SEPTEMBER 2021 | ISSUE NO.9
“To change skins, evolve into new cycles, I feel one has to learn to discard. If one changes internally, one should not continue to live with the same objects. They reflect one’s mind and the psyche of yesterday. I throw away what has no dynamic, living use.” ~Anais Nin
Dear Friends and Clients,
We all have things that we love in our homes, sometimes too many things, and sooner or later we have to decide whether to let some of these things stay or go. It might be an old dresser, a picture frame, or old tap shoes being held for years after they have served their purpose. But sometimes there are just too many memories attached to them that make it difficult for us to move forward with our lives and maintain balance in our homes.
It can be a struggle knowing how to let go even if you are a pretty tidy person. When time gets the better part of us we can become a messy person who hates messes!
Time was on my side after my parents departed from earth and my process of going through boxes was very slow and methodical. It was so slow that most of the boxes remained unopened and packed up. I decided it was time for divine intervention and hired my good friend Kate who owns a local tidy business specializing in The KonMari Method.
The KonMari Method
Whether KonMari is an entirely new concept or one you’ve been introduced to from Marie Kondo’s hit Netflix show, “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” – this concept will change the way you think about tidying! The KonMari Method is a Japanese style of tidying that believes everything in your home must spark joy and serve an important purpose. Simply put, all things without these qualities need to be removed from your home and life.
Decluttering was a breeze once Kate helped me KonMari my home and life! I wanted to start backwards with sentimentals, my parents’ boxes. But when Kate brought me back to the proper KonMari beginning to clothing, then books, and papers, (sentimentals are last and hardest!) this is where I saw the beauty in going in the right order. It’s easier to let go of every day things, not so easy when it’s sentimental. Sometimes we worked together in the category and other times Kate would split off and use her KonMari magic to transform smaller cluttered areas I didn’t even know existed, like my supplies for art hanging!
Our laundry room after Kate organized using KonMari method.
Behind the old curtain–Before & After
How Do You Eat an Elephant?
The answer is simple: One bite at a time–or one pile at a time!
When it came to the multitude of my parents’ boxes, Kate broke everything down into manageable bites. My 10 bites were:
1. Dumpster
2. Thrift Shop
3. Sell it on eBay
4. Local Consignment Shop
5. Street Giveaway
6. Library (for used books)
7. Give to Friends or Family
8. Local Church for Sheet Music and Music Books
9. Local Vintage Shop
10. KEEP!
Not only did this process of creating small bites make it easy to find new homes for these items, but it made letting go easier because they were going to a place where someone would enjoy them!
Using the KonMari Method is about letting an ocean of supply flow back into your life. In other words, you’ll discover that the simple act of tidying and letting go of these items gives an abundance of energy, clarity, and joy!
Make Space for the Things That Make You Happy
The power of KonMari changed my life bringing an abundance of time for new productive activities. It can change your life too. Start to experience KonMari for yourself with these 4 fundamental tips I adopted in my tidying process:
If it brings a smile, it can stay awhile.
Share the object of your attachment with another just to see the smile on their face!
Limit storage to one box per family member, no larger than a cooler!
You’re not only letting go of an object, you’re letting go of a desire to linger in the past.
You’re already an ace at tidying…
…but you need a fresh perspective on the energy in your space. Here’s an idea for you:
Imagine you’re about to move. Beginning with one room at a time, pack up all your accessories and books into moving boxes. After you’ve felt the energy of each room without these things, over time start adding back the items that spark joy or serve a useful purpose. In doing so, you might find yourself having a yard sale or giving something away.
The act of detaching will become second nature with practice and you’ll soon see an abundance of energy pouring into your life!
Interior Design For Inspired Living
Invite me to work with you and I promise to be unswayed by the passing dictates of fads. I will incorporate my love for the arts and the richness of color along with your vision and deliver an eclectic, yet balanced sensibility to your interior. Tell me about your project!
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