🧺 Finding Joy in the Mess
My Take on The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
My brother, whose 10 years younger, bought me a copy of “The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo. Why? because we both have a love for manga and because I always have a need to organize and arrange things in the home. I thought the read was going to be a hilarious joke! Little did I know it was life changing! I went into an organizing frenzy for a week and came out feeling like life was clear as Lake Superior.
This book surprised me in the best way. I’ve been turning to Marie Kondo’s advice whenever life feels a little too out of order. It’s not really about folding clothes — it’s about learning to focus on what matters most and clearing the noise so you can actually enjoy it.
Spark Joy, But Make It Real
Marie Kondo asks one deceptively simple question: “Does this spark joy?”
At first, I rolled my eyes. (Joy? From my old kitchen scissors?) But, then I paused. These scissors always cut my fresh green onions that top my ramen, that I love so much.
The more I read, the more I realized — it’s less about the object and more about the pause.
That pause between holding something and deciding its fate becomes a small meditation.
A moment of self-reflection, a whisper of gratitude.
Sometimes, the answer is “no,” but that no frees up room for the things that do.
And honestly? I’ve started asking that question about everything — clothes, hobbies, even groceries.
Folding, But Make It Therapeutic
Okay, confession: I actually enjoy folding now, yes even underwear!
There’s something oddly peaceful about turning chaos into neat stacks — it feels like origami for the soul.
How the heck does everything of different sizes fit together so nicely? Does life work like that too in the end?
Marie’s method turns mundane chores into quiet rituals.
I’ll put on a lo-fi playlist, light a candle, and thank my work uniform for serving me another busy week.
It’s not just tidying — it’s soft therapy disguised as domesticity.
More Than Just Minimalism
What I love about Marie Kondo is that she never tells you to get rid of everything — she tells you to listen.
It’s not about having less, it’s about making space for more meaning.
When you declutter your home, you also declutter your mind.
And as someone who’s constantly juggling family life, restaurant noise, and creative projects, that idea hits home.
Sometimes, tidying up isn’t about perfection — it’s about peace.
My Takeaway
The life-changing magic isn’t really in the folding or the donating.
It’s in learning to care — for your space, your things, and yourself.
It’s realizing that every object you choose to keep tells a little story about who you are right now.
So no, my home isn’t perfectly tidy. Are you kidding me? I have a 12 year old son, 75lb sheepadoodle and ADHD husband where things are left half done often.
But it’s filled with joy — a little uneven, a little loud, and perfectly mine.
Have you tried the KonMari method before?
Drop a comment below — tell me what actually sparks joy for you lately (bonus points if it’s not a sock drawer). 🧺✨
