Does this spark joy?
From now until the end of time, this is the only question that truly matters to me. I can thank Marie Kondo for this revelation; her new Netflix series, Tidying Up, asks participants to go through their possessions and pick them up one-by-one and ask that simple question.
Now, I can’t help but follow suit.
Maybe I’m a bandwagoner, but honestly, I can just relate. I too have piles of clothes, and a few drawers of junk that are left sitting and wallowing in their thin layer of dust. Does everyone have a drawer dedicated entirely to manuals and appliance instructions? Those could maybe spark a flame, but probably nothing else.
I’m asking this question beyond items, too. It’s funny, since I never expected a reality show about organizing homes to lead to existential exploration. But here I am, sitting and wondering about clutter that has built up internally, filling the cracks and crevices of my mind and spirit.
Does this spark joy?
How often do we pause to ask ourselves basic questions? More times than not, I just assume I know the answer and am acting on a path to right-ness. I make decisions based on plans and goals, and I rarely question if those plans and goals align with my own happiness.
And I guess, after asking the question, you have to make a decision: can you put off that joy for a little while?
My best example is my heaviest. You know what does not make me happy? My freelance writing gig. It simply doesn’t. I feel stressed and both under and overwhelmed, all at once, nearly each night in the work week. However, my goals of financial security, which will lead to a house and a dog and a sense of home for my husband and I, do spark joy. And the paycheck I get every two weeks? A lot of it. I sing along to Cardi B’s “Money,” relating to her track more than I’d like to admit.
I have a new task. Even when it isn’t easily answered, don’t write off the question. Even when it’s complicated and open-ended and I don’t like the results, I shouldn’t stop digging deeper, to the source of my emotions. In just about every facet of my life, sparking joy is a catalyst into a deeper and more fulfilled conversation with myself.
Thank you, Marie. I hope to never stop asking.
Love this girl!! It’s so important to do things that bring us joy!! Cannot stress that enough. What a beautiful read! Xo
Thank you! Agreeeeed. It’s so important, in all facets of life. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! xx
Nothing wrong with being a bandwagonner! I’m there too – great reflection on an important question 🙂 ❤️
Some things are worth jumping on board for! Thank you so much for reading. 🙂
This is a good thing to think about, we really should focus on having joy in our lives, this is a very well written post!😊
It can be hard, but is so worth it, always. Thank you so much! 🙂
A fabulous read & lovely to find your blog xxx
Thank you so much! xx
What an incredible read! I’m huge fan of the KonMari method myself. It is definitely important to do things that “spark joy” in our lives! xo
It’s easy to both implement and love! Thank you so much for reading. 🙂
I’m really glad that her method is helping you but I honestly can’t stand it. I think it oversimplifies so many things on a practicality level and ‘joy’ doesn’t necessarily equate to other emotional attachments we can have to certain things. Clearly never going to be a minimalist 😂 x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
I can TOTALLY see where you’re coming from. Other emotions are just as valid and important to have, and are translated into possessions. I think if I can find some kind of balance, and take her advice with a little asterisk, that’s when it works best for me. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!
I really like the question… does this spark joy! I think I need to ask this question of things in my life more.
I think it can be easy to forget to ask ourselves! Maybe it doesn’t apply to all things and conquests in life, but it can be a positive change in some areas. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Reading your post made me think of my goals too, and whether I’ll be happy achieving them or not. Nice post.
By the way, talking about tidying, I just started reading a book about a method of tidying. We might think it is ridiculous but it is really important and can change someone’s daily life and hapinness.
I never knew what a strong connection I had to be organized and tidy! It really does make a difference. Thank you so much for reading and leaving your feedback!
Honestly, first response in my head: “OMG I need to watch that show with my boyfriend who clutters our house with stuff he buys and never uses!”
Lol! I watched with my husband, and I think it helped both of us so much! It’s worth it and has lots of good tips for everybody. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Very thought-provoking! It’s quite a good way to look at every aspect of your life, isn’t it? There’s always going to be something that doesn’t spark joy, but hopefully, the results will!
Lovely post 🙂
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
Very true! And maybe it isn’t sustainable for all things, but it’s an important question to consider for who we really want to be. Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
Beautifully put! The concept of following joy is more complicated than it’s made out to be. I do hope you can change some facets of your freelance writing gig to make it somewhat more enjoyable?
Thank you! And that’s a good idea. Lately I’ve been taking on less projects, and I think that’s been a nice reset for my mental health. Always good to check in with ourselves. Thank you for reading! 🙂