The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
I've only had this book for four days and there is an actual mountain of discards on my kitchen floor. Good stuff, too, not trash. But things I've realized I'd rather live without.
Marie Kondo's approach to tidying is the symmetrical opposite of what I've always practiced. Before, I would ask myself: "Can I get rid of this?"
Marie has you ask: "Does this give me joy?" The answer, a lot of times, is "Not really, no." Boy, does that make it easy to let go of things.
And when things are gone, suddenly it is so much easier to keep the house clean. To keep my mind on my task; to get to that thing I was putting off; to breathe. Life is changed indeed, for the better!
13 comments:
I'll look at the library for this book. I've really pared down the house but I don't think nearly enough. It's amazing what accumulates in a small abode with 5 people. I like the joy part. My thinking is akin to yours previous to your reading the book.
Sounds like a very interesting book! I'm in decluttering/organizing mode right now, and I'm very ready to part with things that don't bring me joy. :)
It must be in the air. I'm doing the same. The hardest things are those heirlooms...I might take a look at the book too Anna.
Oh yes Anna, isn't it an amazing approach to decluttering? When I read it earlier this year I was astounded by the simple thoughtful perspective. I have the library shelves to prove the worth of this method, library shelves which were, in the past, my nemesis.
Hello Anna,
You seem so organized. I wonder if you have any tips for streamlining grocery shopping? I've just discovered that many people are using Amazon Prime for all grocery shopping needs except produce, but I hesitate somehow. Do you have any experience with online grocery shopping? Or any thoughts for those of us who frequent grocery stores more than we would like. Thank you.
Sandra
Thanks for the book recommendation. This is just the kick in the pants I need!
This book sounds fascinating.
Now that we are empty nesters, my husband and I have downsized a great deal. I have even gotten rid of things I really like.
But there is more to do and reading your post today was a "ya ha" moment. I will even today think of things I have that do not bring joy, those that can be given to charity where perhaps someone has been waiting for that very object.
what a wonderful title! I thought you were going to talk about tidying, though, not purging of stuff. Fascinating.
I'm struggling with this. A while back, when I was feeling very ruthless, I threw out a lot of very old photos of long dead 'ancestors'. I barely knew who they were and, no, they didn't give me joy. Latterly though I have been researching family history and some of those pictures would have provided fascinating clues and insights.
For Lilian L with the heirlooms, have you considered selling them and then using the money to buy one beautiful something that you really love, which will always have a special meaning for you?
A postscript. I'd like to thank you for drawing my attention to this book. I am still reading it but feel really hopeful that this might well deliver life changing magic. I've never been one for self help books, but this one has clicked with me and now I am spreading the word. I am able to put my fears about throwing away too much into a new philosophical context. Thought provoking indeed.
It is freeing to be able to part with things that make keeping house joyless at times. I often try to look at my house as if I was a visitor when I'm cleaning and a mover when I'm organizing. Or something like that. The books sounds intriguing.
Anna: Thank you so much for sharing this book. I found it had many helpful ideas. (MD)
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