DEAR HARRIETTE: I am currently downsizing my life after realizing I have too many things in my possession. I recently donated 10 bags of clothes, and I threw away at least 10 bags full of garbage -- and I live in just a one-bedroom apartment!

I made a promise that I would never live like a hoarder again. What are some safe measures I can take to ensure that I do not keep so many things I really do not need? -- The Hoarder, Bronx, New York

DEAR THE HOARDER: Give yourself credit for recognizing that you hold on to too much stuff. You are not alone. That you want to safeguard yourself from collecting more things you don't need is smart to think about at this time when you have just purged. One way to do this is to assess exactly what possessions you do need in your life. This should include the basics: kitchen utensils and food, furniture, clothing, toiletries, accessories, etc.

Before you make a purchase of any kind, stop and consider if you truly need whatever the item is. Reject impulse buys by resisting the temptation to purchase or bring home anything the first time you see it. You will find that you accumulate far fewer items by saying no the first time you consider acquiring them.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Since my friend's father recently passed, it has put a strain on our friendship. He seems a bit distant these days because we do not talk as much as we used to. I ask him if he wants some company, and he normally declines. I just want him to be better and make our friendship as it once was. Do I respect his space, or should I let him be? -- A Friend in Need, Brooklyn, New York

DEAR A FRIEND IN NEED: It's important for you to accept that as things happen in life, relationships change. Your friendship may never return to the way it was before your friend's father died. That is normal -- even if it is tough for you. Staying in the present and actively choosing to support your friend is your job.

He is processing a pivotal moment in his life: the loss of his father. Chances are, he doesn't have much to say. Dealing with loss is a deeply personal process. Rather than trying to get him to talk, think of activities that he has enjoyed that are simple and fun. Invite him to do those things. Do not try to guilt him into spending time with you. Instead, stay in touch. You can call to say you are thinking about him. You can send him texts and emails from time to time with upbeat messages and photos. Continue to invite him to do things with you, and be patient. When he is ready, he will respond. Just don't crowd him too much. He needs space to move through this time in his life. You need to find other things to do in the meantime.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: I work for a prominent music publication, and for the first half of 2016, my staff had to write about the deaths of David Bowie, Merle Haggard, Prince and Muhammad Ali. We are mentally drained. Writing about the untimely passing of different makers in our society is exhausting, and I pray that we do not have to write another death article any time soon. How do I pick up my staff's spirits to inspire them to stay fresh? -- Pressing On, New York City

DEAR PRESSING ON: In every media organization, there is the responsibility, and often the beat, to write obituaries for prominent members of the community. While it is surely sad when people who have led outstanding lives die -- indeed, it is sad when anyone dies -- this moment represents a time to celebrate all of the great things about that individual's time on the planet.

As your team continues to write about other topics, you may want to encourage your leadership to have someone regularly researching the elders in your industry to prep obituaries for them. Death is a fact of life. When you approach it as a part of life and a way to celebrate others, you may be able to change your and your co-workers' attitudes.

Remind your team of the highlights of these people's experience, of how they made it worthwhile to be alive -- not only did they soar in their own right, they inspired others to soar as well.

DEAR HARRIETTE: How can I -- a single parent -- keep the attention of a 6-year-old while on summer vacation? I give my son total freedom when it comes to running around the house or playing in the neighborhood because he is familiar with his surroundings.

I am concerned that when we go on vacation, he will think he has the same liberties. Moreover, I think he might get hurt or put himself in harm's way. What are some ways I can allow him to be independent without me worrying every time we go on vacation? -- Parent Trap, West Orange, New Jersey

DEAR PARENT TRAP: The best thing you can do is regularly take your son to public activities where you train him to stay by your side and teach him the rules of the road. This includes how to eat in a restaurant, how to use a public bathroom, the importance of staying within your line of sight and anything else that you think is important. Teach your son when he can run free and when he cannot. Come up with cues that help to remind him of when he needs to rein in his behavior.

This is a key part of parenting, and it's absolutely essential for your son's safety. At his age, your son requires very close attention from you. On vacation, before you get out of the car to participate in an activity or leave your hotel room to begin your day, remind your son of the ground rules for the day. Give him cues for emergencies and for paying attention, and stay vigilant all day.

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

DEAR HARRIETTE: My son began doing gymnastics about a year ago. He excelled more than we ever thought he would, but in the midst of doing a backflip, he broke his hand. I was so scared for him to go through this as a 6-year-old. He's going to have the cast off in a few weeks.

I don't want to send him back to gymnastics. It's dangerous! My husband says our son loves it so much, we shouldn't hold him back. Surely there are other sports that aren't so dangerous? I think we could sign him up for golf lessons. -- No More Danger, Cincinnati

DEAR NO MORE DANGER: I fully understand why you would be concerned about your son's safety. The reality is that gymnastics can be dangerous, but so can any other sport -- including golf. Before you take him out, talk to his doctor about the healing process. Typically, young children heal quickly, so he will probably fully recover. Next, talk to the gymnastics teacher. Ask about the safety measures that are followed so that you can learn what is being done to prevent injury. Learn how to guide your son to be as safe as possible.

Even if later down the road you decide not to have your son continue gymnastics, I do not recommend quitting now, as it sends an unfortunate message. Don't instill fear. Let him have a chance to be brave and to try the sport again, after injury.

DEAR HARRIETTE: When my kids were younger, we went on amazing family vacations. Every year, we would go camping for a week in the forest. The memories we made around the campfire were great. Now, my kids are moved out with families of their own, and I want to bring back our tradition. It was always so fun roughing it out in the woods for a week.

When I brought up bringing back camping, my children laughed at me. They told me they would never spend a week in the forest willingly. I just feel like that campsite is so magical, truly some of my best memories are from there. My kids would rather go to a resort or spend their vacation time differently. It's like no one wants to make me happy. Why can't they keep the tradition? -- Camping Queen, Burlington, Vermont

DEAR CAMPING QUEEN: It sounds like camping was your joy, not necessarily your children's. You cannot force them to camp with you now, nor should you try to guilt them into it. Instead, you may want to ask them if you can invite the grandchildren to join you on a camping trip -- just once. Giving the one-time parameter may make it easier for your children to loosen the reins.

Don't pressure your children about why they should try to make you happy. That is not their job. You reared them, and now they are supposed to be building their lives. But you may have some pull with the grands if you make the invitation appealing enough. Don't guilt them. Welcome them warmly!

(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)