Decluttering: The Path to Joy
As a busy mom, the lines between joy and happiness can sometimes blur, but understanding the distinction is crucial for sustained emotional well-being. Recently, I heard someone say, "Joy can exist even through uncomfortable moments," which resonated deeply with me. It made me think of spring cleaning, a task that can be both daunting and liberating. This revelation prompted me to explore the concepts of joy and happiness, particularly in the context of decluttering.
Joy vs. Happiness: What’s the Difference?
Happiness
Happiness is often a fleeting, situational emotion. It's that rush you get from a pleasant experience, like achieving a goal, spending time with loved ones, or indulging in a favorite activity. While these moments are precious, they can be exhausting to chase because they rely heavily on external circumstances.
Joy
On the other hand, joy is a deeper, more profound state of being. It's an inner gladness or peace that transcends external situations. Joy can be felt even during challenging times and is often associated with gratitude, connection, and spiritual fulfillment. Shifting from seeking happiness to living in joy requires practice, but it’s a worthwhile endeavor.
Decluttering your home isn't just about creating a tidy space; it's about fostering an environment that supports your well-being and allows you to focus on what truly matters. Marie Kondo’s book "Spark Joy" emphasizes this concept beautifully. The act of asking whether an item "sparks joy" is not just about physical belongings but also about emotional and mental clarity.
Personal Experience
I recently tackled the clutter in my kitchen, bathroom, and my 4-year-old Charlie's room. The transformation was nothing short of joyous. Walking into these newly organized spaces has brought me a sense of peace and new energy. Bedtime, which used to be a chaotic ordeal, has become more manageable and joyful since purging more than half of Charlie’s toys and outgrown clothes.
Benefits of Decluttering
Sense of Accomplishment: Tackling clutter and organizing your space can give you a tangible result to feel proud of, boosting your mood and self-esteem. It also helps you realize how much physical stuff you hold on to… It makes me wonder if I’m holding on to this much stuff; what emotional and mental stuff am I holding on to?
Physical Comfort: Removing clutter creates more space, contributing to physical comfort and relaxation. For me, it feels like the weight of the stuff is gone.
Reduced Stress: Less stuff means less work. One less toy to pick up before bed. Clutter can be visually and mentally overwhelming, adding to feelings of stress and anxiety. The day-to-day hustle of working full-time and motherhood is already overwhelming in itself; it feels good to let go of things you don’t need. Decluttering can help alleviate these negative emotions by creating a sense of order and calm in your surroundings.
Enhanced Focus: With fewer distractions and obstacles in your space, you may find it easier to concentrate on tasks and activities that bring you joy, whether at work or having more time to connect with your kids.
Rediscovering Treasures: Reconnecting with these treasures can evoke feelings of nostalgia and joy. Let all the joyful things live in plain sight instead of under the rubble of all the crap! Figuratively and literally!
Greater Appreciation: By letting go of the excess and focusing on the things that truly matter to you, you can cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude and contentment.
3 Steps to Stressless Decluttering
Start Small: Do one room or drawer at a time. I really like @GoCleanCo’s Declutter Bingo for this.
No Time Frame: There’s no need to add a time frame or end goal. If your spring cleaning seeps into the summer or even the fall, so be it! Take your time.
Let It Go, Elsa: Donate, sell, or trash unwanted things immediately. Then move on to the next.
3 Things to Consider Purging
Digital Clutter: Look for clutter beyond your home. For me, Instagram, my Inbox, and my photos are good places to start. I spend no more than 10 minutes a day doing this.
The Closet: This is a hard one for me, but @OrganizeDetroit taught me to hard purge my closet seasonally. When seasons change, you know what you wore and didn’t wear. I let go of clothes, even if they fit, that are in style or that you spend more money on. I have to let it go if I'm not wearing it.
Books: Books are one of the things people have the most. I haven’t started my book purge, but I know I have more books that I haven’t read than I have read. From now on, I’m only buying books I actually read and like! I’m rediscovering my relationship with the library and my Kindle.
Conclusion
Overall, decluttering can bring joy by creating a harmonious and uplifting environment that supports your well-being and allows you to focus on the things that truly matter in your life. Bring on the joy!
So, moms, as you embark on your decluttering journey, remember that it’s not just about the clean spaces but the joy and peace that come with it. Embrace the process, take your time, and let go of what no longer serves you. Your future self will thank you.