It’s Amazing What Can Happen When You Just Start

It’s hard to believe it’s been about ten years since I discovered the KonMari Method. I remember it took me three separate tries before I finally made that first “mountain” of clothing.

I loved the cleverness of Marie Kondo’s book — and I loved having a system I could actually follow. It’s as simple as working through the five categories, in order, yet as they say, “the devil is in the details.”

Back then, I’ll admit, I was an over-consumer. These days, when I do my own tidy festival, it’s more of a realignment — a check-in with who I am now. Tidying has changed for me because through it, I’ve found immense joy beyond my belongings. When you’re surrounded only by things that bring you joy and support the person you’re becoming, an intentionality seeps into your life. Everything feels more aligned.

I used the KonMari Method to navigate my thirties — a pivotal decade where I began to realize that what you do every day truly matters. It all adds up to the life you’re living.

I’ve been MIA this summer. I write these posts to share, to convince, to inspire you (whoever finds these words) to start tidying — because I genuinely believe it can change the direction of your life for the better. But this summer, I gave myself permission simply to live — to soak up every minute of sunshine and joy.

Ten years ago, when I was struggling to face my own pile, I couldn’t have imagined that one day I’d be writing this from my home alongside Lake Ontario and the Credit River.

This year, I completed additional training in the Clear and Cultivate Method. I was hired to host a Spark Session and a Tidy Festival for the KonMari Club. I can now say that I spent my time supporting people as they tidy and transform their lives — work that blends seamlessly with my career as a Developmental Service Worker.

Over the last decade, I’ve realized it was never about the stuff. It was about the old ideas, hopes, and expectations I was finally ready to release.

This year has been a tough one. The world feels turbulent, and it can be hard to hold onto hope for brighter days. But that’s why it’s so important to move through the world with joy — as an act of resistance.

In September, the KonMari Club and Clear and Cultivate OGs traveled to Canmore, Alberta, to cap off the summer. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip — soft, unrepeatable, and deeply joyful.

As a Canadian who hadn’t been to Alberta since 1997 (during one of those classic family road trips), I felt an invisible string tugging me back. To return as an adult, with fresh eyes and a full life behind me, was a true gift.

We experienced so many moments of pure joy. We practiced trust, shared laughter (and the occasional navigational stress!), and embraced both relaxation and adventure. It’s hard to put into words.

We’re a group of people from around the world who share one goal: to live spark-joy-filled lives. We see each other regularly on Zoom, doing the deep work of clearing and cultivating the lives we want. But this trip was different — it was a celebration. A chance to experience our local host’s hometown, her spark-joy spots, and her favourite moments.

We rode a gondola, went horseback riding around Lake Louise, took an early morning sunrise dip, participated in a sweat with Hollow Bone Lodge, and enjoyed a beautifully catered meal by Meta 4 Life. We sipped slow cups of coffee each morning and feasted on copious amounts of fresh berries.

The funny thing about tidying is that your life stops being possession-based — and becomes experience-based. For me, it’s become adventure-based. I no longer spend weekends shopping; instead, I treasure connection, movement, and exploration.

I’ve changed what I value and how I spend my money. I sometimes go without, and I may have less than some and more than others — but I know the value of those five days was far greater than the money I exchanged for them.

When I started this journey, I never could have guessed that’s where it would lead — from tidying up my space to truly living my life.

What’s Next

Japan is calling. But until then, you’ll find me in closets, basements, living rooms, and dining rooms — clearing the clutter so others can live their own version of a spark-joy life.

If you’ve been feeling ready for a change — or if your own “mountain” feels too big to start — I’d love to help. Book a free 30-minute consultation to learn how we can create space for joy in your home and life.

With Love,

Caitlin Pedlar