Well, I’m getting organized.

Earlier this month, I was looking through Instagram for a “minimalism” podcast when I found “The Minimalists” and their “30 Day Minimalism Game.” Honestly, I was scared I would end up with nothing by the end of it.

Here is how it works: the game begins at the beginning of the month. Each day that follows, the amount you get rid of increases by the number of that day. For example, on day one you get rid of one item, on day two you get rid of two items. Fast-forward to day 29 and you are getting rid of 29 items in one single day.

I thought to myself, I can’t possibly have that much to discard, but I was wrong. The truth is, decluttering can be as simple as going through your junk drawer and getting rid of old batteries you promised yourself you would recharge and never did. If you’re sustainably minded, you put those batteries aside and take them to your local recycling plant along with other discarded or outdated electronic waste at the end of the month.

The reality is, most of us have 465 items that we have entirely forgotten about. Are you still fixating on the number? Think smaller like expired coupons, old towels, or linens that don’t quite fit. We all have extras lying around, and some that could be of benefit to someone else.

“Clutter is not just the stuff on the floor—it’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living.” ~ Peter Walsh

As fate would have it, I caught the “minimizing” bug—which I called the organizing bug since it takes some pressure off. I wake up with the intention of organizing one area of the house. I begin with closets and work my way toward drawers and more prominent areas. Sometimes, thinking small can help us accomplish big things. 

During this process, I stumbled upon the Netflix series “Tidying up” with Marie Kondo, based on the book The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up. She breaks down the tidying process using the KonMari method, which has four categories: clothes, papers, komono (miscellaneous), and sentimental items.

Throughout the entire process, the family is encouraged to ask one question: does this spark joy? Such a beautiful way to reframe this process of letting go into an opportunity to cultivate more feelings of peace.

To be at peace in our home, we must be willing to let go of the stuff crowding our relationships, energy, and clarity of vision. We can get so overwhelmed by the thought of living with less that we do not give ourselves the gift of space. 

The space to create, to enjoy, and to grow together. 

What we are seeking in life will eventually catch up with us through a Google search, a television show, or even a random stranger. We have a choice to leap and go after what we are seeking now. 

My advice to you is to be open. I can honestly say that 30 days later, I feel more serenity in my home than ever before. There you have it, folks. A real-life tale of a woman in search of freedom and space to grow into the person she is in her heart.

Join me. It’s only scary when you think about doing it alone.

~