Years ago, a little book called The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo quietly disrupted the bestseller lists.
On the surface, it looked like a simple guide to home organization. But for me, it sparked something much deeper—and became a turning point.
In the book, Kondo introduces the KonMari Method™: a process of decluttering your life by placing your hands on each item you own and asking, “Does this spark joy?”
At the time, we were deep in a season of feeling lost. The life script kept urging us to take on more—more debt, more responsibility, more of the same. One day, out of curiosity (and maybe a little desperation), I gave the KonMari Method a try. I started with clothing, which seemed fitting since I had turned an entire bedroom into a custom closet à la Carrie Bradshaw.
As I sifted through hangers and drawers, I noticed how many pieces made me feel uneasy. Too small. Too big. The wrong color. And then there was the guilt—the kind that comes from owning expensive labels you never wear but can’t quite let go of. I wasn’t keeping these things because I loved them. I was keeping them because I thought I should.
As I moved through other home goods categories, the result surprised me: nothing sparked joy.
For a moment, I wondered if I was the problem. Was I doing it wrong? Half-jokingly, I placed my hands on Dave’s arm.
And there it was.
An expansive feeling in my chest. A natural smile rising to my face.
Joy.
That moment shifted everything. It was the beginning of a new kind of awareness—one where I started noticing the energy behind people, places, things, and experiences.
It felt like taking off a blindfold. For the first time, I could clearly see how much of our life had been built around obligation, approval-seeking, and someone else’s definition of success.
Letting go of our stuff was just the beginning.
The real shift came when we let go of the stories we thought we had to live—the ones that told us what was next, what was expected, and what would make us “successful.”
Step by step, decision by decision, we began to move toward what felt light, energizing, and authentic… and away from everything that felt heavy, draining, or false.
Eventually, we sold our house—and nearly everything in it. We stepped away from roles, routines, and relationships that left us feeling depleted. And we leaned into what truly sparked joy: sunshine, road trips, outdoor adventures, and time together.
That’s the life-changing magic no one talks about.
The magic of giving it all up… and finally making space for the life you were always meant to live.
