I doubt it’s what Marie Kondo had in mind, but I took her advice outside.  If you aren’t familiar with her, Kondo is an expert who teaches organizing by category. She has a show on Netflix and several bestselling books.  One of her signature ideas is anything that doesn't spark joy should be tossed or donated.

When we moved into our house 3 years ago, there was a mulch bed running the length of the front yard.  In it was a row of honey locust trees, perennials and shrubs ending at a rock wall dividing the yard from the street.  Like good homeowners, we edged and mulched the bed that first spring and it looked fantastic.  It didn't take long to realize that it was a very large area that would need a lot of upkeep to maintain.   I underestimated the time it would take and by mid-June, it was a sad neglected weed garden.  I vowed to do better, but the second year was pretty much a repeat of the first.  Then, last fall we had some trees removed and it occurred to me that just because the mulch bed was there didn't mean it had to be. Removing the trees let in more light which meant we could get grass to grow.  Mowing grass is easy and not my responsibility in our family so it was an obvious win. This spring, we decided to remove the mulch bed.  I didn't expect the destruction to be so satisfying but watching as the Bobcat razed everything that had caused me so much stress was the most amazing feeling.  The old mulch bed and all the plants are gone, fresh loam and seed in their place.   

There is nothing wrong with maintaining the status quo when you move into a home, but sometimes we do this without much thought about whether it works for us. It's common to plan for a fresh coat of paint and new flooring but thinking creatively about furniture placement or yard maintenance is the last thing on a new homeowner’s mind. As a result, we place furniture exactly where the previous owners did and pick up where they left off in the yard. Whether you’ve been in your home for 2 months or 20 years, take a minute to consider if the way things are set up really is the best use for your lifestyle. If the answer is no, don’t be afraid to make a change.

In the meantime, I'll be watering and waiting patiently for grass to grow. The simplicity of my vision makes me happy; you might even say it sparks joy.