Marie Kondo, The Minimalists & Me

How much stuff do you have?  Clothes?  Shoes?  Knick knacks?  

What kind of things have you collected that is sitting around collecting dust?  

Or purchased products stashed for use later because they were on sale?

Shortly after losing my job, I watched a Netflix documentary called Minimalism about two guys who had it all: six-figure jobs, the latest techno stuff, gaming devices, lavish vacations, partying friends.  Then they decided they weren’t happy, so they quit their jobs and set out on a journey to finding happiness and a more meaningful life with a Minimalist Lifestyle. That involved selling or giving away all their belongings, keeping only what was essential and had a purpose, like a chair, a table, a toothbrush! They also decided to clean up their act with better diets, healthful practices, and better relationships that supported these changes.  And they also devoted their energy to promoting a movement and their story called Minimalism.

This documentary validated my guidance to put into motion what I had started: decluttering my life. Losing my job was a HUGE step in the right direction! When I began to evaluate my belongings, I felt suffocated, realizing how bogged down I felt by my stuff: clothing, sizes 8 to 2X, articles I’d worn, grew out of, or never wore with price tags still on them in the hope of “fitting into them one day.” I had a stash of Bath and Body Works products I’d bought on sale two Christmases ago that had gone from aromatic essences to stinky!  I also had TONS of Pampered Chef kitchen tools that I never used, used once or twice, or of which I had two or three that was taking up space in my cabinets and drawers.  I had six boxes of Christmas decorations – numerous strings of working lights, decorations collected since the 80’s, two or three tree skirts, oodles of cookie and candy giveaway boxes and bags, and countless spools of ribbons to make gift bows. And I don’t even have a Christmas where I exchange a lot of gifts with anyone! Then there were the boxes of file boxes of papers, journals, and writings, as well as countless folders from past classes I taught in Denver and Evansville.

Is that what people mean when they say they have baggage?  Not really but it’s a physical baggage that was weighing me and my energy down.  I started purging cabinets, drawers, closets, Rubbermaid bins, attic boxes, shelves, and any flat surface and wall for stuff I didn’t need, use, or want.  I sold stuff on Facebook, which was surprisingly successful, then did a yard sale which was a major flop due to a cold snap. The rest I donated to a local thrift store that sells and donates the profit back to local charities. That felt good to help the community AND to clear my life of over 200 articles of clothing!

I have more I would like to clear out of my life, and it is a process.  I’m not ready to let go of some sentimental items yet, but I’ll get there.  And with Marie Kondo’s help, I can really connect with what “sparks joy” as I move forward. I’m not going to the extreme of these Minimalists, and I sure don’t think I can live with only 33 items of clothing!(Project333.com if you want to learn more about that!)

• Did you know that clutter around you increases your stress levels, which lead to anxiety?
• Did you know that tolerating excessive clutter drains you of your energy?
• Did you know that when you make space – physically and mentally – in your life that you activate the Law of Attraction for greater and more meaningful things into your life?

The key is to ensure what you keep has purpose or “sparks joy.”  And be careful not to buy more stuff!  The goal is to attract more into our lives but in the form of experiences, money, opportunities, enjoyable friendships, and maybe, even a romantic relationship!

Clear your clutter, and you clear your space to breathe easier, have less things to deal with, less frustration when opening a closet or finding something you need. For me, it also means less dusting and laundry!!  Woohoo!

• What closet could you start with?
• What clothes could you share with someone who had to leave everything she owned to get away from an abusive husband?
• What kitchen items could you do without and offer to someone who lost their home to a fire?
• What do you want more of in your life that doesn’t sit in a closet, on a shelf, or in a box in the attic?

Start clearing away! Make Marie Kondo proud!