A book I read...

I just finished reading this book about de-cluttering and I wanted to share it with everyone I know. It's a short read for those of us with very little spare time but it is worth the time, I promise.  I borrowed it from the library because I am trying to cut down on the books I buy but, after reading it, I may go buy my own copy so I can go back to it over and over. 

The premise of Marie Kondos system is quite simple. Only keep things in your home that bring you joy. While I can't picture myself doing some of her suggestions (like thanking my possessions for helping me, this is just a little "out there" for me), I am in love with her process. ​Taking the time to evaluate every item in your home to see whether they bring you joy, stress or even unhappy memories is an extremely useful process. How many of us keep things we don't like just because they were a gift? How many people have junk drawer(s) filled with bits and bobs that we don't even look at and probably forget we have the instant we close the drawer. How many times have you bought something just to find you already had it in the back of a closet or in the garage?

If we only kept the things that truly made us happy, how much happier would your home be? How much happier would your LIFE be? 

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Now I'm not saying everyone should follow her process to the letter but I plan on trying this in the new year. I am so fortunate that I don't have the shortage of space that most people living in Japan (or many urban centers for that matter) have but I KNOW I have piles of stuff I don't need, want or love. Time to really clean my house. 

​Thank you, Marie Kondo, for inspiring me! ​

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