I once prided myself on being organized. I could open my closet doors and not cringe at the sight. Laundry? Done in one go! My home was a well-oiled machine until life threw me a curveball: kids. Suddenly, my tidy sanctuary morphed into a chaotic whirlwind, much like my physical form post-C-section. Now, my living space resembles a disaster zone, and I can’t help but wonder where it all went south. At some point, I lost my motivation to care about my linen closets. Admittedly, the clutter causes me some embarrassment, and I know we could do better as a family in managing our belongings.
In a quest to regain some semblance of order, I picked up the much-lauded book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. The title sparked my interest—who wouldn’t want to experience life-changing magic? The book was charming, and I thought, “Surely, Kondo can help me find my way back to organization.” But as I read on, irritation began to simmer.
1. “Everyone Needs a Sanctuary”
Really, Marie? My “sanctuary” is buried in a corner of my messy closet. If I decluttered the clothes I haven’t worn since 1992, my kids might actually find me. I think I’ll stick to my less-than-perfect hideaway, thanks.
2. “Decorate Your Closet With Secret Delights”
I might be guilty of this occasionally, but I doubt Marie meant my stash of chocolates and gossip magazines when she suggested “secret delights.”
3. “Empty Your Bag Every Day”
Marie, have you ever spent a day out with kids? I have to pack a small army’s worth of supplies just for a pool day. The notion of unpacking and repacking all those items daily? Not happening!
4. “Gather Everything in One Space Before You Start Organizing”
Given that my entire wardrobe is currently strewn across my laundry room floor, this might actually be easy for me. My kids excel at maintaining that clothing mountain!
5. “You Should Have Freedom From a Life With Excess Stock”
Marie, have you ever been to Costco? Take my advice, get yourself a membership. You’ll learn the joys of bulk buying, and enjoy a night off from tidying up the kitchen.
Kondo encourages us to hold every item and determine if it “sparks joy.” Let me be real—if I tried to toss our ugly recliner that my husband adores, it would probably lead to a marital crisis. Nice thought, but flawed logic.
Perhaps the most entertaining part of her philosophy is her folding technique. Seriously, Marie, if you think I’m going to fold every piece of clothing into origami, you’ve got the wrong audience. That gave me a good laugh.
In the end, while Marie Kondo didn’t revolutionize my life, I did manage to clear out a few bags of clothes for charity. I occasionally ponder her advice when eyeing my collection of black sandals, but tossing her book into my forgotten pile of reads brought me unexpected joy.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter and seeking more practical advice, check out our post on decluttering your life here. And for those interested in at-home insemination, visit Make a Mom for reliable kits. Also, for a wealth of information on pregnancy and home insemination, Progyny is an excellent resource.
In summary, while Marie Kondo’s approach may work for some, it simply didn’t resonate with me. I found humor and relief in letting go of her rigid methods, opting to embrace the chaos of my life instead.
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