I heard something today. “Finding joy in yourself is the first step to making the world a better place.”
The matching phrase “does it bring you joy?” is often associated with the popular Marie Kondo book, which encourages individuals to evaluate their belongings based on whether they “spark joy”. Joy, in this context, is a feeling of happiness or delight, and the question is a tool to help people identify what truly matters to them and create a more fulfilling environment.
Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” emphasizes decluttering and organizing by asking the core question: “Does this item spark joy?” This method encourages people to hold each item and assess whether it elicits a positive, joyful feeling. If an item doesn’t spark joy, it’s discarded or repurposed.
Joy as a Guiding Principle
The concept of “sparking joy” isn’t just about happiness; it’s about identifying things that genuinely resonate with you and contribute to your overall well-being.
The method emphasizes that joy is a personal experience. What brings joy to one person may not bring joy to another. By intentionally choosing items and experiences that spark joy, individuals can create a more positive and fulfilling environment.
The process of evaluating what brings joy can also foster a sense of gratitude for the things that do bring happiness and a greater awareness of what is truly important.
So, does it bring you joy? Have you ever asked yourself this question?
Why do you allow things in your life if they don’t bring you joy? Instead of ignoring all the stuff around you, noticing whether something brings you joy or takes away from your joy will help you create a happier you! The more things you have around you that bring you joy, the more happy moments you get in your day. When something doesn’t bring you joy then you need to figure out how to reconfigure it and make it work for you…or figure out how to let it go. Essentially, re-purpose it, donate it, or let it bring someone else Joy!
Over the past year, my husband and I have asked ourselves more and more, “Would this bring me joy.” We try to judge each new opportunity or project offered by ‘Would this bring us joy.” If no, we pass.
When you begin only filling your life with things that bring you joy, your life simplifies and your gratitude grows.
One of the things I love about the Shoppes is watching the joy that found objects bring to our customers. Doilies that remind them of their grandmothers, Pyrex similar to their mothers, quilts that bring childhood warmth and nostalgia that remind them of days gone by.
It’s wonderful watching the younger generation find a new love for old things. They drink tea from vintage teacups, eat dinner off of mis-matched China patterns and decorate mid-century, or vintage or a fun and lively boho mix. This is a new season of what brings joy: found objects, vintage and antique discoveries, things that bring nostalgic memories. That is what Homespun was always meant to be about.
Obviously, living a life full of joy doesn’t just mean the things you have around you, but also the things you do. Is it writing, art, nature, friends, playing with grandkids, walking your dogs? Where is your joy found? Find it in all things and you’ll be on your way to living a full life.
So, my thought? Clear the clutter – people and things, bring in the joy, and do it with a happy heart. We’ll help you find the memories.
Good luck.
Beverly