About 3 months ago, my friend Morgan kept talking about the KonMari Method. We were on the phone, and I said, “What are you talking about? Are you saying calamari?” She burst out laughing and told me about the book by Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and even reminded me that it was sitting up on my bookshelf, collecting dust, and definitely not sparking joy. She told me to get started so we could talk about it.

Boy, did I get started. Cue me tearing about my entire apartment; nothing was safe from my attack. If you don’t know the book, and you’re looking to not only tidy up your stuff, but tidy up your entire life, I really do recommend it. No, I don’t work for her (though secretly wish I do). The premise is to only fill your home with clothing, books, objects, mementos that really bring you joy. Of course, this prompted a debate with my mother with comments such as,

“Oh you millenials think it’s so trendy to live small, but when the day comes that you need to borrow a weed whacker because you gave yours away, then you will realize why real people hold onto things!”

OK, totally hear you on keeping the essentials Mom. Don’t worry I won’t get rid of my toaster or printer.

But aside from that, I really took to the idea. And the crazy thing is, some of the most important milestones of last year happened while I was cleaning out the house. I applied to nursing school, then I got accepted to nursing school. I got a job in California, and I gave my notice at work the day that the last box was donated. I refuse to think it was a coincidence. I didn’t just tidy stuff, I tidied my mind. I made plans and took some risks. I followed ideas that sparked joy. I put my faith in those ideas that made me happy. All while learning that socks should be folded and that my purse needs to have a rest at the end of the day. I also got rid of my entire storage unit and got $120/month back in my pocket. #winning

I think there’s really something to this idea. How often do we hold on to things because we feel obligated? How often do we DO things simply out of that obligation? Yes there are plenty of tasks or occasions we *should* acknowledge because it may be right, and we do them because we are good people. But I know I have made so many smaller decisions based on that nagging feeling of guilt or obligation. Unpacking the boxes made me unpack the feelings too, made me recall both the good and bad memories, the challenges and the triumphs. I learned that I didn’t need to hold on to the stuff of memories to still have the memories; getting rid of books didn’t negate the fact that I read them, getting rid of (some) trophies and medals didn’t erase the accomplishment. I let go. Furthermore, I let go of items that brought me guilt and shame. I let go of my wedding stuff, internally thanking my purchases for helping me learn the lesson I needed and become the person I am now.

Ultimately, I made room for the possessions that I really love, the memories I want to hold dear, and only the socks without any holes.