Minimalism: Papers ON PAUSE

I started the papers category in May saying “… this is likely going to be the most challenging of all categories…” and it is now December 31st and I still am not done going through all the papers in my house! I have technically been on hold with the process since December 1st when I left Houston as I have been travelling the entire month. Since I haven’t been able to make any progress this month and it is the last day of the year, I wanted to take a moment to do a reflective post.

I honestly thought I would be done with the entire KonMari process by the end of 2018 and I am only halfway through. Part of me feels completely defeated and disappointed in myself wanting to just crumple to the ground and cry with frustration, but the other part of me recognizes despite 8 months flying by, I can say I have not given up and continue to take steps making progress (no matter how small) towards my ultimate goal of completing the KonMari process.

I noticed that while I technically have only completed the Clothing and Books categories, I am living a noticeably changed way as a result of the progress I’ve made with the minimalism process thus far. As part of daily living, when I encounter items in my home that I know I don’t want anymore, I’ve proactively dealt with it immediately either by throwing it away or setting it aside for donation. I’ve consistently done this to the point that I have already sorted through every single drawer/shelf in both of my bathrooms, some in my kitchen, garage and other areas of my house over the last 6 months. Once I complete the papers category, I don’t anticipate going through the rest of my house will take another 7 months because of what I’ve been doing – at least that’s what I hope! Since I actually feel lighter when items leave my home, I am encouraged to do donation drop offs at least every couple of weeks, so donation piles no longer sit for months as they have in the past.

I am proud of what I’ve done so far because I have gotten rid of countless bags of trash and donated several trunks worth of stuff in the process. I noticeably see a difference in many areas around my home. I can confidently say no matter whatever clothes I pull out to wear, it is an article that does bring me joy. When I go into my home office, I no longer have that dreaded physical reaction to piles and piles of papers because there are none covering my desks anymore. The only papers on my desk, which is stored on a vertical file are current items that need to be actioned and I’ve been able to keep that to under 10 pieces of paper typically. If you were to open some drawers or cabinets in my master bathroom, you will find a few actually completely empty!

I look forward to the day that I can say I finished the entire process and see substantial changes in my life as a result. That is the driver that picks me back up when I falter. I want to thank my readers for being patient with me as I go through and sometimes struggle with this process.

Back to the papers, I literally have one file folder from my filing cabinet and one box (about the size of a banker’s box) of house related paperwork left to go. Once 2019 rolls around and I’m back at home, you better believe that I’ll be back at the KonMari method once again! This is one resolution I’m making for the new year – one that unfortunately is continuing from last year, but hopefully not carrying over to 2020!