Does this spark joy?
AND
no, this is not an article about de-cluttering. I leave that to the most capable hands of Marie Kondo. It is amazing how the Konmari method has taken off, and is now on a whole new level. Quite fascinating, really, how that one series on Netflix has seen the launch of all sorts of accessories for cabinets, storage and simply, tidying up. Beyond the art of cleaning up – getting rid of clutter and unnecessary objects, the show has left quite a mark in the lives of hoarders and those whose lives could use a bit of cleaning up. Even for those who have never watched a single episode it is inevitable to learn and become curious about it simply because a most popular line has taken over social media: “But does this spark joy?”
When strictly interpreted in the context of Marie Kondo and her show, the question is meant to evoke a certain sentiment brought about by a material object. Quite simply put, if the object “sparks joy” or brings about positive emotional excitement, it merits a space in your life. But what about nonmaterial things? Suffice to say, it is safe to conclude that one would only choose to keep people in their lives who bring out the best in them, in the same way that one would only consider returning to a place that has brought them good memories. Why bother keeping a book-pressed leaf and a piece of bond paper with seemingly useless strokes of crayons together with all your prized possessions? The answer is simple: sentimental value. And at the end of the day, nothing comes close to the feeling of happiness. That slightest bit of kilig that is brought about by the smallest things. At the end of a long day (many of which I have had late), one indeed goes to bed wondering, “What sparks my joy?”
And though my list could go on and on, if I were to explain it in a few sentences, I realized that its range is as wide as it varies. From being greeted ever so enthusiastically by my dog every time I arrive home, or being able to leisurely lounge around on a lazy Sunday afternoon to having a free night on a week night to stay home and catch-up with my family, and really, just being around those who matter most, I find that what brings me the most happiness is the feeling of contentment and being showered by the love of those who mean the most to me. In a more material sense if you will, nothing puts me in a better mood than getting a massage, a hair treatment or my nails done. Those definitely spark my joy on all levels! And so do hand-written cards (in beautiful stationery is always a bonus), a random and unexpected message from a friend in the midst of life’s hustle and bustle to remind me I’m in their thoughts, the smallest gifts (think a cute eraser) sent at random times because it reminded someone about you, or simply diving into crisp white fluffy soft sheets at the end of the day. Thoughtfulness and generosity are definitely two traits I cherish that rank quite high up on my list. And so does the notion of responsibility and fulfillment, I suppose, because how else would you classify that indescribably joy brought about by having zero unread messages and notifications at the end of everyday?
Whatever the case may be, or whatever it is that sparks your joy, it suffices to say that it is linked to a greater feeling of satisfaction, or a sentiment that yields excitement. To tie it all back in with the idea of de-cluttering, from a non-material perspective, it is a reminder to us all to get rid of the negative energy that can burden and boggle us all down. Think happy thoughts, and next time you find yourself in a confused situation, just pause, and take a moment to evaluate if it is worth all the fuss and stress. Ask yourself, “Does this spark joy?”