Lessons Learned From Mrs. Kondo

I'm holding true to my word. I'm slowly, but surely, minimizing unnecessary chaos and excess. And I started this process in my dresser drawers. I know it's not much - my schedule has been particularly full of meetings and work lately, so I haven't had the time or space to tackle a great deal, but I'm chipping away at it! It's a start! Baby steps, people!

And honestly, I'm pretty dang proud of myself for these two drawers. Will you just look at them!?

In honor of my recent endeavors, I started watching the once popular Netflix show "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" (I know I'm a few years behind on this band-wagon). So far, I've only seen three episodes but with each episode, I have been deeply struck by something she does - Before she begins her process of tidying, she kneels on the floor and she silently and reverently gives thanks to the house. Now, keep in mind, Mrs. Kondo is Japanese and therefore comes from a distinctly different culture than mine. An act like this would have never occurred to me and my American sensibilities. But witnessing this moment brought a tear to my eye each time.

Of course, I can only speak to my experience here but to me, my home is a deeply sacred space. On one hand it is an earthly possession that could be taken from me at any moment. It's a monetary investment and asset. But it's also my home. This is the place in the world where I, Lacy Lovell, feel the deepest since of comfort. It's tailor made to fit my needs and lifestyle. It's where I spend almost all of my time. It's where I rest. I laugh here and I cry here. This is the place where I am nourished - body and soul. It's mine and I'm profoundly grateful for it.

With that said, I believe "home" can happen anywhere. These specific four walls aren't what designate this as "home" to me. It’s the energy that I give this place. It’s the love with which I fill these walls. To me, “home” isn’t a location as much as it is a spirit or an energy. But for today, this location and these four walls is where that spirit lives. There is a tender and important place in my heart for this house because it holds my home - this is why I was so moved watching Marie address the home as if it was truly a spirit.

Now, I don't actually see myself kneeling on the floor any time soon to give thanks to my home, but I like the sentiment. And I think, all along, I have been saying thank you in my own way.