Posted on: January 2, 2019

I spent New Year’s Day 2019 binge-watching “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix. While her method is time-consuming and extreme, it is also a perfect “spark” for conversation about living with less and appreciating what you have.

Yes, I have gone through my clothes (Lesson 1) numerous times before, but watching the show on New Year’s Day inspired me to gather all my regular items of clothing on the bed yet again! Per her instructions I was looking at if from a slightly different perspective – “What will I take into my future?”

…my underwear drawer has never looked more joyful!

Employing this perspective enabled me to expertly whittle the pile of 92 wardrobe pieces to 74. I took time to streamline and fold things the “Kondo” way. Already a saver of boxes of all sizes, I selected a few to use in my underwear drawer and it has never looked more joyful! Taking time to respect each individual item seemed relaxing and purposeful in the moment, so I am curious if I will take the time to maintain it going forward.

Reducing my already small capsule wardrobe by almost 20 items did leave “holes,” but I have been through that before. Overall, I am feeling satisfied and am looking forward to hitting up Revive Consignment in St. Charles this week for two “new” sweaters that spark joy for me to replace three I am letting go! I know exactly what I need, so I will be shopping with intention.

I had the pleasure of hearing Marie Kondo in person at the Chicago Humanities Festival in the spring of 2017, where the program described her approach as: “KonMari Method, a category-by-category approach that’s as much about being mindful, introspective, and optimistic as about organizing your things.”

I am pleased that Netflix is airing this program to coincide with the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professional’s Get Organized and Be Productive (GO MONTH) month. It is always fun to start the new year off with fresh, bold intentions!  I appreciate the simple, gentle format of the show and definitely recommend it for inspiration!

What will you take into YOUR future?