Joy Joy Joy

If it doesn't bring you joy, toss it.
For those of you who have a hard time letting go...this is for you.  A  friend of mine was telling me about a book she read.  Basically, if you have something in your closet that doesn't bring you joy, toss it.  For the next several weeks I found myself tossing articles of clothing and shoes left and right.  Asking myself, "Does this sweater bring me joy?" took all the guess work out of whether or not I should keep it.  Forget the, "when I lose 10 pounds I'll wear it" reasoning.  That ain't happenin' since I just successfully polished off a cherry cobbler.  

http://www.amazon.com/Spark-Joy-Illustrated-Organizing-Tidying/dp/1607749726/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0H44K7EX7VV52S55R179

 The beauty of this concept is that it can apply to more than a pair of pants from 1995 or heels that are killing your feet.  Eventually, I started to consider the abstract things in my life that do not bring me joy, crush my spirit and break my heart.  If it's not good for the soul it's not good for you.  Is it a relationship, a lie I keep telling myself, a habit, bits of social media or activities?  Now, I am well aware that doing laundry does not bring me joy but someone has to do it.  Waking up to cranky kids does not bring me joy but you gotta do what you gotta do to get those little sweet cheeks off to school.  

What are you doing, tolerating, wearing, keeping, or hoarding in your life that does not bring you JOY (insert meditation and ponder here)?  Start with the dusty pants in your closet.  If lacey push up bras do not bring you comfort they can't be bringing you joy.  Then muster up the courage to take a look at the things that steal your joy.  If you are a list maker then get to listing.  You will be in "check that off" heaven. For the over achievers out there, take this wisdom and run with it.  I took it to the kitchen cabinets, pantry, home decor and more.  Let's just say the Good Will now knows me by name and they have a receipt ready before I put the car in park and open up the hatch.  

No wire hangers here.  I saw Mommy Dearest at a young age and clearly have issues.

There.  That's it.  That's all.  All you have to do is ask yourself, "Does this bring me joy?" and you will begin a healthy purge of bondage to the things that do not bring you joy.  It sounds silly but I have a much better chance at getting somewhere with this than any cliche New Years Resolution.  Just try it.   It's the gift that keeps on getting rid of.  
   Want to get serious about this whole Joy Project?  Check this out: http://www.jolynneshane.com/join-my-30-day-shop-your-closetcapsule-wardrobe-challenge.html