These 3 books are what I’m all about these days.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
by Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo DID change my life. I really hate being on a bandwagon, but I loved this book. I did this book and Oh My God. I am completely and utterly forever changed. I have always been one to clean, organize and declutter, so I thought this book would be unnecessary. I was wrong. I was in denial. It was what I needed more than anything. (This book was a gift from my lovely cousin Emily. Thank you!)
Styled: Secrets for Arranging Rooms, from Tabletops to Bookshelves
by Emily Henderson
Next, and perfectly timed, I delved into Emily Henderson’s book. I have been an E.H. devotee ever since HGTV’s Secrets of a Stylist and follow her blog faithfully. I believe she is divinely inspired like John Coltrane or Marc Rothko. Like God literally speaks to people. I thought at first it was only a fluffy coffee table book with pretty pictures. That was until I got to “the test”. The style diagnostic test. It showed me what my true decor style is and gave me words to describe it. I’m not kidding when I say this was life changing. Validating and wonderful. I’m still working through the book, but feel so good about my future style choices and arrangements. (This book was also a gift from my sister-in-law but it was on my Amazon wish list.)
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
Now, the third book. My cousin Rachel and I were talking at a big family getogether and I joked towards the end of the party that I kind of wished I was home in my pjs watching Netflix. She said, “I have to get you a copy of this book I just read.” I only recently became aware that I am in introvert. I never wanted to believe that because I think I’m pretty outgoing and social. I have fought against the stigma of being shy and thought I was winning. This book has changed the way I look at everything. I am quiet. I like quiet. And there’s nothing wrong with that. (Again, this book was a gift.)
Conclusion
It always amazes me how one book, or life lesson, dove-tails perfectly into the next. What do these books have in common? For one, they’re about honing in on what brings you joy, what is really “you.” They are also about being at home, (literally and figuratively), and achieving peace. I like that all 3 books were given to me and at the perfect time. They showed me the way home to myself, to who and what I really am.
