Cover Clean, white sheets, and tidying up (Photo by cottonbro studio/Pexels)
Clean, white sheets, and tidying up (Photo by cottonbro studio/Pexels)
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Tidying expert, bestselling author, and series star Marie Kondo on accepting life as a big fat giant mess
Marie Kondo, the Japanese woman who's been fascinated with cleaning up since she was five, was inspired by her mother's lifestyle and home magazines. Her interest in all things organising began as she sifted through the pages of beautiful interior decorations and strategic cleaning tips. On top of that, her grandmother's efforts in flawlessly tidying their home led to Kondo's values of cherishing one's possessions and living with intent and care.
Read also: The emotional benefits of spring cleaning
By the time she was 15, she further fell in love with the craft of organisation by reading The Art of Discarding, a bestselling book in Japan at that time. Her passion turned to her profession as she explored the art of tidying on a serious note and got her hands on every book about the subject. At first, Kondo thought tidying simply meant discarding. But after one session which resulted in a life-changing moment, she realised that discarding is indeed one thing—but keeping things is another. Thus, the 'spark joy' concept was born.
Above Marie Kondo, the woman behind the KonMari method (Photo from KonMari)
Marie Kondo, the woman behind the KonMari method (Photo from KonMari)
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Before Kondo became a Netflix star with her series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, she was the author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. The tidying expert's book was put together from her years of experience and research. By working with several clients she has pushed the emergence of her distinct 'The KonMari Method'.
See also: Already Marie Kondo-ed your home? It's time to try the FlyLady Technique
'The KonMari' approach is outlined to help people never revert to cluttering again, with Kondo's teachings focused on the method's one-of-a-kind selection criterion: "If something brings you joy, keep it!" Her impact eluded Japan and the KonMari influence thrived on a global scale, encouraging the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of tranquillity and sophistication.
Above The author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Photo from Konmari)
The author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (Photo from Konmari)
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It's been years and people are still hooked on Kondo's ventures and guidance, especially as they go about their spring cleaning routines. And when it's that time of the month, they revisit and apply the principles of the lifestyle mogul. But in early January of 2023, Kondo was in the spotlight, shocking the world—she has stopped tidying up. She seemed to have given up on cleaning her home and sorted through her priorities. What happened to the all-things-clean expert?
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The past years of the pandemic were difficult for all, and we could say the same for Kondo. Though it may seem like negative news, positivity still resonates from the ever-organised creator of 'The KonMari Method' just from a different light.
Above Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (Official Trailer from Youtube)
In her latest book, Marie Kondo's Kurashi at Home: How to Organize Your Space and Achieve Your Ideal Life, Kondo seemingly switched concepts from KonMari to kurashi or the Japanese 'way of life'. However, her recent masterpiece was created to emphasise the fact that these days and on most; although having the desire and habit to tidy up is still suggested, she implies that growing into accepting that you cannot tidy every day is perfectly fine as well.
Related: Declutter your life with these 4 home makeover tutorials
"My home is messy, but the way I am spending my time is the right way for me at this time at this stage of my life," admits Kondo in a webinar and virtual tea ceremony she hosted. The queen of clean who is a mother to three elaborates on complementary ways to maintain that joy and lead a joyful life, without the necessity of only focusing on the fruits of cleaning. "Tidying up means dealing with all the 'things' in your life. So, what do you want to put in order?" she prods in her book.
The tidying guru gently reminds us that we have our priorities, and what matters most is up to us—what we'll act on to live our best lives. Kondo nudges into the reality that decluttering does have therapeutic effects. Keeping our emotional spaces in check is as much as relevant for us to achieve that true joy and balance in life. "Up until now, I was a professional tidier, so I did my best to keep my home tidy at all times. Now I realise what is important to me is enjoying spending time with my children at home."
Read more: Women’s Health With Evolve: harnessing the power of your period
Out of the many takes on life Kondo has imparted to us with her knowledge and wisdom, it is a wondrous moment that we are yet again blessed with a life lesson derived from her motherhood journey; one which our society often forgets and just in time serving as a reminder for the upcoming Women's Month.
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Kristina's passion to write came from her love for books. If her nose isn't buried in one nor her fingers are tapping away on a keyboard working on a write-up, you'll find her having a feast at a new restaurant or savouring coffee in the nearest shop listening to rock music. Also interested in computer games and all things Japan, she spends her free time playing Dota 2, watching anime, as well as reading manga.
