What Sparks Joy?
Organization and Action Steps to Know What Sparks Joy
Marie Kondo tells us to keep only that which sparks joy. But what if everything brings you joy? This is a struggle for many. This is especially true of those who have a tendency to hoard things. There isn’t an emotional story for every item you have, so really consider the importance and joy things bring to you. Look to The Uncluttered Life’s Declutter Deck® for tips and tricks about home organization.
Organization
Starting with a small section, drawer, or corner is less overwhelming because you have a smaller number of things to make decisions about keeping. See our Declutter Deck®, which breaks down the decluttering process into bite-sized pieces.
It’s okay if you want to hold on to many things. This process is reconditioning the nervous system so that you feel safe during decluttering and with less.
Whatever decision you make about decluttering an item or not, is okay. Give yourself a little grace. This allows the decluttering, sorting and editing process to stay positive and you’re never forced outside your comfort zone.
Once we discover the need behind our focus on keeping things, we can begin to detach the emotion from the item. Maybe you want to journal about it.
Positive reinforcement is important. It is what encourages us to step forward to continue the decluttering process.
Action Steps
When you’ve chosen your space to declutter, scan everything and pick one thing that doesn’t spark joy. Pick it up and place it to the side. Continue this process until you have let go of everything you feel confident about letting go.
For each item, rate your emotional attachment. The scale can go from 1 to 10. If you rate it a 1-3, it can easily be let go. If it rates 8-10, automatically allow yourself to keep it. If something rates between 4-7, allow yourself to process the emotions associated with it and figure out why you are holding onto the item. Then decide whether to keep it or let it go.
When we have detached the emotion from the item, we can then feel free to let it go and transfer the joy to someone else.