We are only 2 weeks into this challenge. And I fully intend to go through all the lessons as described in the book. But I have to say, I keep finding little nuances that I struggle with. I can't make sense of it all. Like I have said before, not all organizing methods are gonna work for everyone. And that is true with this method as well. It obviously works for a lot of people, or they wouldn't have been able to make an entire television series about it!
I understand the whole "spark joy" thing. Keep everything that sparks joy, she says. But as I did the books lesson, I realized that while I had some books that "sparked joy", I really didn't want to keep them. I had finished reading it, and I loved it, but I know I won't read it again. So why should I keep it? There is mention of considering the purpose the book had when I purchased it. The purpose was to read it, and I did that so now it's purpose is ended. "Keep only those books that will make you happy just to see them on your shelves, the ones that you really love"...quoted from page 90. So yes, this book would make me happy to just see it on my shelf, but I don't understand why that's reason enough to keep it. I will likely never take it off the shelf again, at least not to read it. I got rid of quite a few books that sparked joy just because I knew I wouldn't read it. If it's purpose has been fulfilled why should I keep it? Now, I'm not saying I got rid of everything. I kept a few books, like the organizing books I have already read. And I kept them because I know I will refer back to them for work. Some of them gave me a lot of interesting ideas to blog about and ways to help certain clients. I put sticky notes on certain pages that made me think of a certain client. Then I made a note in their file to refer back to the book when we get to that part of the project. Does this mean the other books didn't spark joy like I thought they did? Maybe. This is the stuff that makes me go "hmmm".
I had this same issue with the clothing lesson. There were a few items I ended up getting rid of even though it made me very happy to see it in my closet. I had this one cowl neck sweater that I loved. It was cozy, and comfortable. It went with anything because the color was neutral, and it didn't make me itchy like a lot of other sweaters. But it didn't fit anymore. I faced the fact that I have gained a few pounds, and those pounds always go to the bust and the tummy first! Ladies, you understand...haha! And since I am not actively trying to lose that weight, why should I keep it? So I parted with it.
I think of it this way...have you ever gone shopping and found a top that you really LOVE on the hanger? But when you try it on, it just doesn't work? When that happens I get a little disappointed because I still love it on the hanger and I want it, so desperately, to look the same on me. The question is this...Do you still buy it because you like it? I don't. That would be a waste of money, right? This is how "retail therapy" gets people in trouble. I used to LOVE indulging in a little retail therapy but I would get my credit card statement and realize quite quickly that it was not worth it! So don't resort to shopping when you're bored, or feeling down. It will never end well. I promise.
Even though this is the second time I've read the book, there are some things I'm seeing for the first time, and some things I am questioning this time around. Maybe I am part minimalist, but not full on minimalist because I can't get rid of everything. And there is not a chance I'll stop getting new stuff. I mean honestly, there are some things you just have to have. But there is a fine line between just enough and too much. Like with shoes or clothes, I truly don't understand why some people have 100 pairs of shoes. I only have about 20 and sometimes I feel that's too much because there are some I rarely wear. Like the 6 pair of high heel dress shoes. I might wear one pair once a year. But the pairs I have are mostly timeless styles so I know that I can wear them in a couple years and they won't be "out of style". Let's face it, we all still want to dress fashionably even if we say we don't care. If you have something so totally out of style, you aren't going to wear it. Like a pair of bell bottom jeans or those oh so stylish stir up pants from the 80's...LOL. Maybe there are some of us who truly don't care. But I am not one of them. ;)
I can admit that I have made some regretful purchases in the past. But because of them, I really do try to be more thoughtful of what I do buy. Those regretful purchases are usually the ones I find hardest to get rid of because I feel so guilty for buying it in the first place and that I feel even more guilty if I just get rid of it! And now, as I'm typing this, I feel like I'm starting to sound like Ms Kondo LOL. I think I read something like this in the book...haha!
Yes, I get satisfaction out of getting rid of some stuff. But I am realistic about it. Seriously, if we kept everything forever, can you imagine how our homes would look? We wouldn't be able to move or function in our own homes. So, if you're being realistic, you should be purging things on a regular basis. Yeah, I know not everyone will feel the same way but that's ok, right?
I think I'll end this here even though I could probably go on forever. But I would end up all over the place and probably confuse you all even more than I already have.
Or may be you do get me...
Next week, is the Paper lesson. And if there is anything I have learned since I started helping people get more organized is that most people hate to part with paper. No matter what it is.
In the meantime, Happy Organizing!
PS...I will be updating the website soon, so be on the lookout for some new content in the coming weeks.
