Recreate Your Future With Marie Kondo's Art of Tidying
Dorlee Michaeli, MBA, LCSW
Therapist | EMDR | Mental Health | Coach | Transforming Clients' Lives
Marie Kondo's Approach = KonMari Method
The KonMari method is simple,
You keep what sparks your joy,
Donate or discard all the rest,
But how can you do this?
And what impact will it have,
On your home or your life?
Marie Kondo’s magical recipe for tidyness,
Take a few minutes to think and envision,
Why embark on a mission of cleaning up?
What do you want to have/feel in your life?
With a picture in mind,
You are ready to begin!
Now, for the “how to,”
Take all items within one category,
Best to start with clothes,
And place them on your bed,
If this seems too overwhelming,
As it was for me…
Divide and conquer by breaking main category into,
Smaller, more manageable subcategories, such as,
Tops, bottoms, clothes, socks, etc.
Also, the KonMari method prescribes,
A particular order of evaluation,
From easiest to hardest…
Clothes first, books second,
Papers third, miscellaneous items next,
Lastly, those things with sentimental value,
Back to the your T’s, shirts and sweaters,
All spread out on your bed,
Oh my, what to do with all of these?
Pick up each article of clothing,
And ask yourself: Does this spark joy?
If “yes,” place it in the “keep” pile,
If “no/unsure,” it goes in the “donate/discard” bag,
How do you know if item sparks joy?
You will feel it in your body…
A smile will come to your face,
When it does not or you’re uncertain,
You are likely to pause and think.
There are two core reasons,
We hold onto unneeded items,
Attachment to the past, or fear of the future…
Do you see how it works?
You choose to surround yourself,
With only objects that bring you joy,
This helps you let go of the past,
Clearing the way for new changes,
Enabling dreams to be awakened…
New goals/missions established,
You may take on a new hobby,
Look for a different work position,
Or decide to go back to school,
To pursue a new career...
Where/how will your future change?
That is for you to determine…
The tidying festival is special,
You reconnect to yourself,
You discover what brings you joy,
And express gratitude to the things,
That gave you pleasure and lessons,
It is not an easy journey,
At the beginning, you waver,
Does this really bring me joy?
But as you keep doing this,
It starts becoming easier,
You suddenly know/understand…
What sparks your joy!
Your self-confidence grows,
You no longer hem and haw,
In tidying and other areas as well,
This is how KonMari decluttering,
May jumpstart your life and/or career!
Are you ready to join the tidying festival?
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Dorlee Michaeli, MBA, LMSW, SocialWork.Career
Social work consultant for both the Center for Financial Social Work and the University of Buffalo School of Social Work. Present work revolves around educating social workers and community advocates on how to help their clients develop a better relationship with money, so that they may learn to take control of their financial circumstances, as well as coaching on the mechanics and best practices of social media.
Social Work Career provides a variety of resources to help further your career whether you are a current student or an experienced mental health professional. What kind readers say about blog include: “an asset to mental health professionals of all levels,” "one of the top 5 social work resources that I recommend” and “a great resource for busy social workers.”
Stress Coach, Speaker, Freelance Writer
8yThanks for posting this article, Dorlee. I've just added this book to my list - many of which come from your recommendations. You've generated a lot of interest with this topic. When my mom passed away, I paid a fair bit of money to move some of her belongings out here to the West Coast. Over the years, with the exception of a few things I absolutely loved, I've found other "homes" for those items. I realized the memories of my mom were in my heart and not in the objects I had. Fewer things, makes cleaning easier - that's a joy when you live with a mobility-challenging disease. Now, about those books...
Career Coach and Personal Branding Strategist who enables professionals to articulate their value to achieve sustainable career success.
9yI'm so on board with this book, Dorlee! I've nearly finished reading it, and will put it into action, once I finish my current big project!!
Qualified Supervisor/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
9yWhat a great way to go through your stuff and donate what you don't wear anymore. Less clutter keeps the mind clearer.
Career Transition Coach, Change Mgt Consultant & Contemporary Visual Artist
9yI have to tell you that this post is offered with perfect timing for me. I, too, have been on a de-cluttering mission for several years, but with much more intensity these past few months. I have been trying so hard to clear a path for a different focus on my life during the past few months. And I know that means cleaning things out - in more ways than one. I struggle with this for sure. Having the first thought be - 'does this spark my joy?' is a wonderful new perspective. It makes perfect sense, and does make the job of letting go easier. I am going to follow this advice, because I am making a promise to myself that I will cleanse myself of burdensome "stuff" this year. And oh…it feels SO good when I do let it go. Even cleaning out one drawer makes me feel more free! I haven't utilized the phrase "does this spark my joy" as a guide - now I will. Clearing the way for change really does work. As always, Dorlee, the wisdom you share really hits home. Sometimes, it's a simple and wise suggestion; and to be reminded in a thoughtful way can make all the difference. Thank you.