Our guest, Saya Hillman, helps us answer the question “why not?” instead of “I can’t?” in order to live a Life of Yes℠. Today’s guest challenges us all to think beyond fear and embrace a Life of Yes℠. Saya Hillman started Mac & Cheese Productions℠ in 2004 after she got fired from her last full-time job and had no idea what she wanted to do. Being fired turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Mac & Cheese Productions℠ is now a lifestyle business that provides creative solutions to common problems through its Life of Yes offerings. At its core, is the belief that the segments which make up our lives shouldn’t be sources of stress, but sources of joy and ease. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Saya's journey from wanting to feel invisible in order to avoid sticking out in a crowd to unapologetically embracing a life of yes How Saya came up with her memorable business name, Mac & Cheese Productions How Saya's networking events break the mold and reflect who she is How sharing each other's vulnerabilities connect her guest "Cheese-Its" together How you can get further in life by being experience focused instead of results focused How Saya helps people transform by embracing productivity, public speaking, sales and other things that cause people stress and pain to be filled with ease and joy How you put the hardest tasks behind us by eating a frog at the beginning of the day How Saya makes her every day life easier and more productive by staying within her Life of Yes radius How sharing a spontaneous moment of sharing her vulnerabilities helped Saya relate to her audience during How the Spark Joy paper clutter episode connects to the path of digitizing our life A travel hack Saya and her husband use to avoid getting overwhelmed with digital clutter How Saya manages her "to reads" How letting go of productivity systems that ultimately don't spark joy will set you free When it is the right time to go nuclear on your inbox How Feedly helps let go of subscription guilt Why Saya decided to go completely paperless when it comes to her business and how she cleans her "digital closet" How bulk work can help you handle your work and not hate your life How the simple act of silencing push notifications can help you feel in control when it comes to technology and incoming information Why improv was the top three adult choices Saya made as an adult that changed her life Saya's favorite tidying tip: Digitize all of your sentimental items What sparks joy for Saya: Travel hacking her way to Japan with a $250 first class ticket To connect with Saya visit www.macncheeseproductions.com . You can also find her on Twitter or Facebook . Gems: "What makes you different are not things to be ashamed of, but to hold up to the light." "I want my business to reflect my personality." "We set ourselves up for disappointment when we are results focused as opposed to experience focused." "Do you have a source of stress that is self created?" "You should set up your life in the way you want it to be lived." "My way isn't the right way. The right way is what works for you." "Such magic can happen when you do voice whatever it is that is causing you any type of negativity in your life." "The perfect time unicorn doesn't exist. You need to do that thing you need to do, and do it now." "I'm completely paralyzed because I know i have a problem, but it's so overwhelming I'm not going to do anything." "Are you spending a lot of time spinning your wheels?...and if you are, how can you stop that?" "Have your default be yes instead of no and why not instead of I can't." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Saya Hillman.

Win a signed copy of Marie Kondo's tidying sequel "Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up" as we celebrate the one year anniversary of Spark Joy podcast! Giveaway runs September 4 - November 13, 2018. We’re so happy to celebrate the one year anniversary of Spark Joy! To thank our faithful listeners, we're also launching a special giveaway that will run through November 13, 2018. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Joy Checks: Spark Joy podcast has been downloaded over a quarter million times! The history of Spark Joy podcast Our big giveaway 12 lucky Spark Joy listeners have a chance to win a SIGNED copy of Marie Kondo's book Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up! To enter visit http://www.sparkjoypodcast.com/itunes for instructions on how to leave us a star rating and written review. After you've submitted your review, send an email to contact@sparkjoypodcast.com with your screen name to be eligible to win. The difference between Marie Kondo's books: The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up and Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up Five of our top reviews on iTunes Contest runs from September 4 - November 13, 2018. Winners will be announced during our Best of 2018 show on November 27, 2018. You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

Bestselling author Cara Brookins isn't afraid to think big. Learn how building a 3,500 square foot house with her four children using YouTube helped her change her life and help others reach their highest potential. What’s standing between you and your biggest goal? What’s standing in the way of your highest potential and true success? If you’ve let the barrier of lack of time, energy, motivation, or lack of skill stop from completing your tidying event or achieving any other major goal in life….this episode is for you. Today’s Spark Joy guest is Cara Brookins. Not only does Cara live in a tidy 3,500 square foot house of joy that’s beautiful and intentionally designed..she built that house with her four children by hand over nine months using YouTube videos as her guide, overcoming many obstacles along the way. Her bestselling book Rise: How a House Built a Family launched her career as a keynote speaker and media personality. She now helps people understand that reaching your highest potential isn’t just about how hard you work, but about adjusting your mindset and strategy to take full advantage of the hours you’re putting in. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: The events that led Cara to come up with the audacious goal to build her own house in 2008 and her children's reaction to this idea How YouTube tutorials married with Cara's DIY mindset solidified her plan to build her 3,500 square foot, two-story home How Cara convinced a bank to secure a loan and a local builder to sell her supplies without a contractor license The initial reaction Cara received from friends and family when they heard about her goal How Cara balanced the build with a fulltime job as a computer programmer The challenges that showed up and the family communication that thrived How anticipating and considering the worst case scenario helped the Brookins family alleviate fear of the unknown How Cara determined when it was time to call on building professionals during different phases of the build to complement her DIY efforts and ensure her family's safety onsite The history of the name of Cara's home - Inkwell Manor For a peek inside the Inkwell Manor, head over to Spark Joy Instagram Spark Joy Instagram How Cara intentionally only kept things that she loved in her home and separated nostalgia from joy The impact this entire experience had on Cara's four children The transition of Cara's story into a feature film How Cara's experience with domestic violence led her to be the voice for victims, keeping their safety as the primary concern The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1−800−799−7233 The history of Cara's story going viral and her transition to pubic speaking as an extension of her passion for writing Cara's favorite tidying tip: (DIY tip) Everyone needs a cordless drill that you keep in the house. (Tidying tip) Anytime you go in a room, leave it better than when you went in. What sparks joy for Cara: Sharing a message in front of an audience and getting to listen to their stories To connect with Cara visit www.carabrookins.com . You can also find her on Facebook or Twitter and check out her book, Rise: How a House Built a Family. Gems: "Day after day, it felt impossible and there was no evidence that we would succeed." "I had to show up every day motivated and determined and positive and certain we could complete it because I had to be that person for the kids." "Any kind of fear of a new circumstance can become absolutely paralyzing." "If you don't take a step forward, you'll stay there forever." "...identify what is the worst case scenario of this thing I'm about to try and can I live with that. If the answer is yes than there is absolutely nothing to fear." "Never hold onto something because it meant something to someone else." "Failure at something [the children] try isn't attached to their own self worth." "Look at yourself. Value yourself and your kids." "Don't wait until it's the right moment, because it never will be...Start doing it now." "Tidying has to come not just in your home, but in your mind." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Cara Brookins.

Kay “Ideaignitor” Richardson shares how to gain confidence and overcome shyness no matter what you’re working towards. Our guest, Kay "Ideaignitor" Richardson describes herself as an ordinary girl from South Florida, but her career has been anything but ordinary. Kay built her first successful businesses in her 20's as an ergonomics consultant and occupational therapist. As a self proclaimed shy person, Kay realized that success was not about just being good about something, she knew she would have to do more than just good, she had to learn to overcome her fears and learn to promote herself with confidence. She’s the owner of Clients Who Say Yes as a coach and trainer and hosts the Five Minutes to Fearless podcast. She’s also the author of the book, What a Woman’s Gotta Do. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -How Kay made the transition from an occupational therapist and ergonomics consultant to business marketing and client development coaching. -The shyness that Kay experienced in her early life.. and how she has been able to overcome it and now is able to speak in front of hundreds of people! -Real life stories about overcoming fear by reaching back into their past. -Practical steps to moving past fear in order to becoming more successful in your business. -How to address our tendency to second-guess ourselves. -Kay’s ergonomic tips! You must a good ergonomic adjustable chair. Red light-green light method Don’t have your monitor too high Always try to be hands free, especially with your phone. -Kay’s ergonomic chart! Get the great chart Kay spoke about here: Kay’s Ergonomic Chart -Listen to Kay’s podcast: Five Minutes to Fearless on Apple -Read Kay’s book: What a Woman’s Gotta Do What sparks joy for Kay today: “Having the opportunity to help individuals with really simple tips to work through their fears so they can tidy up their homes…and their space can be awesome! Working with entrepreneurs who are ready to step into it and not allow fear to interfere with making their way into the world. And my two handsome men!” Final words of wisdom: “Wake up and take action!” You can reach Kay at: Clients Who Say Yes She's on Instagram at: Ideaignator on Instagram and on FaceBook: Ideas to Income on Facebook Kay has a special offer, just for Spark Joy listeners! She is providing a free coaching consultation by emailing her with the subject line: Spark Joy Podcast Moving Past the Fear here: Kay’s Coaching Offer Gems “The more you grow the more you will come back to (fear.) But if you have an idea about where it comes from the more you will be able to change the story.” “That bold move to transform everything that’s there and create something new.” “Are you not feeling good enough or worthy or capable of making this happen?” “There are things in our pasts that are keeping us from being who we are meant to be.” “What will make them say “Yes” to you?” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Kay Ideaignator Richardson.

Our guest today is Amisha Ghadiali. She is the founder and host of The Future is Beautiful podcast and the author of the book by the same name. She also holds retreats combining yoga, meditation and mindfulness. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -Hearing about Amisha's work in politics and the creation of the Ballot Box initiative that she founded: Think Act Vote in Dazed -The amazing story of Amisha’s life changing events that made such a difference in her world view and motivation to make a difference. -How she has found courage to grow her community and her work as an activist. -The Framework of how to put your values into action: (?!X) Think: Vision Act Vote: Support -Watch Amisha’s Ted X Oxbridge talk: Ted X Oxbridge -Listen to her podcast: The Future is Beautiful podcast on Apple -Learn about her community: The Future is Beautiful Community -Take a look at Amisha’s books: The Future is Beautiful Books -The common theme within the stories of the guests she interviews on her podcast: it’s courage! -How we can move toward a beautiful future during this time of turmoil. What sparks joy for Amisha today: "A re-love of healthy eating! Feeling that I’m really nourishing myself." Final words of wisdom: "Don’t let anyone tell you there’s anything you can’t do, the more people I talk to and the more stories I hear, the more I realize that a lot of the limitations that we face are our own, but we really can find our courage and we really can find beauty in the world.” Amisha has a special offer for our listeners. She will provide a complementary intuitive therapy consultation by contacting her on her website here: Amisha.co.uk and be sure to mention you heard her on the Spark Joy podcast. You can find Amisha at The Future is Beautiful and at Amisha.co.uk She’s also at The Future is beautiful on Instagram: The Future is Beautiful on Instagram and Facebook: The Future is Beautiful on Facebook Gems “When we connect to our hearts and minds, and what unites us, our innate goodness and beauty, we find so much possibility, so much opportunity. This is the revolution.” “I had become very academic, and I had become very hands on, volunteering but I wasn’t making things for myself anymore. I wasn’t doing things that were a pure expression of who I was.” “It’s been messy along the way. The process of finding courage and the process of using trauma and tragedy to grow and give is not an easy one.” “Most of us just want a world where we can feel safe where our children can thrive and where we have resources. That’s our common thread.” “I think that we have to take one bit at a time and to not feel that we have to take it on all at once or that all of it is our responsibility.” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Amisha Ghadiali.

Spark Joy co-hosts and KonMari Consultants, Karin and Kristyn take a deep dive into the value of hiring a KonMari Consultant to help you get organized for good, save time and money, and avoid general headaches that can come with trying to figure this tidying thing out on your own. The KonMari Method is a practice that you can definitely apply to your home independently without the help of others. For those of you who were able to KonMari their space on their own based on the techniques that Marie Kondo outlines in The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up, which was published in 2014, Congratulations! That brings us to this: if it’s possible to tidy up on your own, why isn’t everyone already living clutter free life of joy? In this episode, we discuss hiring a KonMari Consultant. Why, and when, it might be the right choice for making a great success of your tidying festival. If you're just getting started with KonMari or need a refresher, we recommend you head over to Episode 1: KonMari 101 prior to listening to this episode. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Joy Checks: Karin- My client this week had a baby today! This family had just moved from an apartment to a new home under an accelerated time frame. We KonMari’ed their things prior to the move and we worked this week on organization in their new home. And, today she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! Kristyn- I’m in the middle of a radio tour to be followed by presenting the KonMari method to 24 libraries throughout the Chicago area. For dates and times, check out the For The Love of Tidy events page: For The Love of Tidy Events Page -Learn why getting and staying organized can be learned. Even if you have never been an organized person, KonMari is a life changing skill that can be learned and applied. -Marie Kondo’s quote regarding learning how to tidy in Cosmopolitan Magazine Cleaning Celebrity Marie Kondo Thinks We Should Learn How to Tidy in School: “One thing that I do think about is perhaps including tidying in education. Not necessarily that it should just be part of education, but it's really about creating a place where everybody knows how to clean. And so that could be in schools — or, of course, it could also be taught at home. But one thing is that in Japan, most schools have home economics as a class. And so to add more cleaning and more tidying and organizing tips into these home economic classes.” -When it may be time to hire a KonMari consultant Analysis Paralysis Stutter Stepping Joy is just not clicking into place -A refresher on how NOT tidying could be costing you money: Spark Joy Podcast Ep 37 | The True Cost of Clutter -Some of the things our clients say to us about how hard it is to reach out for help. -The one thing we hear from almost all our clients. P.S. It’s never true! -The misnomers clients hold onto that hold them back from taking the step toward hiring a KonMari Consultant. -The benefits of hiring a KonMari Consultant: Accountability Physical and emotional support Project and time management Customized guidance and tools Real time, objective feedback Resources Expertise and experience that extends beyond the realm of organization -The different types of services available from a KonMari consultant: Initial, free of charge phone consults In person consultations: Individual sessions Consulting packages Virtual consulting Workshops and presentations -Here’s Kristyn’s Services page: For The Love of Tidy Services -Here’s Karin’s Services page: The Serene Home Services Page -How to find a consultant in your area: KonMari Certified Consultants Gems: “I actually am a firm believer that it's just about whether you do or don't know the ways that you can declutter. It's not genetic.” "There’s a societal norm that assumes we should all be able to keep our homes tidy-that it's just part of being an adult." "Why isn’t everyone already living a clutter free life of joy? "The good news is there are tons of information out there to help you change your story." “Isn’t this the messy home you have ever seen?” “I know I should be able to do this myself, but I have accepted that I just can’t.” "If you’ve gathered information about KonMari from any and everywhere and you’re still looking for the best way for you to finish this journey once and for all, consider reaching out to a certified KonMari Consultant." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy

Today’s guest, Jessica Butts, is CEO and Founder of Front Seat Life where she helps people be unapologetically who they are in their life, love and business. Jessica is a retired psychotherapist, life and business coach, author of two popular books and international speaker and trainer. She shares her Front Seat Life methodology all around the country in her super sassy and entertaining manner. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: -Learn how the Myers Briggs can teach you about your behavior patterns, both good and not-so-good. -Hear about her work in her two (so far!) books: Don’t Do Things You Suck At Living Life in the Front Seat -Learn the three tiers of Jessica’s coaching work: Who are You? Where are you Going? How are you going to Get There? -Understand the 3-S’s to getting yourself and your life settled around you System Structure Singular Focus -Find out about the personality types of the Myers Briggs Scale and how you can you use this information to make better choices: Myers Briggs Scale -Hear about the 4 people in your car and how they influence your behaviors The Front Seat Driver The Copilot The Drunk Uncle The Baby in the Back Seat -Jessica shares the importance of journaling. And, you learn more about her journal here: Be Unapologetically Who You Are: A Journal from Jessica Butts What sparks joy for Jessica today: Jessica is excited about going back out into the dating world. Good luck, Jessica!! Final words of wisdom: “Figure out your side of the net.” Gems “I was so ridiculously uninspired.” “Our circumstances change but our personality doesn’t change.” “There are four people in the car and each one represents a different part of your personality.” “The first step of any change is awareness.” “Go travel by yourself!” “Be unapologetically who you are” Take Jessica’s quiz here: Front Seat Life Personality Assessment You can reach Jessica at: www.jessicabutts.com On FB at: Front Seat Life On Instagram at: Front Seat Life You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Jessica Butts.

Sarah Karakaian is all about maximizing the design and function of spaces, especially small ones! For Sarah, it all started on the road as a world-traveling performer in hit Broadway musicals, where the only constant was her thoughtfully compartmentalized suitcase. In 2014, Sarah teamed-up with handy hubby, Nick, to create beautiful spaces full-time at Nestrs a professional organizing, design, and handyman company. Sarah and her husband are Airbnb Superhosts and their work has been featured on the HGTV television series, Beach Flip. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Why enthusiasm is so important for a small business owner working with clients. How Sarah went from theatre to professional organizing. Learn about the intersection between the work of organizing and work in doing renovations When you should do DIY, Do It Yourself, and when it’s between to leave it to the professionals. Learn about a great DIY project that will make a huge impact. What it was like to do a very cool beach project on BeachFlip, the HGTV show. Here is their episode: Sarah and Nick on BeachFlip To connect with Sarah, visit Nestrs.com Follow her on instagram at: @nestrs and Facebook at: The Nestrs Sarah's favorite tidying tip: “Think up! There’s a lot of under utilized space up high that you can make use of and maximize your space.” What sparks joy for Sarah: Sarah and her husband have a new renovation project in Ohio that she is looking forward to diving into! Final words of wisdom: “Being organized is so important. It saves us time, it saves us money, it keeps our stress and anxiety levels under control. And, it can be fun and creative.” Gems: “Is the time spent doing a project enjoyable for you?” “We were there sometimes until midnight demo’ing a space. And there would be times when I just wanted to cry.” "When you work together, it's important to have a way to deal with the stress and tension that will inevitably come up." “We both love transforming spaces and helping people achieve what they want in their homes.” You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Sarah Karakaian.

KonMari Consultant Brenda Massei, joins us to discuss what it's like living in an Airstream RV and how her family of four sparks joy in a tiny space. Have you ever considered what it would be like to travel the country in an Airstream, living an RV life of joy? Today’s guest is Brenda Massei. Brenda is a fellow certified KonMari Consultant who has been blogging since 2010 about her family’s Airstream living adventures across Illinois, Tennessee and, Wisconsin. She currently lives in Southeast Wisconsin surrounded by cornfields and soybeans and launched her KonMari business, Zen Tidy, in 2017. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: The moment Brenda decided to sell her home and start a long adventure with her family and how KonMari influenced that transition How Brenda was well prepared for this major lifestyle change because of her family's previous travel experiences How Brenda's love of national and state parks influenced the necessary items her family brought on the road The realities and challenges of RV living, especially with kids (hint: it's not always as joyful as it looks on Instagram) How Brenda's family embraces the lack of privacy in an RV by exploring the outdoors How Brenda cleans her RV and manages her children's toys and collectables Brenda's new "fixed" home Wisconsin that she built with her husband over 5-6 months The one thing that Brenda missed when she didn't have a traditional home Brenda's favorite tidying tip: Get a library card. What sparks joy for Brenda: Growing her own garden. To connect with Brenda, visit www.zentidyhome.com and follow her on instagram at @zentidy. Gems: "The things you really love at home that provide new experiences for you, you don't need to bring any of that along because every day is a new experience." "Definitely think necessity before you think anything else." "If you can get through a day with a little bit less..why not try another." "Just go for it...you can learn on the road." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of TidySpecial Guest: Brenda Massei.

Today we walk through how we process and joy check paper using the KonMari Method and also how to stop paper that doesn’t spark joy from crowding your mailbox. Are you terrified of the paper in your home? Marie Kondo is known for her progressive stance on paper. As quoted from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up : “My basic principle for sorting papers is to throw them all away.” We understand that this may be uncomfortable for most people and, as always, we aren’t here to insist that you live a paper free life. But we definitely believe you can live a much more joyful life with a lot less paper. In this episode we discuss the Paper Category, which is the third category within the KonaMari Method. If you're just getting started with KonMari or need a refresher, we recommend you head over to Episode 1: KonMari 101 prior to listening to this episode. We want to hear from you! Tell us your burning tidying questions or share stories about how KonMari has impacted your life. Find us at www.sparkjoypodcast.com and click “Ask Spark Joy” to leave a question or comment for a chance to be featured on next week’s show. While you’re there, sign-up to join our Spark Joy podcast community and get notified when each episode airs. You can also join the Spark Joy podcast community on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter at the handle @sparkjoypodcast. In this episode, you’ll enjoy: Joy Checks: Karin- I’m upgrading my medicine supply cabinet with some pretty new containers - A tidy home style upgrade! Kristyn- I was featured on the ChooseFI podcast where I got to discuss my path to Financial Independence and its overlap with tidying. Here are a couple of upcoming Netflix series to look forward to: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo Playing with Fire News about the KonMari App Hear listener Sharon’s email question about the paper category, which inspired today’s show. Review our episode on the importance of tidying by category: Episode 9: Tidying by Location is a Fatal Mistake Learn about Delete, Delegate, Diminish, Defer: Episode 16: Stress Free Holiday Joy with Amanda Jefferson Find all the manuals you’ll ever need: Manuals Online Review our discussion on keeping paper and other clutter categories under control for the long-term: Episode 41: How to maintain a Tidy Home Post Konmari Learn about shredding services: Shredding Services at Staples Shredding Services at Office Depot Identity Theft Protection Stamps Kristyn's favorite paper storage solution: Locking File Chest Learn about scanning options: Cam Card Cam Scanner Artkive App Google Drive Evernote DropBox How to get off mailing lists: Catalog Choice DMA Choice Hear about DMA choice on: Episode 8: Make Bold Moves with The Traveling Organizer Holly Southerland Opt Out Prescreen PaperKarma App Gems: “My basic principle for sorting papers is to throw them all away.” "Paper is really not that scary and completing the category has the potential to free up so much space in your mind and home." "When thinking about the paper you have stored now, how often have you needed to get something out of your paper storage?" "What necessary documents do you have that are available in another format?" "Keep paper where you will use it." "I have an amount of paper that I’ve deemed reasonable to the point where I can sift through it easily, so it doesn’t require a lot of micro-organizing and labels, and again, additional attention." "My square footage is valuable and I don’t want to waste precious activity space on something that has a limited amount of joy like the paper I’m required to keep." " We promise you’ll be amazed by how little paper you actually need in your life." You can find Karin Socci at The Serene Home You can find Kristyn Ivey at For the Love of Tidy