That's hard too. Also, I though I was alone with the instant pot. Shoes are also a big one for me- my fantasy self wears heels but I can't even walk in them. Thanks for this inspiration!

I have a lot of “fantasy self” moments, and I have to remind myself constantly that I don’t need it or I should get rid of it. I often find myself buying baby clothes on sale with the intention to gift it, but I know deep down that the attraction I have to those clothes is mainly coming from my desire to have children. It can be hard and I know not healthy. I also think Fantasy moments come from the pressures in society. It’s so hard to realistically fit into a mold of what you wish to be and what you think society thinks you should be. This was a really good topic. I really enjoy your videos and your honesty as I find it really refreshing. Love from Canada 🇨🇦

i've been on the minimalist journey for almost four years & im shocked to say that none of these applied to me. i'm truly shocked. when i downsized/retired i was ruthless: read swedish death cleaning. since retirement i've been steadfast about the one in/one out rule. i still periodically cut through stuff i brought with me to my new place. it's very freeing.

Mine is definitely my sewing machine! I had a phase where I wanted to be a "quilt lady", and I made a few fabulous quilts (completely self taught online), but it made me ANGRY...lol. I despise math, and when I realized how much math is involved, I could never get past it. I also couldn't stand how long it took to create one. Too impatient...lol. I would make mistakes and cry -- it was definitely not the hobby for me. Every time i sit in front of the sewing machine, it's NOT who I am. I do it because it's there. Time to kick it out along with all the other quilting supplies! Thanks so much Marissa!

I'm so happy to hear that I'm not the only one that doesn't like insta-pots. My friends raved about them so I bought one. I used it exactly 2 times and sold it. I don't have the time to relearn how to cook all my favorite dishes when the old way works just fine.

Omg...I was such a book person. I would read at least 100 fiction books a year, then I realized I was just trying to escape. Now, I might read about 10 digital library books ( nonfiction ) a year. I mostly listen to podcasts or vlogs while Im cooking or resting. I got rid of so many books and I don't miss them...whew!

🤐 what I have troubles with is trying to be “helpful” towards family members that are on the verge of being hoarders when they are not ready, I am doing so much better at letting go of what isn’t my business or responsibility, and just let them be, after all they are on their own journey just like me.

When you wrote your fantasy self has skinny ankles.... I felt that.... 😂💀 So does mine.... 😒😑😣

Hi Marissa, thank you for this video. Funnily enough, my fantasy self is a minimalist, but all of my stuff is proving me wrong 😅Mostly because I had so many different hobbies along the years; knitting, DIY in general, fashion... all of my things are reminding me of past selves, but my future self (my fantasy self) wants to own less and gets rid of these old things little by little.

I just got rid of a sewing machine I bought 15 years ago and used twice. It was a decent machine and my friend was so happy to get it. I should have given it to her years ago!

Awesome topic and video! 🌿 For the past 5 years, my weakness was collecting essential oils and I hardly ever diffused or used them so that was a LOT of wasted money and precious resources. However, it got me into using less toxic cleaners and products so hopefully that balances out my impact on the Earth. Nowadays, my fantasy self is a minimalist with a clean and tidy home. It's one of those 'careful what you wish for' things though because my dog will be crossing the rainbow bridge soon and my daughter is 20 and it probably won't be long before she moves out. The house will have way less stuff and be so much easier to maintain but I'll miss having my girls around. Once we're empty-nesters, I might actually have to pick up a hobby and turn a fantasy self into reality.

Marie is not a bookworm. Everything else yes. But my books are like friends. I read them over and over again. They definitely spark joy. I've never heard of a fantasy self and that's really interesting. I'm looking around my home with new eyes, thanks :-)

💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻 Well I now acknowledge that being one of the last single person in my friend group makes me insecure and prompt many impulse buying. My “fantasy self” is a super confident and stylish single working woman. So I bought so many ‘chic’ clothing for work and going out. I thought wearing them would make me look “single and fabulous” lol. I know now that I still prefer comfortable clothing. And that my friends don’t give a f about what new dress I’m wearing or fancy bag I’m carrying, because they are good friends.

I love my Instant Pot, cause I hate watching over a pot on the stove.

Thanks Marissa, You might say I'm crazy, from HK to USA, I carried my moms shoes with me as it's the only thing I have from her. I lost her year 1995.

My moto on items for fantasy self is: if I'm already doing The Thing and this will improve my doing of The Thing and nothing else I already have can be used then I can buy it. If my thought is "if I buy this then I'll do the Thing" then I shouldn't buy it. 🙃 No purchase will ever make me do something more or at all.

🍽 food items (ingredients), cook books, and kitchen appliances!! 😭 I struggle with binge eating as well. The more I watch your videos, the more I feel heard and understood and not alone ❤️

Oh, this video has helped me so much. I have held on to clothes for years, over a decade, in the hope that I would fit into them again. I don’t even like them anymore! This will help me to get rid of them once I get into my storage locker next week and start decluttering it. Dress the body you have now, right? Such great information here. I have a lot of things in my locker that would NOT pass the poop test! 😂 Oh, and my fantasy self decided to be a guitar player. Bought the guitar and an expensive case! Never once played it. So my real self will be adding it to the pile of items to sell when I’m on a staycation next month.

👟 and 👠 Never had really expensive shoes growing up and as an adult I over compensated. Had over 400 pairs of shoes at one time, now have about 200. Hard to let go of the financial investment made on buying them.

I never really had an opportunity to explore much during my childhood due to many reasons, and I met my husband at 18, married at 19, and had my first child before i turned 20. Just had my second at 22, and I'm finally giving my fantassy selves the opportunity to explore their interests and see what sticks.

I just love how honest you are about your feelings, mental health and being so warm and kind! I listen to a lot of podcasts about psychology or trauma. I love this channel when I need things to be a lighter but still about feelings ❤️

🎂 My fantasy self makes bundt cakes, like my best friend does, so I bought a bundt cake pan. My real self is lactose intolerant and there is sour cream in bundt cakes. I am also very sugar sensitive so I do much better when I avoid sugar. I also don't really like cake. 🤣

I have TWO DRAWERS of workout clothes for my fantasy self! I work out every day but I literally wear the same 3 pairs of leggings and whatever tshirt matches and I never dig into those drawers lol. That is for sure an area I've been putting off.

💅 my phantasy self does her nails despite rock climbing every week... so I have way too many nail polish

I held onto so many clothes from college that were too small and I was so stubborn in the mindset that "I'm definitely going to lose the weight, I love these clothes, they're going to fit again". Well, happy news, I did lose the weight and they fit me now! But they don't fit ME. My style from college, pre-marriage and pre-kids is soooo different than who I am now, 8 years later. After that initial excitement of 'wow they fit again!' and feeling smug that I didn't have to buy all new clothes in the correct new size, I'm just left with a closet full of clothes I don't want to wear. Plus a lot of them do still hold the weight of remembering when they didn't fit and how inadequate I felt in that time of my life and that's now what I see in them more so than how much I loved them almost a decade ago. So yes! Let go of the clothes that don't fit! And when you reach your goals (cuz I believe in you, you got this!), you get to discover your new style with this amazing accomplishment!

Fantasy self will go roller blading again...have my roller blades from the 90's.....but they were so expensive and such good quality...they don't make them like that any more. I just can't get rid of them yet....( also been on disability for years but I keep thinking one day when I'm better). It's tough.

I'm ready to live in the season of today. Being 62, many things of the past are from very different seasons of my life. Ready to Let it go. Lots of obsolete items because they don't fit in to what I care about today and who I am now. Great video. Great job! I will be listening to this one again. Thank you Marissa.

Wow! This really hit me. Especially the part about the books. I still have my college textbooks, haven't opened a single one in well over a decade.

My fantasy self is being all things to all people, a traveler, a healthy working RN, I am one, just not healthy, (who is now retired), an exceptional housekeeper with energy to spare, with a husband who is healthy, and all the positive attributes possible. Now that's said, it's all a fantasy except that I am a licensed RN. (I can't bear to let that be a retired license as it was such a difficult goal for me to achieve). So, decluttering is my goal, even if it takes me to the end of my life to accomplish. Thank you, Marissa, for being such an example to us. It seems decluttering is always a work in progress. Right now I'm enjoying my victory of more than 5 bags of contractor bags this year out of my house. Three drawers downsized and decluttered and my refrigerator is cleared out and I'm managing my use if leftovers. I've also mopped my space and could not believe the difference in the look of my floors. Small steps lead up to the progress I'm looking forward to having. 🤗❤

This inspired me to let go of my craft supplies I’ve never touched and my at home fitness equipment I never use because I hate lifting weights and I’d rather swim, dance or walk!

Some really expensive items that I regretted buying: - piano accordion - flute - Hungarian Zither - expensive repair kit (" I Fix It" ) - synthesizer - weight-lifting kit It is clear from the above list that I am particularly attracted to music. Still, the "musician" is not the real "imaginary self" that I want to become. However, in a certain sense, these purchases were useful for me, because I saw that I was looking for the path I had to follow in order to find my true self. And it finally SUCCEEDED! I am currently diligently learning all kinds of bushcraft skills, i.e. the art of survival in the wilderness, primitive (primarily stone age) techniques and technologies, etc. In my old age, I want to live away from civilization, without electricity... To this end, I have already achieved significant results, for example, I sleep on a hard surface and eat raw meat (and raw offal). Certain (living...) bugs, too, as well as living earthworms! And I'm close to the level of minimalism where everything I own fits into one large military backpack and a handbag. As for music, I successfully learned to play an instrument called the didgeridoo, it is sufficiently ancient, because the Australian aborigines use it. I can also whistle tunes very well, and I have even started to learn Mongolian and Tibetan throat singing, which doesn't require any musical instruments, I can take this with me anywhere because "my throat is always at hand", and it also sounds sufficiently "primitive-like". The Khargyraa style is already going quite well... My boss's puppy never liked me, well, the last time I went to see him (not the puppy but the boss...), I started throat singing like that, and the puppy immediately stopped barking at me and ran out of the room in terror... So, I think the right attitude towards such "imaginary self" things is to pay attention to what COMMON direction they point to, and then eventually we will find the common section, the intersection of this hobbies, the TRUE HOBBY in which they are all included, even if not completely and exclusively, but at least a little of each of them,.. And then we will have enough endurance in that! For me, this is "primitive living style", "living as a caveman", "back to the Nature"... There was a time when (despite of that I am a man...) I also wanted to learn to crochet. Now I take advantage of this in that I can make my waist belt and hip bag out of paracord, and I can sew my leather clothes. So there is a "common cross-section" of everything, EVERY "imagined self", you just have to find it.

My fantasy self seems to be a *cook, with a ninja, a wok, oven, fryer, countless kitchen gadgets. But I hate cooking 😬

I am 72. A long time friend told me I always wear gray, black, or navy. I said, I am a grown-up, and that's what I like. She likes big florals, which is fine with me. I got rid of craft books for crafts I won't make. Thanks, Tina, Al's wife

My fantasy self is amazing, she is a laid back hippie who lives near the beach in the perfect hippy place, is very beautiful and has no problems at all....LOL. That’s what my clothes and other belongings say anyway.

This video really saddens me it makes me think about my mum and why she has spent years hoarding 💔 grief after grief after grief

Waldorf toys! My kids could care less if I got rid of them. They served their purpose at the time, but I'm having a hard time letting go. They are beautiful and brings me memories of their younger self. It's my fantasy self having the kids play with them, and I snap photos. But they are not my kid's fav and are taking up space. I asked my kids to find 10 things each to purge. They did go for a few toys that are special to me but had no meaning to them. I posted them for sale and cried!

The funny thing with keeping smaller sizes: they can build pressure and pressure causes stress. Stress is the enemy of weight release. The better you feel with yourself currently in general the more energy you will have to release weight. And you will reach your dream size - or get closer to it - way easier than with keeping smaller sizes. My fantasy self consists of a lot of outward "shoulds" I took on and still have to take off. Shoulds on how to be as a woman, shoulds on how to be at work, in the family, etc. I have to declutter order systems because I tried so desperately to be tidy and thought new systems could help me. Don't try to please other people, it will never happen. They will always find something new. Please yourself. ♥️

I had bought a china set, because of my fantasy self was going to use it at Thanksgiving. There is four of us and we didn't use it. I put it all in a box by the recycling bins and put free on the box, it disappeared so I hope someone is actually using it.

Bless your heart! I'm in therapy for PTSD, drowning in debt, buried in clutter, most given me. The stuff I bought that I want, like my sewing machines, are broken and can't afford to get them fixed. Thanks for sharing. I really need help getting rid of my clutter. I can't seem to let go. I am appreciative of the stuff people have given me, but I don't need anymore stuff.

Gosh, I agree with you so much about books!! I think books is "the thing" that self described minimalists just cling to. We all like to think of ourselves as readers but most of the time they either aren't read or only read once. Accepting that my fantasy self is just that, a fantasy, has been instrumental in my minimal journey! My fantasy self has an elaborate skin care routine, wears pretty summer dresses, and has soft flowy hair. My reality self is a jeans and t shirt kind of girl who brushes her hair enough to get out the tangles and then calls it a day. So I gave my unused products to friends and family and donated all of my dresses. Feels so much freer

I know this is an older video but I would like to add something that goes with social media/internet I guess: delete all those bookmarks of stuff you'll buy "when you have the space" (or the time or whatever fantasy self excuse), and trim your Pinterest too! My pinterest actually gave me anxiety, I felt overwhelmed every time I opened it (sooooo many pins of recipes I'd never do or decor I could never mimic in my tiny flat), I deleted pretty much everything and I now use it realistically. For example I have a new Christmas list every year where I pin stuff I'd like to buy, instead of buying it, and when Christmas comes around I go back to it and see if I still want what I pinned (30 day rule but longer basically) and if I don't I delete it, if I do I'll send the link to my family and be sure to have gifts I will like and use! Anyway sorry for the long comment and thank you for this great concept of the fantasy self!

Thanks for this perspective. I have been a minimalist for most of my life, first because of poverty and necessity, then because of a disaster that took what was left, and now by conscious choice to keep my life's purpose clear. I have a lot of emotional clutter and it is nice to hear you speak on that. I have never "journeyed' through physical decluttering and admire your thoughtful process.

I cannot wear eye makeup anymore as my eyes are very dry and sensitive due to some chronic health conditions. My fantasy self was still stuck back before that time and I kept buying different mascara and treatments thinking surely something would work. It didn't and I let go a few years back. My vision is more important to me than faked lush lashes and smokey eyeliner!

My fantasy self lives in a tiny house I built myself and is a single woman with a cat that has no financial worries and can travel as much as she wants. Such great insight and messages in this video! I am a new subscriber and am loving watching all your videos! I can really relate to you and the way you deliver minimalism ideas and guidance is incredible! I am totally going to get rid of those self-help books I've been meaning to read for years now!

🎸 - Last year, I said to myself, "Oh! I should learn the acoustic guitar!" to this day, I couldn't play you a chord. Then I got a flute (which resonated with me more), yet I don't have the time to practice. 📄I have tons of paperwork that need to be either shredded, digitally stored, or significantly reduced, because my shelving alcove is a mix of that, art supplies, and old electronics that serve me no purpose. Why do I still keep this stuff? Why am I keeping cabin cruise itineraries and brochures from past holidays? However this year, I did get rid of a decades old bed and mattress for a futon and low bed. Got rid of a busted chest of drawers and wardrobe. Now I have one of those smaller open clothing organiser pieces, extra clothing limited to a handful of canvas reinforced boxes. Still got a mountain to climb though. Thinking of getting rid of my long desk in favour of one that can be folded away.

👠 I wanted one pair of designer heels. I cannot walk in heels. My husband bought me heels. They are in the closet and have been for two years.

📚 my fantasy self loves to read books. My reality self listens to audio books all the time while on the go and working out. I can't declutter the books though!! I'll try to read while taking a bath and I fall asleep and nearly drop the book in the tub. The struggle is real! 🤣🤣

Hello. This video has pinned on what I have been vaguely fighting. Apart from guilty of books, art supplies and kitchen gadgets, I am guilty of another clutter. "Buying things in the name of my children." What if my kid is a chess champion (read 2 chessboards and 5 chess books). My fantasy self is an all knowing mother, when the real me is still trying to know my child. You helped me accept truth and let it flow. Thank you.

🛼🏥 For my 2nd sobriety bday my boyfriend bought me the most beautiful roller skates in the world that I had wanted for a long time. I love them and I was so excited to try them, but when I did I realized I would definitely fall if I kept at it and would likely get hurt. Im not afraid of a broken bone, I just know that if I had to go to the urgent care or hospital I couldn’t afford it, so I never tried again. So I guess I have to declutter the roller skates to someone rich enough to afford health care. I’m just so sad to say goodbye to them 😿

I think I have trouble in every category mentioned! 😱 Thank you for this! This fantasy self idea is HUGE! I’ve got a lot of souls searching to do. I’ve been watching your videos a while- time to act! I really do want less- I just can’t seem to get there. praying for courage to begin.

Yea my crafting supplies are needed. There have been multiple times where I have gotten a sudden idea, pulled out everything I need from couple drawers and completed it without needing to step out of he house. But there is a designated pile of old camping supplies I need to sell.

My make up, hair and skincare is so basic now. I absolutely love it. I have shampoo, conditioner and wash my hair once a week and i have a hairbrush. My skincare is Trilogy facewash i use in the shower. I no longer wear make up (though i do have some stuff judt in case for special occasions, but i don't think that will be getting reolaced once it's expired). So easy!

A while back I was hellbent on collecting every single version of the Playstation consoles. I had all of them from the original PS1 up to the 4th generation. I even had a ton of games from the 3rd generation one, but when I really sat back and looked, I didn't play any of them except for the PS4 anymore. In fact, I had never played most of the games I had bought a single time because I actually liked watching other people play them on KZfaq more than I liked actually playing them. It took me months before I finally got rid of all of them except my PS4, but I don't even miss those other ones now. I actually feel better not having those around because I felt guilty about not having played all the games I had bought.

👗👙 Every summer I buy nice clothes to look nice for photos no one ever takes of me... This year I’m not buying anything new.

Photos. I have boxes and boxes of photos....I fantasize myself scanning them or give them to the kids but than I feel guilty about it and on and on...and it is been years since I have open them...

I loved to dress; blue jeans & t- shirt. After Declutter I now have 3 x 4 blue jean & t shirt. That fit the smaller me. Milan’s workout . Drink my tea with cranberry juice n lemon juice ...

High heels.... my fantasy self would wear them and walk like a supermodel... never learned how to walk in them, they are not comfortable and actually I am already tall. So: byebye. 👠 Uh, and craft supplies: I do craft and love it but I have too much. Guess I would never have to buy stamps and paper the rest of my life even if I would crafts daily 🙈

🎒like a ridulous number of backpacks and travel bags. We literally go nowhere. Even before COVID.

Dealt with my fantasy self earlier in the year, but always need reminders. (I have five children at home and bought off-white jeans for spring. 🤦🏻‍♀️) It was actually a huge relief decluttering the craft and homeschooling items that are no longer around haunting me and even better that they have gone to a place where they’ll actually be used! I remember that sting and it helps me avoid a quick-fix purchase on a hard day.

🚲 🎾 🏀 🏸 my fantasy self is super active, in reality I like to relax as much as possible on my days off. My garage has weights, workout bench 🏋️‍♀️, bikes, etc. 😔 I like going on walks, that’s where I get my activity

I loved completing KonMari, but eventually I let the book go too. Paper still is my nemesis. My fantasy self doesn't have a 12" stack of paper work on the dining room table but instead has everything filed in one of the 3 proper boxes and I'm determined to stick with that fantasy :)

I literally threw out all of my makeup the other day because it was old and expired. I would buy full color palettes only to use one or two colors. After I did this, yes, I went out and bought a few new basic items that I do use and that’s all I have now. It all fits in my small makeup bag.

I feel called out. I was crocheting while listening to this. In an effort to use up some craft supplies, I've been crocheting with a bunch of embroidery floss I own. Now that the pandemic is over (I used to make tiny things to conserve stuffing), I guess I can finally use it properly! I also got rid of the craft supplies for some kit I realized I'm never going to actually use.

I'm hearing more and more about craft items that really need to go. I struggle with this and have spent tons of money on things to sew or knit...only to find out that this image of myself of the loving grandma making things for family and friends is FANTASY. I'm all thumbs mostly so have to give up this image. I can do very simply things like scarfs and shawls but have also found out that most people don't like what I make: they really want the modern fabrics and fibres that are very easy to care for - they don't want my cotton/linen/wool stuff!!!! So if I can't use what I make, or donate it, I have to get real. So thanks for this reminder.

💎💍 Jewelry I always think I’m going to wear it to make my outfits look amazing But when I do wear jewelry it’s usually the same thing. This started to develop about 4 years ago.

In some cases, you may need to declutter your current self so your fantasy self can become the reality.

👖👠... my fantasy self is going to wear those jeans again, going to wear those hot shoes....um, it’s been years.... nope... time to let go... I’m a new subscriber, you’re really inspiring Melissa, you’re real... I just recently unsubscribed from so many channels that my fantasy self fed off of... I’m now feeding my authentic self and your channel is a part of helping me find her (authentic Beth).... can’t wait to watch more of your content, thank you for sharing 😊❤️

🚲+⛺+📸+🎲+🖌️️+💻+(👒👗👜)+📝 Just putting down so many emoji makes me want to go declutter.

Oh Marissa, I can't see you crying... I immediately start crying myself.... Many hugs from Antje

I have 2 newspaper subscriptions and feel guilty for not reading them from A to Z.

I got rid of two large tubs of craft stuff after holding onto it for years -- some of it for over 15 years. I used to make a lot of things and still love it and want to do it; I just don't have the time. I've refused to let it go -- just in case I found the time. It made me feel bad every time I looked at it, and it made me mourn the loss of that part of me. I ran across Cas of Clutterbug who said, "Don't let your stuff bully you." So, I let it go. If I find the time again to truly put toward that, I'll go buy more stuff that is relevant to what I want to create. Until then, no more feeling bad about myself, and now I have some extra space! I let go of a lot of toxic clutter and identity clutter with this in mind. So much I held onto because I felt bad about letting it go. It was punishment holding onto it, though. I feel so much happier and freer since I've said goodbye 💜

I bought an instant pot and felt too overwhelmed by it and ending up returning it, so you aren’t alone!

The things that made me who I am will never go away………thanks, I needed to hear that.

My Insta-Pot is an air fryer. Took a year to get it out of the box, used it twice, put it back in the box. I need to send it on its way.

This is so so helpful! I'm just getting started after years of being stuck, and I've been asking myself this question as I'm going through things this week. I think the important thing is to realize that our authentic self might be what someone else's "fantasy self" is and the other way around. My fantasy self bought one of those fancy blenders, because I pictured myself wearing snazzy yoga clothes, and drinking smoothies - never happened. But, while I know you didn't like your instant pot, I use mine nearly every day to make oatmeal, boil eggs, makes soups and chilis, rice, and on and on. The "fantasy self" question is a great one when I pick something up, and think - well, maybe someday I'll be that fantasy me, and I'll need that! Now, that thing goes into the donate box! :)

The quote of the author was so heart cutting. I am a semi hoarder, in a sense , I declutter drastically when I have to. Bc I saw how my mom was a hoarder.

🎸 (Ukulele 😄) Now I'm on a challenge to buy only things made locally (Europe). Helps a lot not to buy more low quality, slave labour made clutter, that I don't really need.

I have replaced all my subscriptions with something very important to me, charitable giving. Since I now have a little more money (by cancelling subscriptions), I have for the first time been able to make monthly contributions to the causes I REALLY care about. Monthly contributions are so much more valuable because they can count on that money in their budgets.

👜 although I’ve decluttered many handbags I never used I still hold on to some which I think my fantasy self will use but in reality I just use the same one every day 🙈

These fantasy self items are truly a great concept! Never thought of them like this. I have so many books that I intend to read, art supplies that stay unopened, bullet journals that are empty, etc. Seems that my fantasy self is quite creative. Truth is - I never have the time and energy to actually do any of these creative activities.

📷👗📖👠📝🔌 cameras and accessories to that, clothes that are too small, books, shoes, old cards and paper memorabilia, and electrical cords/ chargers.

High heels. I love them, but reality, will never be in the job that needs those again!

Oh good, another soul like me. I'll be checking out your video on sentimental items next. I've lost so many friends and family, couldn't let go of their stuff and boxed it all up. Moved it from place to place, paid to have it in storage...I refer to it as DPS Dead People's Stuff. I know it sounds callous, really though, its my quirky sense of humor and way of distancing myself from it so I can start.