Decluttering: The Ultimate Joy+Catalyst

I love a good clean line. Those who know me know that I like modern with a touch of old (think Restoration Hardware but on a Payless budget). Dark wood, chrome, glass (not plastic). Paper shredded — not piled high — and a closet that I can believe in. So when — in early 2014 — I came across a tiny book by Marie Kondo called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I had to buy it. And once I finished reading it promptly bought copies for my closest friends and family. I did everything she suggested and have not looked back. I wish I had taken pictures at the time! Let’s just say that by the time I was done, I had gotten rid of enough stuff to furnish another 1-bedroom apartment. I gave everything away — to people I knew, people I didn’t know, organizations I loved, organizations I had never heard of. Even my 500+ CD music collection. Gone. I felt instantly lighter. My life changed dramatically. Even my body changed. I lost almost thirty pounds AFTER I quit my gym membership. It’s around that time I began charting my Joy journey!

“I started reaching for whatever would make me feel better — mostly chocolate — until I reminded myself that with every previous decluttering transition, I received more space for more joy, more sanity, and more time. ”

But as life would have it, I was not done decluttering. Here’s the thing, we will always need to declutter. Especially when we are in a period of transition or sense that change is necessary but aren’t ready to move forward. The accoutrements that provided a strong sense of security and stability are no longer beneficial. But because they had in the past, we hesitate, get stuck, or cease moving forward. You know this in your gut, but the release comes with trepidation and angst. This is to be expected; and, just because we are aware of it doesn’t make it any easier. As I’d soon learn.

Another life change was about to take place. I’d have to let go of role that I was never meant to have, sell my car, let go of support that was no longer supportive, and sit in a space that was as vacuous as a loft space for rent on Peerspace. I mean, why couldn’t I just throw out old clothes and call it a day???

I started reaching for whatever would make me feel better — mostly chocolate — until I reminded myself that with every decluttering transition, I have received more space for more joy, more sanity, and more time. More time for myself and others. So rather than gorge myself with anymore chocolate — and if you want good american chocolate, check out Economy Candy on the lower east side of NYC. Their breakup dark chocolate is EVERYTHING — I took some deep breaths and focused my intention on my joy. I began to let go and throw out whatever wasn’t useful. In that moment and in the moments soon after, things started happening. A business opportunity, a new gig, a creative collaboration, a new space, and more peace of mind. As soon as I accepted and let go, what was needed for the next chapter of my life had freedom to flow into my space. With those new opportunities, I could redecorate my psychic and physical space to suit the chapter of life I was stepping into. The hardest part was trusting that that the part of me that knew letting go would support my progress was worth listening to. Sisters, your gut is worth listening to!

What’s cluttering your space and has a grip on your mental energy or physical energy? It’s time to let it go. Toss it out. Let it be. Be thankful for what it provided you and taught you, and keep moving forward. You are worthy of a uncluttered life of joy. Live it! J+W