Main point: Hoarding is a trauma response. Letting go of your physical baggage helps you heal emotionally. The purpose of this article is to bring to your awareness what drives hoarding behavior, to help you recognize it as a symptom of historical trauma, and to offer affirmations to help you release unwanted baggage.

Entitled really refers to privileges that are your inherent rights as a human being. You were born with inalienable rights, as in they can’t be taken from you by any means, ever. Somewhere along the way, you forgot your inalienable rights. This is especially true growing up with Viet parents and elders at home, then hiding your Viet identity to fit into mainstream culture outside the home.

Growing up in the United States, my Vietnamese history is ignored or misrepresented. The perspectives and stories of refugees – and of people of color in general – are not taught in school or documented in popular media. I want to break those stereotypes, encourage critical thinking, and spark constructive discussion through the FOBLOG.