Seven years into my KonMari Method practice and I am still surprised by the ways in which its core principles play out in my day-to-day life.
Tuning In to Yourself
As an animal lover who grew up watching Bambi and crying every time my dad went on a hunting trip, I have always been a rather sensitive soul. For three decades I thought about becoming a vegetarian, but switching from carnivore to herbivore seemed like an impossible lifestyle change. Bacon, after all, is delicious. As is pepperoni. And steak. And my husband’s backyard burgers.
What would I eat instead? How would my family respond? Most importantly? Would I finally have to start cooking for myself?
With more questions than answers, I continued onward with my carnivorous diet and simply tried to ignore my guilt.
Time for a Change?
Assorted fruits, veggies and treats at the mercado in Valladolid, Mexico
While on vacation in the Yucatan in the Before Times, our group stopped off at a local mercado. Juicy fruits and colorful candies tempted our taste buds as we explored the market.
When we came to the meat section where whole hogs were being butchered and dead ducks hung by their feet in rows, my friends and my husband were in awe, while I had to excuse myself because my stomach was churning.
Fast forward a few months and my husband and I were attending a friend’s birthday party which was centered around pit-roasting a whole lamb. As family and friends gathered ‘round, they lifted the lamb out of the pit and onto the table while cheers erupted from the crowd.
Except for from me.
I was crying.
It was Bambi all over again.
I filled my plate with a few bites of the roasted lamb and once again pondered becoming a vegetarian.
Could I do it?
I decided to find out.
Taking the Plunge
Once I started cooking, I just couldn’t help myself: the pantry got a makeover.
After talking about this change extensively with my husband, in January of 2020 I decided to go for it.
For the first few months, I had a lot to learn (like, you know, how to scramble eggs) and found myself reaching out to my few vegetarian friends for recipes and reading articles about alternate sources of protein. I relied on those who had gone before me to help map out the path forward. It took a lot of willpower not to fall back on what was comfortable and familiar.
As I started cooking for the first time in my life, to my great surprise, I discovered when it didn’t include raw meat, I actually enjoyed it. So much so, I even decided to redo our whole pantry, complete with matching spice jars and decanted dry goods.
I finally understood the appeal of the Pinterest Pantry.
A New Sense of Gratitude
As I became more in tune with what went on my plate, I began to notice a change in my sense of gratitude. If we were at a friend’s house and they provided a delicious meal that included meat, instead of feeling guilty, I felt a deep appreciation for the life that was given in order for us to be nourished. If we splurged on a pepperoni pizza, I savored each bite because it felt like a special treat rather than an everyday expectation. In a strange way, I felt more connected to my food than ever before.
As a result, my husband and I began designating one night a week for Simple Supper which consists either of beans and rice (which more than half of the world subsists on) or ingredients that are about to expire thus reducing our food waste significantly. It is also a reminder that being able to choose what goes on your plate is in fact, a luxury.
Another unintended yet welcome result of my new flexitarian diet was revealed at my last doctor’s visit when I found out I’d lost ten pounds. (Take that, Pandemic!)
Healthy living.
Gratitude.
Using what you have.
Conscientious consumerism.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Find What Sparks Joy
The KonMari Lifestyle is about so much more than tidying your belongings. It is about carefully evaluating the choices you make every day through the lens of joy and letting go of those items, habits, and lifestyles that no longer serve you.
The reason why the KonMari Method has spread to over nine million readers worldwide isn’t because of the perfectly folded clothing bundles (though I am a fan of those); it's because of the impact it has on daily living.
But here’s the thing: Making a life change is hard.
And sometimes it can even feel impossible.
It means confronting habits you’ve built over the years. It means stepping back and evaluating how your choices make you feel each day. It means learning new skills. It means facing yourself.
It is also an opportunity for self-discovery.
For tuning into your values.
For shedding labels that have been placed on you by yourself or others.
For honing in on your core beliefs and aligning them with your choices.
That way, you don’t end up crying over a plate of lamb at your friend’s birthday party.
If you are ready to make changes in your home & life, give me a call. We CAN do this, together.
Until next time,
