Is the theory that 'tidying up brings happiness' true?

I have something I really want to share today, so I'm writing this on impulse. It's that thing that's often talked about on the street. That tidying up makes you happy, or that letting go of things brings good fortune? I found something like a hint that provides insight into that, so please let me share it!

My neighbor, Mrs. Tanaka

One day, my neighbor, Mrs. Tanaka, called out to me. Mrs. Tanaka is a lady in her 70s.

"The mimosa in my garden has bloomed beautifully~"
"Wait a moment, please."

Mrs. Tanaka snipped some of the "mimosa" that had bloomed in her garden and gave it to me, saying, "Please decorate your kitchen with it if you'd like."

"Come to think of it, you don't have that black Volvo anymore, do you?"

"That's right~. It had been quite a while since my husband passed away, but I couldn't let it go, and I finally made the decision recently."

The black Volvo that had been sitting there with such presence was gone, and it had become an airy, open space.

On the terrace adjacent to the parking space, there is a white chair and a white round table, and the "mimosa" flowers are displayed. It is such a happy scene.

Seeing Mrs. Tanaka sitting on the white chair, relaxing surrounded by flowers. Every time I see her taking a walk on a nice day, I find myself thinking that she is living a good life, and wondering if this is what happiness is all about...

Mrs. Tanaka didn't let go of the black Volvo right away. She didn't suddenly start living a vibrant life right after her husband passed away, either. The timing for letting go must have been when she reached a point of closure in her heart regarding her husband.

My relaxed minimalist life

Perhaps I was influenced, at least in part, by Mrs. Tanaka's lifestyle. I, too, have let go of many things, such as clothes, small items, and chests, and am currently living arelaxed minimalist life.

The area I focused on tidying up in particular was thekitchen.

The catalyst was COVID. I organized the kitchen to keep it clean. Even now, I periodically take everything out and wipe it down.

I also had the expectation that if I organized the kitchen, "cooking would become fun."

Cooking, which is somehow exhausting

I thought that if I reduced the number of things, I could save time on tidying up and life would become easier, but it never became easier. And cooking after coming home is exhausting.

Why can't I escape this exhausting loop?

When I looked back on my life, I realized I didn't have a single day of true rest.

I live alone with my daughter in Tokyo. My husband is working away from home, and my parents' home is far away. I have no relatives or close friends I can rely on. Although I registered for Taskaji (a housekeeping service), I didn't have the courage to actually use it. I was carrying everything all by myself.

A life without any margin like that

No matter how much I tidied the kitchen, there was no way I could learn to like cooking. Because I was constantly exhausted. I want to rest!! I want to lounge around!! That was my true feeling.

I had been in a state where I had no margin in my time for a long time, and it was painful.

I selfishly told my husband, 'I want to quit my job because I have to pick up and drop off my daughter, and it's physically tough.' While trembling with the fear that he might ask, 'For a reason like that?' My husband accepted it easily and didn't say anything to attack me. I was the only one blaming myself for not being able to do my best... (sweat).

What was the result?

After letting go, I was finally able to breathe, and I got the lounge time I had been longing for. I pick up and drop off my daughter on weekday mornings and evenings, and while I wait for her, I write articles for note.

By creating a margin in my time

In addition to my usual cooking, I gained the leeway to bake sweets with my daughter.

It was fun!

I wasn't bad at cooking, nor did I dislike it. I was just living a life without any margin.

Baking sweets with my daughter is fun.

Not cooking like it's a chore, but 'I want to cook with someone'I realized that about my own feelings.

The theory that letting go brings happiness

Let's return to the 'theory that letting go brings happiness' often mentioned in the tidying community. I thinkasking yourself, 'How do I want to live after letting go of things?'is the key.

Also, I like myself when I'm working hard. When people around me said, 'You're amazing for working, raising a child alone, and keeping your house clean,' I felt like they were acknowledging the 'me who is working hard.'

I must have been showing off.
Even though my true self is a sloth who wants to lounge around.

If you let go, you will be happy.
Is the theory that tidying up brings happiness true?

What I have gained from my own experience and Mr. Tanaka's observations is:

I have learned that these three things lead to happiness.

Tidying up and letting go of things are just one trigger for becoming happy. The most important thing is to know yourself. Let's ask ourselves, 'How do I want to live after letting go of things?' I took quite a long detour because I couldn't find the answer, so I hope this serves as a hint for you.

Mr. Tanaka, who let go of his black Volvo, thank you for the opportunity to gain such an important realization.
I will thank you when we meet next.

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