I crave a simple life. A life that is uncluttered, peaceful and serene.  In my mind, I can picture exactly what this life should look like.  I picture my home clean and uncluttered with lots of white mixed with neutrals and textures. A peaceful place to reside.  I picture days clean and uncluttered combining a sweet mix of meditation, healthy activities and creative time.  Is this realistic?  Probably not.  However, for me it is a goal worth striving for.

I have recently been reading The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, a book about getting rid of the clutter in your home.  Her advise is to get rid of everything in your home that does not “spark joy.” She suggests that you hold each item in your hand and if it does not spark joy than it is history.  You then thank the item for its service as you say your good-byes.  That process may sound silly, but if you have attachment issues, it could be helpful in your quest to releasing your possessions.

This isn’t my first venture into getting rid of clutter, or tidying up as Kondo calls it.  I’ve been trying to declutter my home for several years now!! However, Kondo’s recommendation is to get rid of all your clutter in one fell swoop, not more than six months. So now I have a deadline!  I’m using July 6 as my start-up date which means I should be completely finished by January 6, 2016!  I will keep you posted on my progress!

I am familiar with the blog Becoming Minimalist  and other like-minded souls. Their doctrine is that cutting back on your possessions will allow you more time and more freedom to live your life as you really choose.  Once your free of so many possessions, you have the time to devote to creative activities or travel or whatever you might choose.   In accordance with this, Kondo’s promise is that if you tidy up your home one time thoroughly and completely, you will then have the freedom to spend your time in a more relaxing and creative way.

In my quest for serenity and simplicity, I am going to take Kondo up on her challenge.  Once again, I am going to attempt to release my possessions in search of a sweeter, simpler life.  Wish me luck!

Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride!