The book, "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," released a couple years ago, seemed like a sensation. I say that because, though I have never read the book, I've seen and read and heard it mentioned many, many times. The premises, gathered from all those mentions about the book, is how decluttering your life of stuff can bring about peace of mind, among other benefits. I have no doubt of this truth - I've read many pieces dealing with the benefit of keeping a clean desk - a goal I am always trying to achieve with limited success. But those times I do succeed, I can feel the sense of peace, along with the sense of clarity my mind gains as a result.
The author's method, again gathered from other individuals discussing the book, is to take each physical item and hold it and see if it "sparks joy"; if it does, keep it; if not, you don't need it (probably a very over-simplistic version of the technique, but again, I've never actually read the book). Thinking about this method it is easy seeing the number of things that could easily be gotten rid of that takes us physical space in our lives.
I've often wondered, though, is how this method would do, generally, if applied to our time and priority. Obviously, the caveat is that many of us work jobs that don't "spark joy" or are even enjoyable - or even if they are jobs we like, there are days we don't look forward to it. But carve out the "necessary" activities and commitments - jobs, household tasks and chores, etc; and I wonder about applying the "spark joy" standard to those discretionary activities, those tasks we choose to do with our free time, for whatever reason.
If we did so, what would we eliminate? What would we do more of? Would I spend more or less time reading news (does being informed in the moment bring more joy than often being out of the loop?)? Would I spend more time reading? Would I spend less time in so-called "mindless" activities, like watching TV or playing certain games?
Obviously, the question is intensely subjective, with an individual's definition and understanding of joy along with the value placed on certain activities being determinative. But for whatever reason, these are the thoughts I am thinking tonight, and wondering, if applied, what changes they might bring.
"Action expresses priorities." - Mahatma Gandhi
"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." - Charles Darwin
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