Tag: spark joy

What is the key to being able to let go and discard, for good?

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Focus on What Sparks Joy, not what to Discard

What adds value to your life? When you touch something that brings you joy-

• A feeling of thrill, often a full body experience
• A pleasing design/look that makes you feel peaceful
• An item with a high degree of functionality that makes life easier
• A sense of rightness
• An items thats useful in daily life

When faced with something that does not spark joy-

• you feel heavy
• your hands pause
• you tilt your head slightly and frown
• you have to think
• you feel guilty
• for essential items that don’t spark joy, think about the purpose

Prepare to Joy Check

Pick an easy category to start with – I recommend clothing.

Pile all items in one spot so you can see everything in that category at once. Example: pile all long, short, and sleeveless shirts that you own.

Creating a physical pile gives us that “wow” moment while also holding us accountable in the present.

Pick out your Favorite item(s)

Find one item in the pile that you love.

You know you love something because the instant you see and hold it, you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Sometimes items are less about happiness and more about practicality, usefulness, and function. Example: the blue shirt that goes with everything and is always washed regularly.

“Does it Spark Joy?”™

• Step 1: Pick up one item at a time
• Step 2: Hold it.
  • Ask yourself:
    • If this got stained/torn would I fix it?
    • If I lost this, would I buy it again?
    • Does this item enhance my life?
    • Do I feel like my best self with this item?
  • If you’re unsure if it Sparks Joy hug it close to your heart!
  • Gaze at it.
  • If it is clothing, please try it on!

Be Present

Be aware of how your body reacts to each item. You know you love something because that feeling is immediate. If you pause or have to think about an item – ask yourself, why?

• Was it a gift?
• Was it free?
• Have I used this? Why haven’t I ever used this?
• What was I really trying to buy in that moment?
• Does this item contribute to my ideal lifestyle?

What if I’m Struggling?

Pick 2-3 similar items and compare them. Really feel the item in your hand and think deeply about what purpose it plays.

Be Mindful.

Have the courage to let go and stop all thoughts of “What if-?” Remember your goals and think of how each item you keep or discard contributes to your ideal lifestyle.

Try not to focus on-

• reducing
• efficient storage methods
• feeling wasteful
• giving items away

Instead focus on-

• choosing belongings that inspire joy
• enjoying life according to your own standards
• appreciate how the items you discard supported you in your life
• what role each item has in your life

Keep items with Confidence

If you keep it then…

• Use and appreciate it.
• Create a forever home for every item: find it and know exactly what you have.
• It’s natural to not put away everything all the time. No one is perfect. Make it a priority to create positive habits. Maybe you won’t put belongings back all the time, every day, but commit to putting things away.

Please note items discussed on this post were from the Marie Kondo books and KonMari networking group. Find more resources here.