Finding Healing Through Organisation: A Personal Story of Overcoming Childhood Trauma

Beyond Organised

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Trauma and disorganisation often walk hand-in-hand, though we rarely connect these dots in our healing journeys. In this deeply personal episode, I share my experience of childhood sexual abuse and how an unexpected tool (organising my physical space and finances) became instrumental in my recovery process.
From ages 8-10, I endured regular abuse that left me emotionally numb for years. At 18, standing before the courtroom, I made the pivotal choice to forgive my abuser, not for his sake, but for my freedom. This choice opened the door to healing, but the journey was far from linear. Even after marrying the love of my life at 24, unprocessed trauma resurfaced, proving that our past requires attention even when our present seems perfect.
The turning point came through organising. Starting with our finances and then moving to organising our small two-bedroom unit, I discovered that creating order in my external environment helped establish an internal sense of control that trauma had stolen. That first bathroom cupboard I decluttered represented more than just tidiness, it was reclaiming agency over my life. As I continued organising spaces and tracking spending, both my home and mind became calmer. The changes were gradual but transformative.
If you're struggling with chaos and overwhelm while also carrying past hurts, I want you to know these challenges may be connected. Start small, perhaps with a non-sentimental space like I did and pair your organising efforts with professional support for emotional healing. Every item you intentionally keep or release can become a stepping stone toward the ordered, purposeful life you deserve. Your past doesn't have to define your future and finding control in your physical space might just help you rediscover peace in your heart and mind.

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Remember, organising is a tool to live the purposeful life beyond it.

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Chapters

1. Trigger Warning & Introduction (00:00:00)

2. My Childhood Trauma Experience (00:01:56)

3. The Power of Forgiveness (00:04:19)

4. How Organisation Became My Healing (00:06:28)

5. Finding Control & Peace Through Order (00:11:20)

6. Hope For Your Journey Forward (00:15:11)