Not heard of Marie Kondo? Firstly, I salute you! Secondly, she has become more of a phenomenon than a person it seems. Like a large rock being thrown into a still pond, the outward ripples from her method are fast moving and far reaching indeed.

What on earth am I talking about?

Decluttering.

How do you respond as you read that word?

You might be reaching for the cursor to click away from this as you want NO MORE of this guru lifestyle nonsense. Fair enough and I respect that and live close with one who would concur wholeheartedly…..

Or you might think, whoop-dee-do, more please!

Another question worth asking – 

Why am I jumping on the decluttering and tidying bandwagon?”

A good and valid question. I am a life coach. I do not specialise in decluttering, or minimalism, or tidying and sorting. There are many, many gurus and experts out there who do – just look on YouTube for a dazzling array of how-to clips that all purport to change your life and create order in three easy steps. Marie Kondo herself is here if you want a wee taste of how to fold your t-shirts….

However, over the past six months or so I have become aware again and afresh of the huge implications of clutter on our lives – physical, emotional, mental. This of course is not new.

But I have watched the Marie Kondo series on Netflix – you can see the trailer here. This was a lunchtime treat for Elder Daughter and I during her exam study leave (that tells you a lot about both of us…). It felt quite voyeuristic at times, but was also curiously fascinating and addictive.

And more than simply having watched the programmes, I have tried outsome of her methods…observe my sock drawer. On a surface level, there have been clear benefits. But I have also been struck by some of the emotional outcomes and the deeper implications of dealing with clutter.

Simultaneously, there have been some interesting side stories running concurrently in our lives.

A significant decluttering and clearing project of our own, that previously felt insurmountable.

MB (My Beloved as he is known here) and his changing approach to tidying.

Swimming through brain soup and how exhausting and unproductive that is.

A renewed realisation that for me, clutter is a major energy drainer and therefore has to be dealt with. But significantly, this is less about physical clutter and more about over-expectations, trying to multi-task, and unfinished projects. A different sort of clutter, but with an equally draining and negative impact. 

Over the next few weeks, I am going to be musing on the why, what and how of decluttering. 

But also allowing those musings to take us into tangential territory – the clutter of negative thinking, lack of contentment, inability to receive compliments, decision making. What direction are those thoughts taking us? Toward greater mental clutter and overload or towards greater freedom and self confidence?

This is much more the fodder of my work as a life coach. 

Structure and dealing with stuff is important, and I do cover those areas in very practical ways with clients. But what is interesting at a deeper level is our level of self awareness. What are some of the underlying emotions and beliefs at work here? What am I afraid of here – what do I fear that I stand to lose? What am I expecting of myself or believing others expect of me? What works best for ME in this, never mind the imposed solutions of the experts? What would the best outcome be here?

As you read this, what stands out most?

How are you responding to the idea of clutter, and of clearing it? What areas of your life are most in need of a Marie Kondo make-over?

Perhaps your physical environment: drawers, cupboards, surfaces. Perhaps an over-stuffed email in-box. Maybe you feel that your brain is so full that you are drowning in brain soup. Or the weight of negative self belief or the pressure you are putting on yourself feels like an emotional mountain you cannot see a way past. 

One thing I really liked about Marie Kondo is how respectful and kind she is. There is never a sense of judgment or frustration in how she deals with those needing her help. Simply a belief that our lives can be clearer, more fulfilling and – if you know her, you know what’s coming…

…spark joy

This week, have a think about how you respond to the idea of decluttering, and where in your life you would most benefit from gaining space, clarity and joy.