The Closet & The Critic: Clutter Whispers & How To Quiet It

Ever opened your closet and instantly felt judged? Dana shares a story about how old clothes, roles, and “someday” versions of herself turned into a mirror of self-criticism. Learn one gentle way to quiet that voice — whether your “closet” is clothes, a messy inbox, or anything else weighing on you. A story she tells her daughter often: small steps matter more than big overhauls.

Dana Mitchell shares real-life stories and simple shifts that make personal growth easy to understand and apply. Her talks feel like friendly coffee chats — lessons she wishes she had known earlier, and wisdom she shares with her daughter now. Dana’s goal is to help you feel clearer, calmer, and more yourself — without the jargon.

Transcript

Sometimes the loudest voice in the room is the one in your head.

Even if all you did was open up your closet.

Hey this is Dana Mitchell and thank you for joining me today.

Around here I like to keep things simple and real.

No jargon,

No pressure.

Just a few little shifts that helps life feel a little clearer,

Calmer,

And easier to move through.

Because I am all about making life easier.

So let's get started.

The other day I opened up my closet and before I even touched a hanger that critic in my head started talking loud and clear.

Why are you keeping all this stuff?

Why haven't you let go of those jeans?

They don't fit.

What happened to being organized?

It wasn't just the clothes staring back at me.

It was the old versions of me.

Outfits that I once loved,

Things that I thought I'd wear again someday that I've just been holding on to.

Expectations of who I should be by now.

That's when I gave myself three options.

Number one,

I could donate a few things.

Nothing dramatic.

Just put them in a pile and donate them.

Number two,

I could move one or two good pieces to the front and center so I actually would wear them.

Or number three,

I could just notice what was there and then walk away.

And you know what?

Even the smallest step quieted that critic.

Those actions that I could take changed the state of mind that I was in.

For me,

What I did was I pulled a couple of pieces and put them front and center.

Things that I had forgotten I actually had.

And I went ahead and pulled two or three things and put them in a pile for donate.

Maybe your quote closet isn't close.

Maybe it's a junk drawer.

Maybe it's an inbox with 5,

000 unread emails.

Maybe it's a calendar that's overstuffed and you're overextended.

Or maybe it's spaces in your office or your home that whisper shame to you as you walk in.

So here's something for you to think about.

Where is your closet?

Where do you hear that critic with the loudest voice?

And remember,

Moving forward doesn't always mean a full overhaul.

You don't have to burn it all down and start again.

No.

Sometimes it's one shelf,

One drawer,

Or one moment of noticing.

So next time that critic pipes in,

You know,

The one in your head,

Remind yourself you don't have to do everything.

Just one gentle choice.

That's progress.

So thanks for spending time with me today and check back because I'm gonna create a couple more of these talks and I will see you next time.

Thanks so much.

Have a great day.

Reviews

Love your accent, style, and honesty in this meditation. Putting the thoughts into realistic action is helpful!

It hit everything that needed to be hit. Now I’m going to start. Thank you..