Like most of you, I’ve watched “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix with fascination. I saw a literal mountain of clothes get sorted into organized closets. I teared up during the heartbreaking episode when a wife had to say goodbye to her husband’s belongings. I cheered when a mom allowed her family to share in the responsibility of creating a home instead of just doing it all herself.
What resonated with me most about the show was the focus wasn’t so much on decluttering, on minimalism, on getting rid of the unnecessary. I appreciated that you were forced to consider your vision for your life, to let go of what no longer served you and to value what you chose to leave behind. These ideas were encompassed in the question Marie would ask: Does it spark joy?
“Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” is the only show that made me get off the couch and take action. The idea behind it felt aligned with my intention for the year which is meaningful expansion (and yes, that also means a more expansive home). I started with my closets and got rid of everything (clothes, underwear, bags and shoes) that didn’t spark joy—too-tight dresses, T-shirts with holes that I use to sleep in, breastfeeding tops (the last time I breastfed was nine years ago!), outfits I bought from bazaars that never fit like they were supposed to.
What I kept (even if they had no practical use, just because they sparked joy): a beaded bag from my wedding, a white dress to honor my late mom and comfortable underwear even if they were no longer pretty.
What’s left: a closet that makes me smile every time I open it, knowing that I want to wear everything inside and that I have no more bins of clothes hiding under my bed, hoping for my attention.
What touched me about this whole process: the act of saying thank you to each item instead of just mindlessly tossing it into a trash or donation bag.
You may never want to Konmari your life. And that’s okay. (There’s no need to jump into every self-help trend, hoping that is the one thing that will fix your life and make it happier.)
But you may want to consider the question that she asks for the different parts of your life:
- Does my life spark joy?
- When I sit down at my desk, am I reminded why I do what I do? Does my work spark joy?
- Am I surrounded by people who love me and give me joy and pleasure?
- Am I a spark of joy for others?
- What small step can I take to make me and my life spark joy?
(Oh, and one last thing, if your life doesn’t spark joy all.the.time, that’s okay as well. Maybe the little ting of joy you get when you open your beautifully organized underwear drawer or when you discover an old forgotten favorite as you cleaned your bookshelves is enough for now.)
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This is an excerpt from this month’s Joyful Little Note, my newsletter that will add some inspiration and mindfulness to your month or even just your day. Subscribe by filling up the form below.
