“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.” 
― Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Y’all. Let me tell you… You have not truly experienced the joy of tidying up until you actually sit down and read Marie Kondo’s book. There are so many processes and thoughts in there that aren’t shown in her Netflix special that are invaluable. Do yourself a favor and either read it or listen to it on Audible (you get 1 free book a month!)

Anyway, I am a self-professed shopping addict and hoarder of craft supplies, so my place was in need of a deep clean. Through my tidying up journey, I learned a few things that I wanted to share that have definitely changed my well-being…

• It’s so easy to get dressed in the morning when things are where they should be and folded in a way that you can see all items at a glance in a drawer. I like to hit the snooze button a few times, so this has definitely been a game changer!

• I literally wore about 5% of my clothes. Through organizing my closet, I have truly kept clothes that “spark joy”. I have found that I have begun to wear clothes that I haven’t worn in forever and have found that I appreciate them so much more now.

• Coming home to a tidy living room is the greatest feeling after a busy day! Once you put everything in their own place, it literally takes 5 minutes of your day to return them to their rightful place.

• Having a kitchen that is organized to the T (down to the fridge and freezer) has made cooking a joy! No more digging through the freezer and forgetting what groceries you have bought.

• I have been able to carefully evaluate what other parts of my life spark joy and that has made letting go of toxic friendships so much easier.

• Lighting candles, using oil diffusers and having fresh flowers really do make the room lighter. Use these every day and I promise you, you will see a difference in your stress level.

• I feel excited to have guests over more often because I don’t have to worry about the place being a mess. Good company is always a nice thing to have.

All this to say… I truly value and cherish the items that I have now. Even down to my SOCKS! Marie talks about how your socks take such a beating during the day and how you should treat them with care. It’s a kind of fullness that averts you from buying unnecessary things when you're out shopping. It sounds insane, but makes so much sense once you have gotten into her mind through the book. Give it a read, I bet it’ll truly spark joy! ;)