Cover From tidying expert to embracing the mess—Marie Kondo explores joy beyond perfection (Photo: courtesy of Klook)
From tidying expert to embracing the mess—Marie Kondo explores joy beyond perfection (Photo: courtesy of Klook)
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Once known for her perfectly folded clothes and clutter-free philosophy, Marie Kondo is now embracing a new kind of joy—one shaped by motherhood, travel and the beauty of imperfection
We all know Marie Kondo as someone who is always organised and neat. Organisation is her thing, and her influence went global, giving birth to the KonMari Method, which essentially teaches us to let go of clutter. This method has helped many people turn their homes into breathable spaces. One can only imagine how perfectly arranged everything must be in Kondo’s home.
Now with her third child, she took some time to reflect on her life. Kondo embarked on a journey to rediscover herself and find her true joy. Along the way, she realised one thing—quite the opposite of what she’s known for—the joy of embracing the mess and letting go of perfection.
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Above During her journey of self-discovery, Kondo even tried dancing in a robot suit
During her journey of self-discovery, Kondo even tried dancing in a robot suit
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Above Kondo even channelled her inner samurai
Kondo even channelled her inner samurai
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“My system for tidying took the world by storm, but things had to change as I needed to focus on my family. Especially after I became a mother. I always valued tidying. But of course, priorities change when life changes. I loved sharing the joy of tidying with the world. People saw that as I was a tidying expert, but it created an expectation that my house would always be in perfect order even with children. I think they were surprised because the reality didn’t match that image,” Kondo shares.
Together with Klook and its latest campaign, The Best You, Kondo had the wonderful opportunity to explore this messier chapter of her life.
For the love of travel and welcoming brokenness
Above When Kondo decided to rediscover herself, travel was at the top of her list
When Kondo decided to rediscover herself, travel was at the top of her list
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Some of you may not know this, but Kondo is Japanese—which is why, for this journey, she decided to return to her roots.
“Now I’m coming back to where it all started, to discover what can spark joy in this new phase of my life through travel and embracing life’s beautiful surprises,” says Kondo. She channelled her inner samurai and even danced in a robot suit.
But what resonated with her most was the art of repairing broken ceramics—a traditional technique known as kintsugi. “I learnt about the beauty in imperfection. It’s not about perfection, it’s about looking straight at the beauty of what’s in front of you.”
Above Kondo journeyed to Japan, her homeland, and fell in love with the art of ‘kintsugi’
Above Kondo has always focused on balance and finding joy rather than perfection
Kondo journeyed to Japan, her homeland, and fell in love with the art of ‘kintsugi’
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Kondo even likened the craft to the cleanliness of her very own KonMari Method, saying, “Some people have completely different sensibilities, and that is to recognise the beauty of your own house as it is. That is the goal of the Konmari Method, so I was very happy to be able to share the same philosophy.”
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Discovering ‘the best you’
Above Balancing motherhood and self-growth, Kondo learns to find joy in every moment
Balancing motherhood and self-growth, Kondo learns to find joy in every moment
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Kondo shared that she has always focused on balance and finding joy rather than perfection. She explained that accepting her own imperfections brought her peace and renewed energy to try new things, and she hopes others feel encouraged to do the same.
Above Kondo expressed her eagerness to try new things and accept life's imperfections
Kondo expressed her eagerness to try new things and accept life's imperfections
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“The best me is a person who always listens to what my heart says and follows it, and knows what sparks joy for me now. I want to always be open to new experiences, to never stop searching for things that touch my heart.” Through Kondo’s travel back to Japan, she realised who she is all along—someone who is always eager to learn, to grow and to find beauty in every aspect of life, embracing the evolving nature of joy itself.
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Credits
Images: courtesy of Klook
About
Jessica grew up writing letters for everyone, on every occasion. Little did she know that her hobby would eventually turn into a true passion. She believes that content should be relatable yet factual, engaging yet straightforward.
Work
A journalism graduate, Jessica never stops learning and honing her craft. She began her career as a Global Content Editor for a travel company, inspiring readers and travellers to explore the world. Currently, she writes on topics ranging from entertainment, health, sports and travel to in-depth stories about influential and impactful personalities.
For any leads, you may reach her through jessica.zapata@tatlerasia.com via email.
