"Sometimes I feel I am going to die in a house that is a total mess and it is depressing."

Yes, Dorothy, that's how I felt for years. Then, about a year ago, something snapped! It's got something to do with being retired. I've now got the space and the time to explore who I really am. For most of my life, I've had fairly low self-esteem but on retirement I got involved in environmental campaigns and have been more successful than I thought possible (and had a lot of fun). So I suppose I thought: If I can do those things, I should be able to at least sort my house out ... and, of course, I was able to. Perhaps I'll have a go at mastering quantum mechanics next! Uuuum ... perhaps shouldn't get too ambitious!

Yes, Michelle, breaking it down into small steps does work - but you've got to be persistent and stick at it. Please have a go and let us know how you get on.