I wish I had a video camera with me every time I met someone new. I think the reactions people give to me when they find out what I do for a living would make for a great YouTube video. The things that people say and the looks I receive are incredible.

Recently, I had someone immediately ask if they could come and look inside my house:

"You want to come over to my house?" I asked. "Like a home inspection?"

"Exactly," the person responded. "I don't want to take your organizing advice unless I know you walk the walk and talk the talk."

"Okay," I said.

"Maybe right after this party, so you won't have time to clean before I come," the person insisted.

"Um, okay," I said.

"I don't need to come over," the person said laughing. "You've already proved to me that you're organized."

"Huh?" I asked.

The person went on to explain that since I didn't make up any excuses about the state of my house or backpedal on the offer that he believed my place was really organized and free of clutter. This is true, my place is in decent shape, but mostly I didn't make up excuses because I was completely confused by the conversation. Who seriously asks to inspect a new acquaintance's home?

I mention this ridiculous conversation because I think it touches on important questions: Is my content authentic? Am I being genuine? Do I walk the walk and talk the talk?

In general, the answer is yes.

I write about getting rid of clutter because I sincerely believe that all kinds of clutter -- physical, mental, time -- get in the way of a remarkable life. The more stuff I have cluttering up my life keeps me from living the life of my dreams. If I give a product a positive review it's because I believe it's worthy of a review. If I write about an issue, it's because I'm facing or have faced a similar issue in the past. If I answer a reader question, it's because I believe the content can help a reader improve his or her condition.

Am I perfect? HECK NO.

Laundry continues to creep up on me, and I have definitely overbooked for the month of December. It's easy for my old, cluttered ways to creep back into my life, and so I'm continually battling these non-productive habits. But, after years of living a cluttered existence contrasted against my more-minimalistic current state, I know my life is better when it's not controlled by stuff. I prefer to live simply, as best as I can. My marriage, stress level, and happiness depend on it.

Also, I hope that everyone knows that being organized is not something that comes naturally to me. I had to learn (and continue to learn) how to live free of clutter. I'm incredibly sentimental and my initial instincts are to hold onto everything. I've learned, though, that it's impossible to hold onto everything. I can't pack people and experiences into boxes in my closet -- the things in my life that are the most important can't be stored. If you're struggling with becoming more organized, don't give up hope. If a clutterbug like me can make significant changes to the way she lives her life, you can too. I have no doubts that people can change.

How do you try to be authentic in your life? Or, do you think it's not important to walk the walk and talk the talk? Let us hear your ideas in the comments!