How Tidying Up Can Change Your Life

 

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In Wabi Sabi – beauty lies in the imperfections and naturalness.

 

While living and working in Japan years ago,  I was introduced to the concept of Wabi Sabi which represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. The spirit of Wabi Sabi is based on a simple set of ideals adopted from nature such that it is imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete.  Wabi Sabi implies a modesty of soul that allows one to see and appreciate the simple and the common. In this spirit, I have worked at bringing in my home things that make me happy when I look at them.  I enjoy having scented candles lit even during the day and try to keep my vases filled with fresh flowers from the garden as both of these soothe and relax me while working.  And I love checking out the difference scented candles in the stores and change it up according to the season.

However, over the years, one thing has become clear to me – I have a tough time letting go of stuff.   Part of the reason I started the Declutter Your Home in 28 Days series on this blog was to hold myself accountable while learning and teaching others how to declutter and organize our homes – together. I am about halfway through the project but have had to step back due to so much going on around the holidays.

But after picking up a book this weekend that I must have been destined to find, I am excited to work on the house again and get it organized the way I have envisioned.  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo has really hit a nerve with many people around the world.  It is an International Best Seller with over 2 million copies sold and after reading through most of it this past weekend, I can see why!  She provides some really great advice about why it is best to do a tidy marathon – which in  her experience takes most people about six months to complete and why you should reach for perfection (more on this in another post).

I plan to start again in January so join us as we tidy up and redecorate on a dime! And while you are getting your holiday décor out – take note of some of her recommendations while tidying up and decorating.

 

Before You Start – visualize your final destination.  I have always believed in the power of visualization.  I did this when I decided I wanted to write children’s books. I saw myself completing the book, signing them and reading them aloud at schools.  To do this for your home is such a great idea – think Pinterest!  Start forming a storyboard in your head of how you want your home to look like at the end of this life-changing project.

 

When tidying up – think of it as a special event and not a daily chore.  Image if your entire house, from top to bottom was only filled with things you truly loved and needed.  Wow!  This is a concept that can seem overwhelming as most of us have too much stuff, but she provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to tidy up your home and thus life!

 

 

During the selection process of deciding what to keep or give away – think about whether this object brings you joy.  She recommends that you touch each object – even every book on your bookcase to your entire wardrobe – to see what emotional response you have to the item. If you are indifferent, or find that you actually don’t like something, toss it or give it away to someone who might like it. You can do this during the holiday season while decorating your home.  I took her advice and while going through six boxes filled with holiday décor, I ended up using only about 1/3 of what I normally use.  The rest will be donated as I found that they didn’t spark much of anything in me!  But what I do have up around the house really does – like this trio above.

 

Ms. Kondo says that your real life begins after putting your house in order.  Again, imagine your entire house is organized such that you only have in it what you truly love and that brings you joy!  What a concept! So often we push things at the back of our closets or in our garage not to be seen again for months if not years!  A good friend of mine, Colleen, who is a kindergarten teacher, mom of two and one of the most organized moms I know –   offers some really great advice about ways to stay organized and clutter-free. She says her biggest advice is to just “Let it go, let it go!” “We hold on to things, because we are afraid to let it go…that one day it might come in handy. We underestimate the amazing feeling we get from a fresh start and a simplified house.”  I completely agree!  I feel so great after a room has been decluttered and only has things in it that I really enjoy looking at!

 

Just think – in the process of decluttering and organizing and thus leaving us with less stuff, we can enjoy what we do have that sparks joy in our lives!

 

Note:  This post is part of the #SmellsClean campaign through Acorn – An Influence Company.

 

What are ways you stay on top of the clutter?

 

 

 

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