For the last two weeks, my Facebook feed was flooded with articles of the world’s most organised guru, when the new Netflix series, Tidying up with Marie Kondo was aired. The series came at a fitting time as many were already planning to declutter with Chinese New Year around the corner.
I was no exception and was itching to put her method of organisation based on what sparks joy to the test. But I’ll have to put that off for a while more so I don’t get into a sneezing fit which may burst my stitches.
Does it Spark Joy
If you have been living under a rock and are still clueless about the KonMarie Method of tidying up, it can be summarised in 2 points.
- Tidy by category – not by location
Begin with clothes, then move on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items.
2. Discard items that no longer spark joy.
Aim to keep only things that speak to the heart, and throw away items that no longer spark joy for you. Thank them for their service – then let them go.
After I caught 3 episodes of the series, I can see why people are so quick to embrace her philosophy where folks have even termed themselves Kon-verts of her methodology.
What sets Marie Kondo apart is how she advocates respect for your belongings, including the embarrassing impulsive buys that still have price tags on them from years ago, and how her method also makes one more mindful of the things you own.
She encourages her clients to have a vision for their life which serves as a guide as they contemplate if an item is one they intend to carry with into the future.
While the end goal is not to throw away bags and bags of trash, most folks on the show end up decluttering tons of stuffs that they no longer need in their life after thanking them for the memories or service.
Successfully Decluttered your Life? Think Again.
What struck me the most after the show is that while we take pain and efforts to KonMarie our home, we often allow other things to accumulate in our lives.
Thing that may not be seen with our eyes but weigh upon our hearts and mind.
Like bad habits that need to be kicked.
Toxic relationships that should end.
Thoughts that must be surrendered.
Bad memories of the past that needs forgiveness.
Fears, doubts, bitterness, insecurities…
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
So often, these things are not cut off and we allow them precious real estate space in our lives to clutter up our hearts and minds. And worse when they surface to hurt us or haunt us time and again like a broken record.
Because these are not physical things like a wardrobe bursting at the seams or a drawer filled to the brim, they go unnoticed as no one knows.
No one except you.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17
But like those families who long for a change in their lives, a desire to clean up their act, how long more do you want to live with those bad memories, the hurts, the disappointments, and the bitterness that makes you miserable and unhappy?
Make Space for a New You
January is the time to start a clean slate and tell yourself that all these that are not profitable for your soul must go. There is no better time to let go, move on and make space for more in your life.
Last year, I let go of bitterness to forgive my Dad and extended the olive branch to ask him for forgiveness as well.
I let go of my pains and disappointments when I knew I had to go for my op because I know that I didn’t want to be bitter on the inside while trying to smile on the outside. I wanted to be healed, both on the inside and out.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2
They were the toughest things to do and if I had it my way, I know I don’t have the capacity in me to forgive or to let go. As cliche as it sounds, but it’s only when I chose to let go and let God and surrender them all at the foot of the cross was I able to accept what had happened and to look ahead to the future God has in store for me.
The pruning process will be uncomfortable. It may even be painful. But knowing that you will be more fruitful as you remain in Christ and Him in you, it will be all worthwhile.
If you enjoyed this post, you may like these posts where I share my heart about faith and relationship.
- When healing looks different for you
- Finding a new hope in the new year
- The day my husband asked for my forgiveness
- Why I’m happily married to my boring husband
Enjoyed reading this post? Do like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram (@ajugglingmom) where I share more faith and parenting posts.
Tagged: New year, new year resolution
Leave a Reply