tidy up

Episode 167: It's Clear, And Helpful To Tidy Up Your Messy Life To Live Authentically

 

Show Description: When you tidy up your messy life, you are more able to live authentically. What 5 things will you discover when you declutter your life?

 

Do you need help to tidy up your life? 

Are you looking for a way to reconnect to your authentic self?  

Do you need someone to help reframe your perspective about your stuff? 

If so, please reach out to me at TerriKozlowski.com and we can create a plan for you declutter your life and reconnect to your authentic self.

 

Top Takeaways:

 

1. [1:08] Clutter is stressful and may have psychological causes. 

2. [2:38] Extreme Messiness

3. [4:07]  Being Tidy And Your Authentic Self

4. [05:47] Reframing What Tidy Looks Like

5. [07:00] The Energy Of Being Tidy

6. [08:06] Declutter to Reconnect

7. [11:12] Moving Forward Being Tidy

 

 

Episode Links:

 

https://page.terrikozlowski.com

https://terrikozlowski.com/stress-triggers/

https://terrikozlowski.com/favorite-things/

https://terrikozlowski.com/self-control/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feng_shui

https://terrikozlowski.com/resting-to-relax/

https://terrikozlowski.com/regain-vitality/

https://terrikozlowski.com/messiness-of-life/

https://terrikozlowski.com/love-your-life/

https://terrikozlowski.com/see-the-magic/

https://terrikozlowski.com/know-your-purpose/

https://terrikozlowski.com/intrusive-thoughts/

https://terrikozlowski.com/simplify-life/

https://terrikozlowski.com/self-check-in/

https://terrikozlowski.com/let-go-of-the-past-to-be-happy/

 

 

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Veteran professional organizer and TV host Peter Walsh joins us to uncover the deeper meaning behind our clutter and share tips to help you create comfort and joy at home during these challenging times. Peter starred in the popular organization and design series Clean Sweep with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) on Discovery’s TLC Network. The series produced over 120 episodes and has run almost continuously since 2003. He is the author of six best-selling books on the subject of organizing including How to Organize (Just About) Everything; It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff, and Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? His new book is Let It Go, Downsizing Your Way to A Richer, Happier Life. Peter was a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show where he was dubbed the “Get Your Life Organized Guy” which led to his own series, Extreme Clutter with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) on OWN. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: How Peter got his start-you’ll never believe what he WASN’T interested in doing in the beginning How it all came together for Peter and organizational design became his great passion The importance of humor and empathy in working with people who are experiencing guilt and shame over clutter Peter’s take on why we accumulate so much-the hope of chasing a dream life through acquiring more and more “stuff” How Peter shocks his clients with his plan for discarding 70-80% of their stuff-but they find he was on the money! What Peter thinks of Marie Kondo. Peter and Marie on the Rachel Ray Show (https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/tips/22724_two_world_renowned_organizers_marie_kondo_and_peter_walsh_share_their_top_tips) Stories about what often gets edited from reality organizing shows. To go behind the scenes of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo check out: Ep 67 | Review of Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-67-review-of-tidying-up-with-marie-kondo) Ep 68 | Behind the Scenes: Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" with Tricia Fidler and Jane Grodem (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-68-behind-the-scenes-netflix-tidying-up-marie-kondo-tricia-fidler-jane-grodem) Suggestions on how to manage the uncertainty of life during the pandemic Peter’s annual challenge on his YouTube channel. Peter Walsh's 31 Days to Get Organized (https://www.youtube.com/user/PeterWalshOrganizer/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=8) How to play Trash Bag Tango! (https://www.oprah.com/own-oprahshow/a-10-minute-declutter-exercise-known-as-the-trash-bag-tango-video) Peter’s great ideas for turning family organizing into learning games while we are staying home The importance of a schedule and maintaining a sense of routine while social distancing and staying at home Peter’s own experience surviving the coronavirus Favorite organizing tip: “Retreat into quiet at least 5 minutes a day. Although it may not seem to be a tidying tip, it will help you center yourself and to give you the space to step back into the busy world. Also, take a media break!” What is sparking the most joy for Peter: “We are seeing what is happening in the world could be a massive reset button. Staying connected with those we love and getting back in touch with those people who are most significant in our lives.” How to get in touch with Peter: Peter Walsh Design (http://www.peterwalshdesign.com) Peter’s Books (http://www.peterwalshdesign.com/my-books-dvd/) Extreme Clutter with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) Clean Sweep with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) Peter’s very active FaceBook community (https://www.facebook.com/PeterWalsh) Peter's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7pBDyC68uihwKtEpjaZOrw) Gems: “I’ve discovered over nearly 20 years of doing this that we are all human and all in the same boat. We all go off the rails occasionally!” “At the end of the day, you are stronger than your stuff.” “Stuff is associated with happiness. People buy things thinking that they are buying happiness but they are really buying a shadow of happiness. Instead of buying a product, we are buying a promise.” “What is the vision you have from the life you want? Does the stuff you own help you get what you want from this room?” “If you don’t respect your space, if you overload it, it’s the same as dishonoring as person, you are dishonoring your space. You will never be happy in that space.” “Stuff is a distraction. Issues around clutter are about loss and trauma and neglect and abandonment.” “The issue is really, ‘How do I deal with the fear and the anxiety we are all facing at the moment.’ And, people are looking to organizing as a way of feeling some control.” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Peter Walsh.

Sarit Sela, fellow KonMari Consultant, shares her favorite minimalist inspired buying and shopping strategies that can enhance your KonMari journey and help you maintain a clutter free lifestyle. Sarit Sela is a minimalist mom, Bronze certified KonMari consultant and visual storyteller. She is an Israeli living in Stockholm, Sweden for the last 8 years and is the founder of Minimalist Me, Her mission is to bring a creative, visual world of minimalism, scandinavian design and KonMari to her clients. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -Learning how and why Sarit became a KonMari Consultant How minimalism has played an important role in Sarit’s personal journey and in her work with clients What minimalism means to Sarit. It’s not what you may think! Sarit's method of working with her clients using the KonMari Method and minimalism How it's not about the number of things you own in any category. It's important to not focus on the number but on the joy and use of the items to YOU The challenges, and JOYS, of being a mom in our consumerist culture and how to help your children be more focused and mindful How Sarit has navigated setting up her business in both Sweden and Israel and the differences in both cultures when it comes to tidying What makes a good KonMari Consultant in Sarit’s view Sarit's favorite tidying tip: "It's important that when you open your wardrobe and feel that it is pretty to look at. It's not about the number of clothes but that you put things around you that spark joy." What sparks joy for Sarit: "Soon, I will be in Tel Aviv to lead a workshop on minimalism. It's going to be one of the biggest events I have done so far." Sarit’s parting words of wisdom: "Many people are concerned with the habits of others in their homes. But I have found that if you change your habits, you will be able to help others." To connect with Sarit, visit her websits and blog Mimialist Me (https://minimalist-me.com) or follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/minimalistmeblog/) Gems: - "You will know exactly what you need and don't need. It must work for you." - "Combining the two things, KonMari and miinimalism, was something that felt unique." - "Who needs five boxes of pasta at any one time?" - "I think there are two things to teach kids. The first is to learn to tidy and the second is to carefully chose the things they want in their lives." - "It's so important for a KonMari Consultant to have compassion." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Sarit Sela.

We share four reasons why it’s hard to let go and tips to help you release your possessions that are not serving you anymore with confidence and gratitude. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - What's sparking joy for Karin: Blankets made from recycled sari fabric - What's sparking joy for Kristyn: Cataloging 550 clothing items in my closet using the Stylebook App (https://www.stylebookapp.com/) and her TEDx Talk: Confronting Your Online Order History is the New Self-Care (https://youtu.be/SbgT9Q8_xzs) - Four common reasons it's hard to let things go: - Because it's sentimental - Because just in case I need it "someday" - Because I don't want to be wasteful - Because it's valuable - Emotions that surface that prevent us from letting go: guilt, shame, fear, anger - References to Spark Joy episodes: - Ep 21 | Book Review: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-21-book-review-the-gentle-art-of-swedish-death-cleaning) - Ep 55 | Digitizing Your Sentimental Items with Bonnie Shay (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-55-digitizing-sentimental-items) - Ep 42-44 Sell Your Clutter series (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-42-sell-your-clutter-part-1-luxury-goods-with-the-realreal) - Ep 143 | Quarantine Friendly “Someday” Projects for Today! (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-143-quarantine-friendly-someday-projects-today) Thank you to our newest Spark Joy Club members, at the Joy Sparker Level: - Rachel Maloney - Brian Crimmins Join over 200 serious tidiers who are making 2020 their very last year of being disorganized. We welcome you to extend conversation around taking action, living, and maintaining a tidy lifestyle. The Spark Joy Anniversary Give-A-Way contest prizes! Win one of three bundles consisting of Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by Marie Kondo, a fifty dollar gift certificate to the KonMari Shop (https://shop.konmari.com) to select your own Joy Sparking gift, and a two-hour Virtual Tidying Session from For the Love of Tidy! Three lucky winners will receive a bundle of all these prizes! To be eligible for all of the prizes above, all you need to do is head over to: www.sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for detailed instructions on how to leave a review via iTunes. Once there, follow the Apple Podcast instructions to leave us a rating and review in iTunes to help us reach more ears, minds, and hearts. Most important step: Send an email to: contact@sparkjoypodcast.com letting us know you left us a review and what screen name you left it under. This will act as your official entry. Don’t forget this step! It is the only way we can officially log you as entered into the contest. Submit your star rating and review by November 24, 2020. We’ll announce the winners during our season finale “Best of” show that will air on December 1st. **Contest runs from September 1 to November 24, 2020.* Winners will be announced during our Best of 2020 show on December 1, 2020*** You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/)

Spark Joy Club member Jennyfer Vargas-Fernandez joins us from Texas to share her KonMari journey. We’re shining the light on all of the tidying progress our Club members have made while listening to Spark Joy Podcast and leaning on the community. Jennyfer Vargas-Fernandez has been a member of The Spark Joy Club since January 2020 and has worked with a KonMari Consultant in Houston, Texas. Her goal in joining The Club was to finish her KonMari tidying journey, once and for all. Jennyfer is a Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse in The Woodlands, Texas. She is currently working on her Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration. She is married with two daughters ages 9 and 2. She enjoys spending time with her family, bike riding, and singing. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Book a custom Virtual Tidying Experience with For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/konmari-tidying-lesson/tidy-a-z-what-to-expect-from-a-konmari-virtual-tidy/) Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - What motivated Jennyfer to get tidy - How Jennyfer managed her family, KonMari event and work on the front lines of the pandemic - The most important tools Jennyfer depended on while completing her tidying festival - Why hiring a KonMari Consultant to meet her mid-way through her journey worked out very well for Jennyfer! She worked with Ashley and Jane at Simply Maven (https://www.simplymavenhtx.com). Ashley is featured in Episode 69 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-69-konmari-fitness-ashley-barber) of Spark Joy - Jennyfer's favorte episodes of Spark Joy: 69 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-69-konmari-fitness-ashley-barber), 74 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-74-happiness-joy-order-gretchen-rubin), and 131 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-131-getting-things-done-with-david-allen). Jennyfer’s favorite tidying tip: “Do it now!” What's sparking the most joy for Jennyfer: “Riding my new bike!” Parting words of wisdom: “Don’t be hard on yourself. Go ahead and get that help!” Gems: “We just filled everything up and said GO GO GO!” “I had a closet full of clothes that I had just never worn before... it was quite a shock to put it all on the bed and see how much was there.” “I renamed my junk drawer to my everything drawer because of Kristyn!” “What really kept me going was the influence it had on my kids.” The Spark Joy Anniversary Give-A-Way contest prizes! Win one of three bundles consisting of Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by Marie Kondo, a fifty dollar gift certificate to the KonMari Shop (https://shop.konmari.com) to select your own Joy Sparking gift, and a two-hour Virtual Tidying Session from For the Love of Tidy! Three lucky winners will receive a bundle of all these prizes! To be eligible for all of the prizes above, all you need to do is head over to: www.sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for detailed instructions on how to leave a review via iTunes. Once there, follow the Apple Podcast instructions to leave us a rating and review in iTunes to help us reach more ears, minds, and hearts. Most important step: Send an email to: contact@sparkjoypodcast.com letting us know you left us a review and what screen name you left it under. This will act as your official entry. Don’t forget this step! It is the only way we can officially log you as entered into the contest. Submit your star rating and review by November 24, 2020. We’ll announce the winners during our season finale “Best of” show that will air on December 1st. **Contest runs from September 1 to November 24, 2020.* Winners will be announced during our Best of 2020 show on December 1, 2020*** You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Jennyfer Vargas Fernandez.

*Spark Joy podcast is THREE years old! * In celebration of our anniversary enter to win one of three prize bundles of three great gifts each to mark this major milestone. Win one of three bundles consisting of Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by Marie Kondo, a fifty dollar gift certificate to the KonMari Shop (https://shop.konmari.com) to select your own Joy Sparking gift, AND a two-hour Virtual Tidying Session from For the Love of Tidy. Enter before November 24, 2020 for your chance to win! Details on how to enter below. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoy_podcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Spark Joy podcast has been downloaded over 2.3 million times! At this point in our first year, we had just hit a quarter of a million downloads, last year we hit 1.5 million, so this has been quite a year for growing our audience. Not only is Spark Joy two years old, but this is also our 148th episode! Thank you to our listeners for all your support and encouragement. Our goal for the show remains to introduce guests to our audience who have interesting perspectives and inspiring journeys related to organizing and living a life of joy. So far, we have interviewed nearly 110 guests and presented over 44 episodes focusing on KonMari specific topics. This year, we have also presented four episodes related to the pandemic on staying safe, healthy and managing during this difficult time. We are so grateful to be able to help each other during this time. Last year we launched The Spark Joy Club on Patreon and the response has been amazing! We hoped our listeners would consider joining, but we never imagined we would now be 200 members strong, supporting each other along their tidying journeys. A special welcome and Thank You to our newest Spark Joy Club members: * Christine Mundis * Tina from Berkeley * Sarah Laubacher * Katherine Grosskopf * Kelsey Ross * Talia Saunderson * Inken Brough Thank you for your support! The Spark Joy Anniversary Give-A-Way contest prizes! Win one of three bundles consisting of Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by Marie Kondo, a fifty dollar gift certificate to the KonMari Shop (https://shop.konmari.com) to select your own Joy Sparking gift, and a two-hour Virtual Tidying Session from For the Love of Tidy! Three lucky winners will receive a bundle of all these prizes! To be eligible for all of the prizes above, all you need to do is head over to: www.sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for detailed instructions on how to leave a review via iTunes. Once there, follow the Apple Podcast instructions to leave us a rating and review in iTunes to help us reach more ears, minds, and hearts. Most important step: Send an email to: contact@sparkjoypodcast.com letting us know you left us a review and what screen name you left it under. This will act as your official entry. Don’t forget this step! It is the only way we can officially log you as entered into the contest. Submit your star rating and review by November 24, 2020. We’ll announce the winners during our season finale “Best of” show that will air on December 1st. **Contest runs from September 1 to November 24, 2020.* Winners will be announced during our Best of 2020 show on December 1st, 2020*** You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

This episode will help you catch up! If your circumstances allow, now is a GREAT time to get things done during this difficult season, so we can land on our feet on the other side. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - What's sparking joy for Karin: Outdoor dining - What's sparking joy for Kristyn: TEDxNorthbrookLibrary | Saturday, August 1 | RSVP here (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/event/virtual-tedxnorthbrooklibrary/) - We previously address "someday" tasks and unfinished business in Spark Joy episode 115 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-115-someday-aspirational-and-unfinished-business) Top “someday” turned “today” projects that our clients frequently uncover during their tidying event: - Post-KonMari "Act Now" pile - Selling - Spark Joy episodes 42-44 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-42-sell-your-clutter-part-1-luxury-goods-with-the-realreal) - Mending, cleaning, fixing - Spark Joy episode 29 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-29-tidy-vs-clean) and 125 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-125-spring-cleaning-joy-with-marcela-barraza-of-mb-green-cleaning) - Shredding, throwing away, recycling, donating, gifting - Spark Joy episode 89 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-89-behind-the-scenes-with-1800gotjunk) and 132 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-132-where-does-all-the-stuff-go-secondhand-author-adam-minter) - Read Someday Books - Spark Joy episodes 57 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-57-konmari-books-category-building-a-library-of-joy) and 75 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-75-exploring-the-konmari-book-controversy-with-robin-mitchell-cranfield) - Unsubscribe from Mailing List - Spark Joy episode 45 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-45-konmari-paper-category-cutting-paper-clutter) - Digital Clutter: Files from old laptop/camera/external drive & email inbox - Spark Joy episodes 54 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-54-productive-digital-clutter-free-life-yes-saya-hillman) and 109 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-109-book-review-digital-minimalism-cal-newport) - Sentimental items: photos, scrapbooks, albums - Spark Joy episode 55 (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-55-digitizing-sentimental-items) - Aspirational hobbies (gardening, cooking, knitting, sewing, writing, etc.) - Home Improvement Projects & Gardening - check out nine episodes about how KonMari intersects with design in our Spark Joy Podcast Episode Map/Listening Guide (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DtAQgrscJjM6QeZfcY_nL_QkxHanocjCRB9w9yb3p5s/edit?usp=sharing) You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/)

Spark Joy Club member Jen Kobrick joins us from Florida to share her KonMari journey. This year, we’re trying something new. We’re bringing on listeners from our Spark Joy Club for a special Member Spotlight! We’re dedicating a few episodes to shine the light on all of the tidying progress our Spark Joy Club members have made while listening to Spark Joy Podcast and leaning on the community. Jen Kobrick is a homeschooling mom to two delightful little people and the wife of a space geek in central Florida. She loves adventure, travel, scuba diving, spending time in nature, ballet, and knitting. Her other passion is supporting parents in finding more joy and connection in family relationships as a Holistic Family Consultant with The Consciously Parenting Project. Jen has been a Spark Joy Club Member for the past 6 months and is now officially done with her items and her entire family has nearly completed their KonMari tidying journey, once and for all. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - What made Jen decide that she and her family was ready for her Konmari journey How Jen approached her Tidying Festival with two small kids and a busy family The layout of her home and the challenges she faced in managing the categories Learning about some of the things that worked didn’t work as she got organized Some misconceptions that stood in her way and how she overcame the pursuit of perfection to work toward her vision for her home. Jen’s inspiring and joyful hints for making your KonMari journey work for you and your home Jen’s favorite KonMari tips: Consider hiring a “Mother’s helper”: a sitter or care giver who can entertain the kids while you are tidying. Do super small subcategories when you have small children and cannot devote a large period of time. What sparks joy for Jen: “My kids!” “The joyful new design changes that we have made in our bedroom space inspired by our KonMari journey.” Gems: “Leave the kid’s stuff aside. It is much easier if you do your things first.” “Support can come in many forms.” “Let the things that bring you joy become the lens of your life.” “It’s not about the stuff” “I was looking for a clean counter, but instead I got in touch with my authentic self.” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Jen Kobrick.

Veteran professional organizer and TV host Peter Walsh joins us to uncover the deeper meaning behind our clutter and share tips to help you create comfort and joy at home during these challenging times. Peter starred in the popular organization and design series Clean Sweep with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) on Discovery’s TLC Network. The series produced over 120 episodes and has run almost continuously since 2003. He is the author of six best-selling books on the subject of organizing including How to Organize (Just About) Everything; It’s All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff, and Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? His new book is Let It Go, Downsizing Your Way to A Richer, Happier Life. Peter was a regular guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show where he was dubbed the “Get Your Life Organized Guy” which led to his own series, Extreme Clutter with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) on OWN. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: How Peter got his start-you’ll never believe what he WASN’T interested in doing in the beginning How it all came together for Peter and organizational design became his great passion The importance of humor and empathy in working with people who are experiencing guilt and shame over clutter Peter’s take on why we accumulate so much-the hope of chasing a dream life through acquiring more and more “stuff” How Peter shocks his clients with his plan for discarding 70-80% of their stuff-but they find he was on the money! What Peter thinks of Marie Kondo. Peter and Marie on the Rachel Ray Show (https://www.rachaelrayshow.com/tips/22724_two_world_renowned_organizers_marie_kondo_and_peter_walsh_share_their_top_tips) Stories about what often gets edited from reality organizing shows. To go behind the scenes of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo check out: Ep 67 | Review of Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/episode-67-review-of-tidying-up-with-marie-kondo) Ep 68 | Behind the Scenes: Netflix's "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" with Tricia Fidler and Jane Grodem (https://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/ep-68-behind-the-scenes-netflix-tidying-up-marie-kondo-tricia-fidler-jane-grodem) Suggestions on how to manage the uncertainty of life during the pandemic Peter’s annual challenge on his YouTube channel. Peter Walsh's 31 Days to Get Organized (https://www.youtube.com/user/PeterWalshOrganizer/playlists?view=50&sort=dd&shelf_id=8) How to play Trash Bag Tango! (https://www.oprah.com/own-oprahshow/a-10-minute-declutter-exercise-known-as-the-trash-bag-tango-video) Peter’s great ideas for turning family organizing into learning games while we are staying home The importance of a schedule and maintaining a sense of routine while social distancing and staying at home Peter’s own experience surviving the coronavirus Correction: In this episode it was cited that Americans make up 50% of the world's population. As of 2021, Americans make up 4.25% of the total world population. Favorite organizing tip: “Retreat into quiet at least 5 minutes a day. Although it may not seem to be a tidying tip, it will help you center yourself and to give you the space to step back into the busy world. Also, take a media break!” What is sparking the most joy for Peter: “We are seeing what is happening in the world could be a massive reset button. Staying connected with those we love and getting back in touch with those people who are most significant in our lives.” How to get in touch with Peter: Peter Walsh Design (http://www.peterwalshdesign.com) Peter’s Books (http://www.peterwalshdesign.com/my-books-dvd/) Extreme Clutter with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) Clean Sweep with Peter Walsh (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi5v4zheIl9qNHftk5NnD5FyQZVws866E) Peter’s very active FaceBook community (https://www.facebook.com/PeterWalsh) Peter's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7pBDyC68uihwKtEpjaZOrw) Gems: “I’ve discovered over nearly 20 years of doing this that we are all human and all in the same boat. We all go off the rails occasionally!” “At the end of the day, you are stronger than your stuff.” “Stuff is associated with happiness. People buy things thinking that they are buying happiness but they are really buying a shadow of happiness. Instead of buying a product, we are buying a promise.” “What is the vision you have from the life you want? Does the stuff you own help you get what you want from this room?” “If you don’t respect your space, if you overload it, it’s the same as dishonoring as person, you are dishonoring your space. You will never be happy in that space.” “Stuff is a distraction. Issues around clutter are about loss and trauma and neglect and abandonment.” “The issue is really, ‘How do I deal with the fear and the anxiety we are all facing at the moment.’ And, people are looking to organizing as a way of feeling some control.” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Peter Walsh.

Cleaning X Tidying. Cleaning professional Marcela Barraza joins us to explore the intersection between two essential household tasks that pair well to create a space that sparks joy. Marcela Barraza is the founder and owner of MB Green Cleaning. She is a graduate of the hospitality administration and hotel management program. After working for an airline for more than 10 years, Marcela started in the cleaning industry in 2004 and she was inspired to switch to “green” cleaning after experiencing a series of maladies, including irritated skin and debilitating migraines, that she traced to the harmful chemicals in the cleaning products she used in her home. She then made it her mission to help others safeguard their environment so they can enjoy the comfort and contentment that comes with a clean and healthy home. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - What led to Marcela’s start in the home cleaning business The idea of Green cleaning and the benefits of going green Learning why cleaning is such a challenge for most people How cleaning and organizing differ and why someone who is well organized may not necessarily be good at cleaning and vice versa! Discovering the cleaning style or schedule that will work best for you Spring cleaning as a way to welcome the season Managing cleaning with children. Teaching them good habits and skills When it makes sense to hire help for your cleaning needs Marcela's favorite cleaning tip: “Clean as you go and make sure you have the right tools.” “Use concentrated products and refillable bottles because they waste less packaging.” What sparks joy for Marcela “Being on the Spark Joy Podcast! It’s such a joy to share my passion for green cleaning with others.” To connect with Marcela, visit her website at MB Green Cleaning (https://www.mbgreencleaning.com). You can find lots of cleaning tips on her blog MB Cleaning Blog (https://www.mbgreencleaning.com/cleaning-tips) and YouTube channel MB Green Cleaning YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflK5aG6Zeypl6hrUT4r6NQ/videos)and her Instagram:@mbcleaning (https://www.instagram.com/mbgreencleaning). Gems: "When deciding which products to use, you have to try several to find the ones that work best for you." "Cleaning is not a super fun thing to do. It's not like anyone wakes up and says, 'Yea, it's cleaning day!'" "Asking for help is not a bad thing. It can be anything from a cleaning person every week to just a few times a year." "Get rid of the clutter first and then do the cleaning. No matter how much time we spend cleaning it won't help is there so much stuff." "If you commit to only one thing, make your bed every day." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Marcela Barraza.

Spark Joy Club member Monica Ruiz joins us from Mexico to share the impact of her solo KonMari tidying adventure. This year we’re trying something new. Welcome to our first ever Spark Joy Club Member Spotlight! We are dedicating a few episodes this year to shine the light on all of the progress our Spark Joy Club members on their tidying while listening to Spark Joy Podcast and leaning on the community. First up is Spark Joy Club member Monica Ruiz: Monica worked in Product Development for Corporate America for 15 years, after which she decided to pursue her passion start cooking school before retiring in Central Mexico. Currently she’s a mom of an amazing 15 yo girl and can always be seen with yarn and needles for creativity, relaxation, and learning. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - How and when Monica first The size of Monica's home, volume of her clutter, and her vision The very first item Monica kept that helped her understand what "spark joy" meant to her Monica's KonMari timeline (including some starts and stops!) Tools that helped Monica crowd source information she needed: Udemy KonMari course, Pinterest, YouTube, Facebook, Spark Joy Podcast, The Tidy Home Joy Journal (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/joy-journal/) and the The Spark Joy Club (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) All the Monica was able to accomplish once Monica closed out her event after 2.5 years How Monica has adopted KonMari into her lifestyle and its larger, long-term impact Monica's favorite styling tip: When tidying Komono, start with sub-categories that are bothering you the most What sparks joy for Monica: Her yarn collection, prepariing food, and music. Gems: “I really wanted a home that would be much more beautiful to look at." "I wanted to capture that feeling of peace and happiness." "It's real people doinig real tidying and finding real challenges, and somehow from a distance, cheeting you on! "I breathe easier. I am more focus. I have more dicipline keeping things tidy, putting things away, even doing more self-care." "Now I know that it is possible improve and to change and to be happier." "What life takes, music restores." "Share your enthusiasm with anyone that will listen." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Monica Ruiz.

Joanna Lovering, Style Coach, shares tips and tricks to help you make the most of your closet as you build a style that sparks joy. After a successful weight loss journey in 2011, Joanna founded Copper + Rise, a New York City-based style coaching service dedicated to personal and professional empowerment. A passionate stylist and trained executive coach, Joanna pairs her seasonal sensibilities with leadership development techniques to help clients rise to the next level. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - How Joanna made the jump from organizational psychology to fashion styling Joanna’s personal transformation that led to her style philosophy The importance of closet editing as the first step in building a wardrobe that sparks joy How letting go of clothing that doesn’t fit or doesn’t work for you turn getting ready in the morning from stress to joy Learn fashion tips from Joanna that will help you find the perfect clothing items regardless of your body type Learn about "The Line, The V and the Rule of Three!" Joanna's favorite styling tip: “If you chose to wear something voluminous on the top, wear something tighter on the bottom and vice versa. And if you wear pants that are cropped, your top needs to be shorter as well. It’s all about proportions.” What sparks joy for Joanna: "I’m planning an event in New York for curvy girls. It’s important to me to show women that they are not tied to some traditional concept of fashion. It’s important to me that all women are recognized.” To connect with Joanna, visit her website at Copper and Rise (https://www.copperandrise.com) and her Instagram @CopperandRise (https://www.instagram.com/copperandrise/) Gems: “My ideal client is someone who just doesn’t have the time to think about what they are going to wear that day.” “When you think about your closet, what percentage of your clothes that you actually wear?” “My thought is that if you want to keep that sentimental dress, then let’s get a nice box and call it your ‘Nostalgia Box’! “ “How you feel and how you want to make other people feel should be the only consideration when it comes to what you decide you wear.” “As Tim Gunn always says, “That’s a lot of look!” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Joanna Lovering.

Sarit Sela, fellow KonMari Consultant, shares her favorite minimalist inspired buying and shopping strategies that can enhance your KonMari journey and help you maintain a clutter free lifestyle. Sarit Sela is a minimalist mom, Bronze certified KonMari consultant and visual storyteller. She is an Israeli living in Stockholm, Sweden for the last 8 years and is the founder of Minimalist Me, Her mission is to bring a creative, visual world of minimalism, scandinavian design and KonMari to her clients. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -Learning how and why Sarit became a KonMari Consultant How minimalism has played an important role in Sarit’s personal journey and in her work with clients What minimalism means to Sarit. It’s not what you may think! Sarit's method of working with her clients using the KonMari Method and minimalism How it's not about the number of things you own in any category. It's important to not focus on the number but on the joy and use of the items to YOU The challenges, and JOYS, of being a mom in our consumerist culture and how to help your children be more focused and mindful How Sarit has navigated setting up her business in both Sweden and Israel and the differences in both cultures when it comes to tidying What makes a good KonMari Consultant in Sarit’s view Sarit's favorite tidying tip: "It's important that when you open your wardrobe and feel that it is pretty to look at. It's not about the number of clothes but that you put things around you that spark joy." What sparks joy for Sarit: "Soon, I will be in Tel Aviv to lead a workshop on minimalism. It's going to be one of the biggest events I have done so far." Sarit’s parting words of wisdom: "Many people are concerned with the habits of others in their homes. But I have found that if you change your habits, you will be able to help others." To connect with Sarit, visit her websits and blog Mimialist Me (https://minimalist-me.com) or follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/minimalistmeblog/) Gems: - "You will know exactly what you need and don't need. It must work for you." - "Combining the two things, KonMari and miinimalism, was something that felt unique." - "Who needs five boxes of pasta at any one time?" - "I think there are two things to teach kids. The first is to learn to tidy and the second is to carefully chose the things they want in their lives." - "It's so important for a KonMari Consultant to have compassion." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Sarit Sela.

Today, we explore the mindset and reasoning behind holding only things because they represent a particular dream, goal, or investment that has been left unfulfilled or incomplete. We call these items “unfinished business” or “maybe someday items.” Things that represent an ideal, aspiration or a dream that you had about the kind of person you wanted to be. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Learning what unfinished business looks like KonMari category by KonMari Category. Understanding why and how unfinished business accumulates and why it’s so hard to let it go. How the unfinished business in the Clothing category can fill your closet with things that need to be mended, tailored or ironed and what to do about it. We revisit Ep 75 | Exploring the KonMari Book Controversy with Robin Mitchell Cranfield (https://fireside.fm/s/m4Lov-_t+A1DPAn_r) to discuss letting go of unread or unfinished books. Three additional categories of paper to consider. How hobbies and aspirational do it yourself projects can cause us to purchase supplies that are often never used or partially used. These items are classic “maybe someday” items that pile up in drawers and closets. How to use sentimental items so that they are not just hidden in boxes and never appreciated. We encourage you to get creative and either use these items or consider why you are holding onto them. How donations and discards are unfinished business until they are out of your home. Your tidying is not finished until things are on their way to their next life. The importance and value of your time when deciding whether to reduce, reuse or recycle items. This can be a stumbling block toward getting things on their way. A solution! Consider the Five D’s: - Do - Diminish - Delegate - Defer - Delete We all have unfinished business. It’s just a part of life! - Here are Karin’s: - Deciding about some closet storage upgrades. “I can’t decide!" - Doing some home maintenance. “There’s always something that needs to be done." - Recycling used candle jars. - And, Kristyn’s: - Photography organization project. “I’m committed to get this done in the next decade.” - Recipe compilation project. “My friends want some of my great family recipes!” Gems: - "When your KonMari tidying journey is over, you’ll have the time, resources, and energy to pursue these passions. So, it’s important to make sure every second of that time counts by filling it with high value activities edited down to just the things you love and intended to complete in your lifetime." - "Buying craft supplies can become the hobby. Those yarn and fabric stores are so tempting!" - "It’s really ok to decide something is just not for you or maybe what you DID accomplish with a hobby was just the right amount." - "What is the point of keeping those things hidden away and could you make a different plan? What are some of the options?" - "Sometimes your unfinished business and “someday aspirations can literally stand in between you and your goal of a clutter free lifestyle." - "We’re human and it’s ok to make mistakes. We’ve all invested our time, energy, and money on things that didn’t work out for whatever reason. Trial and error is a necessary part of learning, growing and adulting." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/)

Arika Clark Alejo, founder of ThriveEpic, joins us to help us vision board our way into the new year! Our first guest of 2020 is Arika Clark Alejo. Arika’s on a mission to help people be leaders in their own lives and be happy. So, while her official title is Founder and CEO of ThriveEpic, she likes to think of herself as a Chief Happiness Officer. She spreads messages that help people thrive through being a life and leadership coach, dynamic speaker and event facilitator. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. Join The Spark Joy Club today! (https://www.patreon.com/sparkjoy) In this episode, you’ll enjoy: - Arika's journey from career burn out to a coach who helps people move beyond the status quo - Why vision boarding is Arika's favorite thing to help people design - How vision boards help you align with your goals and learn more about what you have and also what you're missing - The best time of the year to create a vision board and where to start - Non-visual vision board alternatives - Arika's favorite vision board - What not to include on your vision board - How to ground your aspirations in reality - Where you should hang your vision board and when you should refresh it - How to course correct and fail forward when we veer away from our vision - What Arika has on her vision board in 2020 What sparks joy for Arika: Getting ready to prepare for her big Summit (https://summit.thriveepic.com/#)! To connect with Arika visit thriveepic.com (http://www.thriveepic.com/) Don’t forget to sign-up for Arika’s free virtual Intentional Empowerment Summit (https://summit.thriveepic.com/#), January 31-Feb 2, 2020. Exclusively for Spark Joy listeners Arika is also offering $100 off her 2020 retreat that will be announced soon (https://thriveepic.com/events). Contact Arika at arika@thriveepic.com and mention Spark Joy. Share your vision board with us via Facebook (https://facebook.com/sparkjoypodcast), Instagram (https://instagram.com/sparkjoy_podcast/), or Twitter (https://twitter.com/SparkJoyPodcast)! Gems: - "I found coaching and it changed my life. It helped me understand what it means to be a leader in my own life." - "You are a leader for yourself." - "It's really hard for things to manifest if you don't put it out there." - "Who do you want to be? What do you want to do? What do you want to have?" - "Be proud of [your vision board] and look at it with intention." - "Be proud of who you are and the dreams that you have." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home (https://www.theserenehome.com/) You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy (https://fortheloveoftidy.com/) Special Guest: Arika Clark Alejo.

Spark Joy podcast is two years old! In celebration of our anniversary enter to win one of several prizes to mark this major milestone. Win one of three copies of Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, signed by Marie Kondo, a two-hour Virtual Tidying Session from For the Love of Tidy, a membership to The Spark Joy Club at the Joy Sparker Level, or a copy of Marie Kondo’s new children’s book, Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship , which will be released this Fall. Enter before November 26, 2019 for your chance to win! Details on how to enter below. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoy_podcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Spark Joy podcast has been downloaded over 1.5 million times! At this point last year, we had just hit a quarter of a million downloads, so this has been quite a year for growing our audience. Not only is Spark Joy two years old, but this is also our 100th episode! Thank you to our listeners for all your support and encouragement. Our goal for the show remains to introduce guests to our audience who have interesting perspectives and inspiring journeys related to organizing and living a life of joy. So far, we have interviewed nearly 70 guests and presented over 30 episodes focusing on KonMari specific topics. With well over 5,000 hours of active tidying with clients between us, this year Karin became the first Master level certified KonMari Consultant and Kristyn achieved Platinum level! This year we also launched The Spark Joy Club on Patreon and the response has been amazing! A special welcome and Thank You to our newest Spark Joy Club members: --Fisher Woodward --Liezl Copham --Elisabeth Blount --Melinda Dejesus The Spark Joy Anniversary Give-A-Way contest prizes! - To celebrate the two year anniversary of Spark Joy we’re giving away copies of Marie Kondo’s tidying sequel, Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up to three lucky Spark Joy podcast listeners! These books are very special because they are signed by the Queen of Tidy, Marie Kondo. Additionally, on behalf of For the Love of Tidy, Kristyn will be offering a 2 hour Virtual Tidying Lesson to one lucky Spark Joy listener. This includes an overview of KonMari fundamentals, vision mapping to identify your ideal lifestyle and ideal living environment, and tidying advice to address your most pressing clutter challenges. We’re also giving away one honorary membership to The Spark Joy Club at the coveted Joy Sparker level! And finally, we’re giving away a copy Marie Kondo’s highly anticipated new children’ s book, Kiki & Jax: The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship which will be officially released later this year. To be eligible for all of the prizes above, all you need to do is head over to: www.sparkjoypodcast.com/reviews for detailed instructions on how to leave a review via iTunes. Once there, follow the Apple Podcast instructions to leave us a rating and review in iTunes to help us reach more ears, minds, and hearts. Most important step: Send an email to: contact@sparkjoypodcast.com letting us know you left us a review and what screen name you left it under. This will act as your official entry. Don’t forget this step! It is the only way we can officially log you as entered into the contest. Submit your star rating and review by November 26, 2019. We’ll announce the winners during our season finale “Best of” show that will air on December 3rd. **Contest runs from September 3 to November 26, 2019.* Winners will be announced during our Best of 2019 show on December 3, 2019.*** You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

What are the essential elements of happiness? What role do physical objects play in a meaningful life? Freddie reflects on his childhood cleaning style, discusses his essential list for happiness, and gives his biggest health hack.

Highlights:

• 1:13 - Freddie's childhood cleaning strategy (aka before Hoarders was famous)
• 2:17 - Could my childhood cleaning strategy impact my adulthood?
• 3:55 - Freddie's epiphany
• 6:22 - The transformation of Freddie's NYC home
• 8:14 - Freddie's essential happiness list
• 9:19 - Action steps to take
• 12:32 - What minimalism is truly about

Resources:

• Be More with Less - https://bemorewithless.com/
• No Sidebar - https://nosidebar.com/
• Mr. Money Mustache - https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/
• The Minimalists - https://www.theminimalists.com/

Connect with me:

• Check out my website - https://freddiesetgo.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/freddiesetgo/
• Read my Favs - https://freddiesetgo.com/freddies-favorites/
• Sing For Your Seniors - https://http://singforyourseniors.org
• Amp Coil - https://www.ampcoil.com

About me:

I’m Freddie Kimmel, a Functional Health Coach, Reiki Healer, Certified Personal Trainer, Gut Health Specialist, and proud cancer survivor. I help men and women eliminate brain fog, bloat and belly fat through gut health.

I’ve been featured in The Wall Street Journal, the Full Plate Podcast, An Excellent Example of Being Human, State of the Arts on LA talk radio and Dance Magazine. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Brockport, attended SUNY Fredonia, and graduated from the Institute of Functional Health Coaching.

I can be found in NYC living each day to its fullest and focused on creating more value then what I capture. Please stand back from the awesomeness that’s about to unfold.

Credits:

• Podcast edited and mixed by 51 features. Connect with Andrew at andrew {at} 51features {dot} co

Ania Schwartzman, PhD, The Fashionologist, helps us understand the value of using the clothing we wear as a vehicle to align ourselves with who we are at this very moment in our lives. Ania is a licensed clinical and school psychologist working for nearly two decades with children and adults. She founded The Fashionologist to help women align themselves with who they are at this very moment. She combines her expert skill as a therapist, passion for clothing, and solid research to back up her understanding of the value of clothes in order to provide a personalized, simple, and strategic experience with each client. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -Learning about feeling “powerfully confident and in control” when it comes to your fashion choices -Clothes Cognition Theory is a thing! -Hear about studies that demonstrate the importance of clothing in our mood and in our daily interactions. Here are two studies that Ania spoke about: Enclothed Cognition and the White Lab Coat and Informal Clothing Effects Negotiation -How Ania uses her background in psychology in working with her clients -The importance of good closet organization in feeling empowered about your clothes -Learn some simple tips for recognizing if your closet is working for you or against you -Listen to previous episodes on fashion in our series, Closet Joy: - Ep 38 | Closet Joy Part I: Find Your Style with Jessica Louie - Ep 39 | Closet Joy Part II: Build Your Capsule Wardrobe with Courtney Carver - Ep 40 | Closet Joy Part III: Buy It Once with Tara Button Ania is at TheFashionologist.com You can also find her on Instagram @TheFashionologistNyc Ania has a special offer for Spark Joy Podcast listeners! Mention you heard her on the Spark Joy Podcast and get 20% your first Mindful Closet Edit Ania’s favorite closet styling tip: “Have only your seasonal clothes either in your closet or at least keep the things you can wear in the front...and, hangers! They should be good solid ones. Good hangers show respect for your clothing. What sparks joy for Ania: Her kids and being able to spend some good unstructured time with her kids over the holiday. Parting words of Wisdom: Ania’s favorite quote comes from Coco Chanel: “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” Gems: - “Clothes have a systemic influence on the wearers psychological processes and abilities.” - “I function as a coach; as a wardrobe strategist.” - “It takes a lot of courage to invite me into their closet and I take that very seriously.” - “My job is not to toss out items they don’t need, but to shift their thinking toward what is working for them.” - "People don’t always realize what they are projecting out into the world with their clothing.” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy Special Guest: Ania Schwartzman.

KonMari Quick Tips! Every few weeks, we dedicate an episode to quick tips around a particular topic requested by a Spark Joy listener. This week’s KonMari Quick Tips episode is dedicated to Spring Tidying! This is an annual review of your home to address those minor repairs and little improvements that can be made to keep you home and belongings in joyful condition. We are OVERJOYED to announce that we have surpassed 1 million downloads of the Spark Joy Podcast! We are so grateful for the support from all of our listeners. Thank you so much! We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. Head over to Apple podcasts to subscribe and review the show, which helps us reach others along their tidying journeys. To extend your tidying experience, you can join the Spark Joy Club! Visit sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Join the Club” to become a member of the Spark Joy Community or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. KonMari Quick Tips: -Tip: Take a tour of your home interior and exterior condition subcategory by subcategory. Inspect the walls for paint touch up, especially the woodwork and doors, which get a lot of dings. Wipe down any fingerprints or splatters. -Tip: Review the floors and carpets for cleaning needs or repairs, check to see if tiles need repair or re-grouting. -Tip: Review your plumbing and electrically systems: need some new light bulbs or could you change to higher efficiency bulbs? Could your drains use a good cleaning? -Tip: Consider all the things in your home that have a filter such as your heating and cooling systems or your humidifiers. The spring is a great time to replace them. -Tip: Take a look at your furniture and furnishings including your drapes and curtains. Does anything need cleaning or repair? Have you decided that something you once loved no longer sparks joy? Remember your taste and needs change over time and things wear out. -Tip: Inspect your kitchen cabinets and your overall home storage. Could your shelves benefit from new shelf liners? Do they need a good wipe down? -Tip: The exterior of your home: Have the gutters cleaned out, paint touched up and windows and doors properly sealed. Consider the springtime activities associated with your landscaping including making sure that your lawnmower and garden tools are clean and in good repair. -Tip: To get started on the annual project, do a walk through inspection first, making a note of everything that needs action. -Tip: Make a project plan: Do you need to purchase supplies? Do you need to delegate a task? Enlist your family and friends or look to hire the right professionals. Give yourself a reasonable time line and address each item in turn. A well-maintained home will bring amazing joy to you and your family! -Tip: Take a look at your Fall and Winter specific items. As always, review by category. Do you have heavy winter clothes, including coats, sweaters, boots or skiwear? Did they bring you joy this winter? Is the future use of these items clear, for example, do you see yourself wearing them again when fall comes? Do they need to be repaired or cleaned? -Tip: Storing Winter gear: We both believe that all your clothes should be kept together regardless of the season, but for many of us, this is just not practical. It’s fine to pack away your seasonal items if necessary as long as you can say for sure that they spark joy! -Tip: Getting ready for Summer! Start by revisiting your vision. What are your hopes and aspirations for the upcoming spring and summer? What activities do you see yourself participating in and enjoying? What are your goals for living your best life this spring and summer? When you get your summer wear out, make certain that all your things are clean and ready to be used. Do you have lawn furniture or summer sporting goods to bring out of hiding? -Tip: Use any outdoor space to do your sorting and joy checking! -Tip: Bring fresh air inside! Marie Kondo talks about opening the windows and letting the fresh air in everyday. This can be really great during the spring mornings as a way to greet the day. -Tip: Spring is a great time to bring fresh flowers inside. Treat yourself! -Tip: After your annual Spring Tidying, invite people over for game nights and barbeques. Plan a capstone event to work towards! We are pleased to introduce the new Joy Sparker members of the Spark Joy Club. Welcome! Tania Rutini Kristen Munro Lindsey Hardegree Brooke Curran Visit sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Join the Club” to become a member of the Spark Joy Community You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

Spark Joy podcast co-hosts release a very special tool for listeners to extend their tidying experience! It’s been a very exciting time for the Spark Joy podcast! Our audience has grown so much since the beginning of the year and the release of Netflix’s “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.” As KonMari Consultants, we’ve received so much positive support and feedback from clients, colleagues, family and friends as well as you, our listeners. In today’s episode, we have a very special announcement. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -What’s Sparking Joy for Karin: Weekly flower delivery from a real florist and not just picking up any old flowers from the deli! -What’s Sparking Joy for Kristyn: The Life Changing Magic of Instacart! -What’s Sparking Joy for both of us: Spark Joy hit 700,000 downloads and is growing by the day! -Media outlets and events both Karin and Kristyn have been featured in recently Karin has been featured in: - Money/Time Magazine: Marie Kondo KonMari Method Consultant Certification NY Magazine: How to Declutter Your Book Collection 6Sqft City Realty: Meet New York City’s Master KonMari Consultant Kristyn has been featured in: - HuffPost: 6 Lessons From Marie Kondo’s Netflix Show You Can Apply To Work And Career You Need A Budget/Wander Wealthy Podcast And the Chicago Tidy Tour | KonMari 101 continues! -Our special announcement: Introducing The Spark Joy Club! -Spark Joy podcast announces two levels of membership: The Joy Riser Tier - At this tier, you'll receive: - A thank you shout out during an episode of Spark Joy and in the show notes during the month you join - Access to the custom Spark Joy Episode Map and Listening Guide, which is updated following every episode This tier is $3 per month The Joy Sparker Tier - At this tier, you'll receive: Everything above, plus… - Full membership in The Spark Joy Club on Facebook Mix and mingle with our clients and fellow listeners and get support and feedback from us as well as the community - A copy of The Tidy Home Joy Journal via Amazon This tier is $5 per month -Learn more about The Tidy Home Joy Journal -Join The Spark Joy Club today by heading over to our website, and clicking Join The Club! Gems: "This is a brand new membership only group." "We are looking forward to seeing you in The Spark Joy Club." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy