“Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it.
― Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up
For the last four years, I’ve focused on living a simpler, more minimalistic life. I think I’ve done pretty well. Since my 50 Things challenge, I’ve definitely become more intentional with what I bring into our home and less hesitant about what I remove from it.
But still, I have stuff. Probably more than I need. And not all of it useful. But I’ve kept a few things because, in the words of Japanese organizing maven Marie Kondo, they “spark joy.”
Here are five of those things:
1. “Morning Mist” – By Bing Phung
This watercolour, which hangs on a wall in our hallway, was a wedding gift from my sihing (kung fu brother) Bing. He’s an incredibly talented graphic designer and a phenomenal artist. He was one of my closest and most trusted friends when I was single, and extended that same hand of friendship to my husband Alan after I got married. This art piece has all of my favourite colours in it (as Bing surely knew) and bears this thoughtful inscription:“To Lisa and Alan: To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with. – Mark Twain”
2. Charlie Brown Christmas Tree
This tree sits above our fireplace year-round. I smile every time I look at it. As the children of first generation immigrants, my three siblings and I grew up quite poor. Toys were few, but we had active imaginations and each other. Every Christmas, we’d gather around our old wood-encased TV, which tuned in to only four channels (one of which was French), to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. We didn’t always receive gifts at Christmas, but we always watched that cartoon. I love this tree because it reminds me of my humble, but happy childhood.
3. Woodpecker Toy
This vintage style woodpecker toy was a Secret Santa gift from a work colleague. It’s impossible not to be mesmerized by the wispy-haired woodpecker as it drums its way down the metal pole. What I love about this toy is that when activated, it forces me to “be in the moment” – even if that moment is for only a few seconds (27 seconds to be exact, based on hundreds of time trials). Perched on my desk at home, this little woodpecker reminds me of the importance of being fully present.
4. “Zen” – By Li Songmao
This hanging scroll, which says “Zen” in Chinese calligraphy, was a gift from my mom. She bought it from an acclaimed artist in China, back when she and my dad made annual trips to visit family. I received this scroll in my twenties, when I was training kung fu, a pursuit that would last for 14 years. This gift is especially meaningful to me because I know that Mom selected it with great thought and care, and an appreciation for the relationship between Zen and the martial arts.
5. Invisible Dog
This silly, no fuss pet was a souvenir I picked up years ago at a magic shop in Disneyland, CA, while I was on a girl’s trip with three work colleagues. On my return trip home, this dog brought smiles to everyone I encountered, including the flight crew and my fellow passengers. It currently sits at the foot of my desk at home. The dog that’s pictured is on indefinite loan from my younger brother. Ironically, my invisible dog, which has a pink and white leash, went missing several years ago – not kidding!
What is something that you own that sparks joy in your life?
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