The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Title:  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up

Author:  Marie Kondo

Series:  Magic Cleaning #1

Publisher:  Ten Speed Press

Date Published:  January 15, 2011

Genre:  Non-Fiction, Self-Help

Rating:  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Thoughts:

-    I know I'm late to the party, but when this was at its peak in popularity, everyone recommended this to me, and everyone compared me to Marie Kondo. I should have been flattered, because I think Ms. Kondo is brilliant, but I was bugged by the comparison. Yes, I'm Asian. Yes, I love to organize, and it is a passion of mine. Yes, my methods of organizing and decluttering are similar to the konmari method. That doesn't mean we are the same. Not all Asians are the same!! I'm not Japanese! *deep breath, step off soapbox*

-    Anyway, despite my experiences, I am glad I read this book. I felt invigorated to declutter even more than I already do. I also picked up some great tips.

-    I don't believe inanimate objects have feelings, but I definitely project my feelings on to my belongings. Yes, I talk to my stuff, and I liked the idea of telling my stuff thank you. It has helped me let go of objects that I was unsure about because of emotional attachment. The fact that I could tell that thing that I appreciated it for bringing me joy when it did and let it go is very freeing.

-    I am experimenting with folding stuff. I kinda like it for certain things, but definitely not for everything. For example, I hang up my shirts. I prefer them hung up and not folded in a drawer, but I do love the konmari folding method for my socks. I no longer bunch them up into potato shapes, and I love it. 

-    How about you? Do you implement any of Marie Kondo's methods? 

My Thoughts in a GIF:

P.S. Just to clarify, I have nothing against Marie Kondo or her method. In fact, I admire it a lot, and have tried to implement certain things into my life. I also love the Japanese and their culture. It was just the constant comparison that irked me. I have faced a lifetime of "all Asians are/look the same." 

The Total Money Makeover

From Goodreads:    If you will live like no one else, later you can "live" like no one else.

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My Thoughts:

-    This book is not for the faint of heart. It is brutally honest about money, and the mistakes we are making. 

-    I had a pretty big wake up call while reading this book, and I'm pretty pumped about starting on Baby Step 1!

-    I took several notes on each Baby Step, and I have a pretty great outline and plan for our total money makeover!

-    After reading the first couple chapters, I realized I was in denial, serious denial. I looked in the mirror and decided to change the way I spend money.

-    I am one of those who has more month than money, and I love how he says that we need to tell our money where to go, and not go "where did the money go?"

-    I really love the motto of the book: If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else.

-    I really liked the part about not lending money to family or friends. It just hurts your relationship.

-    I love how the book outlines each Baby Step. It is very easy to read and understand.

-    After reading this, I know where to start with my total money makeover, and I know how it will end. I've never had an end in sight, but I do now!

-    I love how Dave talks about giving money when you have it. It is important to be charitable. I really believe that!

-    Dave Ramsey is a really funny guy!

-    I highly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling financially!