Marie Kondo’s books, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy, were as helpful as any other book I read last year. If you’re having a hard time letting go of excess stuff in your life (and finding joy), start tidying your physical world. Emotional benefits will accompany the process.
Here are ten of my favorite quotes (in bold and underlined) from Marie Kondo. I added a few of my thoughts as a commentary. I hope you enjoy them:
Image from Twitter: @MarieKondo
Never discard anything without saying thank you and good-bye.
This is the quote that first piqued my interest in Marie’s work. Never let go of an article of clothing, a book, a note, a random tool, or a sentimental item without first saying Thank You, and then Good-Bye.
Our internal experiences are no different than our physical things: past beliefs, memories, emotions, or even relationships. For good or for bad, all experiences shape us into who we are. So thank them all, especially if you have a need to say good-bye to any of them.
Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.
The process of discarding and organizing confronts your emotions about the past, as well as your fears about the future. Your stuff (things that bring you joy and things that don’t) will show you what you value most in life.
We can only transform our lives if we sincerely want to. Small changes transform our lives.
Transformation and growth are almost imperceptible. However, little-by-little, it naturally occurs, if we allow it to.
Anxiety arises from not being able to see the whole picture. If you feel anxious, but are not sure why, try putting your things in order.
Letting go releases emotional clinging and brings clarity to life. Create a little sanctuary where you can let go of your anxieties and fears. As Kondo explains, “everyone needs a sanctuary.” Why not make your living space one? You probably spend more time there than anywhere else.
Follow your intuition and all will be well.
The process of discerning the things that spark joy in your life, versus those that don’t, makes you more intuitive. Follow your intuition; you will feel fulfilled and content.
Tidying orders and relaxes the mind.
Your attuned interaction with your things becomes a form of relaxation. Kondo recommends this as a morning ritual, void of any other distractions.
There are two reasons we can’t let go: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.
Tidying is therapeutic. There is a tangible and emotional release of what holds us back. It is freeing. Pay attention to what you have a difficult time letting go of and what makes you worried about the future.
Tidying your physical space allows you to tend to your psychological space.
Once you have your physical world in order, you can more effectively tune in to your internal world (and vice versa). They are inexorably related.
People cannot change their habits without first changing their way of thinking.
There is such a strong parallel in her work with physical space and psychotherapy with the internal.
Cherish the things you love. Cherish Yourself.
Find what you truly cherish in life. Cherish who you are and what brings you the most joy and fulfillment. Don’t let stuff, or worries, get in the way or distract you from the life you want!
There were dozens of other quotes to choose from that really stood out to me. If you are interested, her books are very enjoyable and will ‘spark’ finding more joy in your life.
