As stay-at-home orders have been lifted and we are easing into the next phase of life with COVID-19 here in Wilmington, I feel a bit like a bear coming out of hibernation and taking her first cautious steps to see how the world has changed since she last tread its pathways. I also find myself frequently thinking about Dave Hollis's words (quoted above).
What is worth rushing back to?
It's a question worth asking.
It’s also a question I find myself using the guiding principles of the KonMari Method™ to answer. Although the KonMari journey begins with your physical belongings, before long, you can’t help but apply the same strategies to other aspects of your life as well.
From Closet Clutter to Daily Life
When organizing a closet, the first thing we do is clear everything out so we can begin with a blank slate. Then every item is interrogated before making the decision whether to keep or discard it: Do you add value? Are you a distraction? Are you still of use to me? Have I outgrown you? Do you fit the purpose of this space? Do you spark joy? Items that pass the litmus test are given a place of honor along with the promise that I (or whomever is doing the decision-making) will allocate the necessary time & attention needed to care for or use that item.
As the world shuttered its doors and people tucked themselves away in their homes, the "Great Pause" has offered an opportunity for us to ask the same questions we use to identify closet clutter to identify the clutter of our daily lives:
Do you add value to my life?
Are you distracting me from my purpose?
Have I outgrown this (hobby, interest, commitment, job…)?
Am I willing to give you the time & attention you require?
What might life look like if we asked these questions before getting back to “normal” life? My guess is that it would look a bit like a KonMaried closet: clear of the clutter & filled only with the things you have chosen to keep in your life.
It’s not about perfectly folded tee-shirts.
The “life-changing magic” of the KonMari Method lies not in having perfectly folded bundles of tee-shirts & linens, but in its transformative ability to help you identify your values, determine your priorities & seek to create a life that sparks joy.
Ready for a Change?
My work here at Seaside Styling & Organizing has shifted a bit over the past few months as it has for millions of Americans, but my commitment to helping others find the joy of a peaceful, clutter-free home & life has not wavered. After successfully switching over to virtual sessions, I am happy to announce that with added precautions like face masks, gloves & plenty of hand sanitizer, I am conducting in-home sessions again. Joy-Sparked! I will continue to offer a virtual tidying option for those near & far.
What’s next?
Be sure to stay tuned for details regarding my KonMari workshop registration— coming soon! Follow me @seasidestyling on Instagram for the most up-to-date announcements as well as my favorite tidying tips & tricks.
Until next time,
Stay safe. Take care of each other.
