On “Sparking Joy”

What does “spark joy” mean do you? You may have heard this phrase, which is a translation of the Japanese word tokimeku from Marie Kondo’s books. And why are we using it to declutter and tidy our items?

"The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo

Marie describes it as an excitement rising in your body, the thrill when you see an item. Personally, it is the feeling of “I love you; I am excited to wear you in the future.” or it is the simple glance at an item and the smile that it brings to my face. As a professional organizer who works with clients in Kansas City and virtually, I want you to feel that excitement when it comes to your possessions.

As I guide you through this process, I want you to pick up each item, starting with clothing, and ask yourself if it sparks joy. I can tell through body language if someone is really excited about an item of clothing or a book or a collectible. Their posture changes and they are thrilled to tell me about what an item means to them.

I do have more practical clients who ask about items that don’t necessarily “spark joy” for them but that they need and that they use in their lives. In that case, Marie talks about thanking the items for their service and contributions to our lives. For example, “thank you coffee grinder, for allowing me to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee in the morning.” Thinking about our blessings and having gratitude for the items that we surround ourselves is a core tenant of the KonMari Method®.

Everyone’s feelings of “spark joy” is different. What brings me a smile or a sense of gratitude will be different than the next person. This is why I love guiding my clients into discovering what brings them this sense of gratitude and excitement in their own lives. For one client, it may be their letter writing stationery and supplies. For another, it may be their figurines and collectibles. When we create our mountains and piles of items, I have my clients start with their favorites. What’s your top three favorite items of clothing? Your top three books? Sometimes it’s hard if a lot sparks joy, but sometimes it’s easier, based on the category. Holding these three items can hone your sense of joy. It is the barometer with which we compare our other items. We want to surround ourselves with possessions that we’re excited to use, wear, read, enjoy, and have in our lives. Anything else can be passed on, after thanking it for the role it has played in our lives.

I believe that our items teach us lessons. Perhaps it is the lesson that the thrill was when we actually bought this item, and that it has served its purpose and can be passed along to a thrift store to bring someone else joy. Decluttering is HARD because it can be so emotional. But it also stirs up positive memories and emotions in ourselves. Saying goodbye to items can be difficult, yes, but there is also the excitement of rediscovering your items and saying “hello! I love you! thank you for being in my life.”

Marie’s first book is called The Lifechanging Magic of Tidying Up. Your life changes through the process of decision making. It also affects your future, as you will never bring items into your life again that don’t bring you the thrill. You’ll stop bringing in items into your home “just because.” Instead, you accept responsibility for items that you take care of, and that you look forward to using and having. In the end, my goal as a professional organizer is for you to have a life that sparks joy.