Learn How to Tidy Up One Day at a Time!

A Quick Guide to Understand How Minimalism Relates to Wellness And A REALLY Easy Way to Start Tidying Up

...and why it doesn't mean that you have to own only one pair of shoes to be a "minimalist".

My minimalism journey in a nutshell:  About a year and a half ago, I came into the KonMari fold (Thanks to Sophie Lafaille!  I'm eternally grateful!).  With 2 small children it is difficult to maintain a degree of sanity as you wade through the piles of plastic, clothing, and other gear that we are trained by the consumer market to buy and then hold onto because we've spent too much money obtaining it in the first place.  Add to that, my husband and I were a little overzealous when it came to "deals" (one of us may still be a little too quick to buy something that is a good deal.) *cough* my husband *cough*  

I read Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, which you can find on www.tidyingup.com.   I started the process and cleared out a lot of stuff.  This was the summer of 2016.  We had a big yard sale and donated what didn't sell.  Our house was still packed. I was frustrated as I looked around and felt a sense of failure because we still had so many packed drawers, attic, basement, 2 car stall garage, stuff in every nook and corner!! Then came the January Cure put on by Apartment Therapy.  

This, my friends, is what boosted us into success! I loved it so much, I wanted to share with you this really simple one day at a time tidying up methodology that is put on throughout the month of January.  What better time than the first of the year to get a head start on making your space clean and refreshed?! 

To sign up, go here.  Enter in your email address and get ready on January 1 to start your cure.  I looked forward to each day's task.  They were simple, yet effective.  

How does this relate to wellness? 

There are several elements to this.  

• A clear mind
• A clear space for healing
• The time to dedicate to yourself
• A sense of accomplishment
• A sacred space
• Increased relaxation
• The energy flows within your home 

Wellness is comprised of so many things.  First off, having the time to dedicate to yourself to be well is of utmost importance.  If you are busy cleaning your stuff, moving your stuff, dealing with all of your stuff, you have less time for your self focus.  Maintaining a fewer number of items that you truly care about allows you more time for your self and it allows for a better energy flowing within your home.  If you are surrounding yourself with things that spark joy, then the energy flows will be positive, productive, and will lead you to be more relaxed.  This will allow you room in your home for a sacred space, such as an altar, where you can create an environment for healing and self focus. 

One of my favorite things that contributes to my wellness is the overwhelming sense of accomplishment and the endorphins and happiness that a clean and clear space brings me.  I love seeing a tidy, clear space in my home.  

Minimalism scares a lot of folks off because they think that it automatically means that they have to live in stark black and white rooms, with 100 or less belongings to fit into this "Minimalism Club".  There isn't a club (that I know of).  From my experience, minimalism can be adjusted to whatever works for you.  There are just areas that I refuse to minimize in (to the degree that would be fitting of what a minimalism view is thought to be), like my shoe collection.  I love shoes - I just can't. I did purge, but it still left me with around 100 pairs of shoes. Make it what it needs to be for you.  Just start and see where it takes you!  To me, it's more about not having a bunch of needless clutter.  It is just so easy to hang on to things "just in case" and in the meantime compile so much stuff that your mind begins to get cluttered along with your space!! No bueno!

Sign up for the January Cure.  I promise you that you won't regret it.  If you aren't into it, you can always unsubscribe from the mailing list.  Apartment Therapy is the ONLY subscription email that I actually read. I have no ties to them  - I truly just like them.  Get on board with the January Cure and boost your wellness in the meantime!!

Update:
My sister-in-law, Shyla Cogar, reminded me of another kick in the pants that I received right around the same time that I signed up for the January Cure last year.  The Minimalists documentary.  I recommend watching this film and following them on Instagram.  One of the one-day-at-a-time tidying up solutions associated with The Minimalists is a 30-Day Challenge.  It is very simple.  Start on the first day of the month and take one thing out of your house.  Day 2, take 2 things. Day 3, 3 things, etc. for the entire month.  The items MUST be out of the house and to their destination by midnight.  At first, this is pretty simple, but by Day 30, it can get a little tricky.  It's fun challenge to do with a friend!!

Thanks for the reminder, Shyla!

Bee Well!

Follow me at BeeWellWV on Instagram or email me at beewellwv@gmail.com.