Does it spark joy?

Mom, on the brink of death (her week long stomach flu), stumbled across a book about organization. A real thrilling read, she thought.  But MAN, she was TIRED of always picking up...so why not? We have SO many toys. Well, we HAD so many toys.

Mom read this book in one day...and with two toddlers, that's pretty impressive (read: child neglect). She realized what a clean apartment could do for her soul...so it was an addicting read.  The main concept is that you literally go through EVERY item you own, hold it in your hands, reminisce about what led you to buy it (or acquire it), and then ask yourself if it makes you genuinely happy.  Strange, right?  Can a spatula make you happy?? Oddly, yes.

"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 fear for the future."

So mom started with her clothes. She threw them all on the floor. EVERY. LAST. SOCK.  It took awhile, but she touched and remembered her past...

-That blue dress she bought in Coronado, for the Navy graduation of a former boyfriend, but last minute decided on something else. And honestly, it never really looked good on her.

-The black off the shoulder shirt she wore with Apu in Montenegro...the week her life would change FOREVER.

-The pair of socks she dragged from San Diego to Budapest to Lyon...the ones she still hasn't worn because despite them looking super warm and fuzzy, they are UNCOMFORTABLE.

-The hideous vase she received, but couldn't throw out due to GUILT.

-And maybe a few of Apu's things that he will never know are missing (shhhhh....don't tell him)!!

In one fatal swoop (because that makes the change REALLY stick), she purged everything. Toys (she had to do this very quietly), papers, boxes of miscellaneous JUNK, ripped books that you literally couldn't read because multiple pages were missing, those random chords that multiply like bunnies, baby shoes, OUR clothes....a real mental and physical purge. 

 

IT WAS AWESOME!!!! She silently thanked some her clothes for a fun adventure, and looked back on some purchases and remembered the feeling of filling a void.  Everything has a story...and it was interesting to revisit them.

With two toddlers, that stuff ALWAYS somehow ends up on the floor.  If it's not physically IN the apartment, it can't end up under the couch!!!! A serious epiphany, I tell you! Your living space actually DOES affect your body and mind.  Mom LOVES a good detox. And you should see how much space that is now free! No more stuffing things to the brim, falling shelves...

Plus, there's an outreach program that gives clothes to new refugees...so why not help out a little?

Anyway, for those of you who care, the book is called, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying," by Marie Kondo. It's just as much about psychology as it is getting organized.  This is a life changer. 

 
(Every single toy has a place with room to spare!)

Mom also hopes this holds true with any future (frivolous) purchases! She already found herself questioning some items. WHY am I buying this? Just because I can? Will it add to my life? Or am I bored? Looks like mom and apu will finally be able to start saving some money!

Unfortunately, mom also said Santa will only be brining us one toy each for Christmas.  Cheap 'ole Santa!! Looks like I need to find this "book" and get rid of it!!!!  Of course, I requested a life size doll house!