Dear tawny @Former-Member I was tingling all over reading about you sorting through your girl's pencils. Dissociation is not really about what is normal or not. It is simply a defence against pain. It is normal to want to reduce pain. When I was in church one of the very educated and caring ladies kept making comments like "being besides oneself" to normalise it. Everybody goes through it to some degree. Its being aware and conscious that matters. Yes it is a grief thing too.
But I am a person who dissociates a lot so of course will justify it.
I think it is a good idea to start a Spring thread. There are no rules. DO what you need to do. I think we need to trust our instincts a bit as well as question and reflect.
Lol love your long memo pic. 
I let out a super long posts too.
I dont know that having someone "help" would make it easier. When I reflect I have found it easier to do it alone, but share here, or share about the sorting at church. Its just that if they dont know you well they may come up with all sorts of distracting non relevant ideas. Not sure what you should do, just giving a few of my ideas for what its worth ...
I have thought which is more like @soul post. SOmetime if I have to face a mess I go through it like a whirlwind. I wait, gear up for the task and go go go.
You do need to sort a bit. Choose 4-6 absolutely "must keep" things. Then, without looking too closely go through the rest, quickly. Dont think or feel too much as it is a job. You probably have los of photos too for memories.
When we do the mood charts they suggest we dont think too hard about it but just go through it.
That said, I am still hanging on to a few odds. I may sell up too and that will necessitate a closer sorting.
Thinking of you lots, HUGZ
Apple
@Former-Member I really feel for you having to organise nspections and clean up for sale. My go go go is very much a broken old lady version of go go go.
Oh Oh ... lol ..."Whiskey a go go" just came to mind. Sorry Crazy woman here.
You are right
I think there are levels and it is the degree of dissociation that makes the difference for functioning. Mine is mild and frequent, possible all the time, and a little dangerous with driving but I do my best. To be honest I did not really twig that is what is happening til recently. Though I studied it in the 1980s.
You have a different diagnosis and with all the stress of your brothers and other life factors (not wanting to Blame them as such) maybe you go along the path further before you click back into awareness, and that is how you found your self sorting her things. I have done a lot of Body Work which probably has helped me minimise it and be more grounded in my body and aware .... say than my brother or sister who were young when we went into homes so less "conscious".
You are doing a heap. Se.ling a house is HUGE no matter how well or sick we are.
Are you down sizing? I am thinking it is wise for me. I dont need to 2 bathrooms to clean when son is not here.
I am delicato but have good plans in place, so no worries.
You are worth being here too, Bella.
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Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.