What's a Boozy Trading Brunch?
You and a bunch of friends bring all the clothes that no longer spark joy in your life then shop amongst yourselves, for free. Also, everyone brings a small breakfast dish for the potluck.
Why?
We used to do this in San Francisco often. I call it a Boozy Trading Brunch, we've called it many other things in the past.
Also I recently read 'The life changing magic of tidying'. The book introduces a Japanese ideology, enlightening us to only keep what sparks joy in our life. [Her theory claims] it is only in this minimalistic approach in which we can achieve clarity and truly enlighten ourselves to pursue what makes us happy.
Purpose of 'Tidying'
The book's author, Marie Kondo defines tidying as only keeping in your house what sparks joy. In the book she explains how she selects what sparks joy, as well as how she organizes to save time (for the real problems in life). Honestly, this book changed my life. Some women's testimonials went so far to say they filed for divorce after reading this because they've been in an unhappy environment for so long that they didn't even realize what did make them happy any more. The book has some powerful ass points.
If you don't have time to read it, you can get a glimpse of her process through articles online - though I tried this before reading it and it just didn't give me all the info I needed. Others' thoughts on the book here.
How to only keep what sparks joy
Go in this order when minimizing your closet:
1) Clothes 2) Books 3) Papers 4) Miscellaneous
1. Gather all your items of that kind and place it out of the closet, shelf or whatever it is stored in (i.e. place all shoes in a row)
2. Begin by picking your favorite 3 items of that kind
- Touch your favorite item and hold it in your hands (if possible)
- Analyze what you love about it
- Close your eyes and see how you feel
- Open your eyes and do the same with an item you are unsure of
How was the feeling different? Marie Kondo demonstrates the emotion in this video below.
Now that you've identified the different emotions you choose what you'd like to keep - not what you will discard. Only in this way can you be fully surrounded by what brings you joy. It's a radical approach, but it works.
Out with the old, in with the new.
Back to the Boozy Trading Brunch
Everyone brings a breakfast dish, usually there's mimosas (Sparkling wine + juice) or rosé.
At the end of it all, the host takes all the items which no one wanted and donates to their favorite non-profit organization for those in need. Great motivation to get your Marie Kondo on.
Save your money, drink and shop for a good cause 🌈.