Somehow, I didn’t feel simpatico with Marie Kondo. But I’ve become a fan of of Margareta Magnussen’s gentle art. I like her imaginative way of thinking of places to donate things to. And her acceptance of the process. She knows well which parts (photos and letters, for example) will slow you down with memories, and she suggests saving those for last. She emphasizes how rewarding it can be to see all the things that went on—or went by—in your life, that you now have time to savor for yourself.
I find the process very sad, particularly since I jumped around so much in my professional life, changing areas of focus, countries, circle of friends… so many lost contacts. I would have loved to have kept them all. But Magnusson encourages the reader to get through that phase, because, as she says, you will feel so much lighter and happier once you get into the rhythm of it and have the downsized results.
I’m going to try posting some pictures of things that represent phases or portions of my life (as I have done here and there already). I have no justification for doing so. It’s probably not elucidating or entertaining. I guess it’s my way of parting with those things and times, yet still leaving a trace of them in the infinite internet…
