Things I Left Behind: Does This Spark Joy?
On packing, letting go, and moving forward. Does this spark joy? If yes keep it, if no leave it.
Adulthood nudges me to move again — to a new city, a new environment, and new faces. Time seems to have flown by. Nearly two years have passed here, and now it’s time to move on.
Like anyone preparing for a move, I have to pack up everything I own: clothes, a desk, chairs, books, pillows, electronics, and so much more. If I listed everything, this writing might look like my inventory notes.
But what interests me isn’t the items themselves — it’s the process of sorting through and letting go.
More Than Just Things
To be honest, I’ve accumulated more than I thought in this cramped, sun-deprived 3x3 meter room. It’s now packed to the brim with the distinct aroma of belongings left to linger for too long.
At a glance, it’s clear that most of my possessions are clothes. There’s a slightly snug pair of tracksuit pants I bought during a fleeting fitness kick, a winter jacket from a highland concert trip, and a T-shirt given by someone I no longer speak to.
These all sit in a fabric wardrobe with a flimsy stainless-steel frame that seems to be begging for mercy under the weight of my clothes.
I start emptying the wardrobe, moving everything to the bed. One by one, I sort them into two piles: clothes to bring to my new home and clothes to donate or repurpose. As I sift through them, I examine each piece closely.
It turns out that deciding what to keep and what to leave behind isn’t as easy as it seems. A small voice whispers doubt in my ear: “What if you need this someday?” That thought makes the sorting process feel like a final exam.
I pause for a moment, sitting amidst the scattered clothes on my bed. My mind drifts to the pandemic, back when I watched Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. One phrase from that show has stuck with me ever since: “Does this spark joy?”
Letting Go of What Doesn’t Spark Joy
As a disclaimer, I’m not an avid Marie Kondo’s follower or her KonMari method, but I’ve always loved the “spark joy” quote. It’s taught me to be more mindful about what I choose to hold onto and has become a tool for reflecting on whether something still brings happiness — or if it’s time to let it go.
Initially, this question was a guide for tidying up physical belongings. But for me, it’s become a deeper metaphor — a way to evaluate happiness across all areas of life, be it relationships, living spaces, or even work. It’s a nudge to live intentionally, focusing on what truly adds value and joy to life.
As the year comes to a close, I find myself asking the same question: “Does this spark joy?” — about my job, my home, my relationships, and yes, the piles of belongings around me. Should I keep holding onto them, or is it time to let go?
In asking this, doubts inevitably arise: “Will my next job meet my needs?”; “Will I connect with the new people I meet?”; “Will my new room be as comfortable as this one?”
These uncertainties tempted me to abandon my plans and stay put.
The Courage to Choose
But life moves in directions we often don’t anticipate. Doubts emerge because uncertainty is an inherent part of existence.
Uncertainty is the only certainty in life. As humans, we face countless transitions and changes, each with its own weight and significance. But amidst that uncertainty lies the possibility of happiness. Happiness belongs to those who dare to choose.
This process required careful thought and discussion. Some supported my decision; others disagreed. Was it a dilemma? Of course. But as someone with free will, I resolved to take that step forward — toward what truly brings me happiness.
So, when I close the door to this room for the last time, I’ll be grateful for every encounter, memory, story, and item that has shaped my life. With all my heart, I’ll leave behind what no longer matters to make room for what truly brings joy.
And as someone who believes in the dichotomy of control, if I don’t find that joy? I’ll keep creating it.
