Finding Joy
by John A. Wojtecki
May 23, 2020

I have many interests and run a consulting business. I have an inventory of fishing gear and an accumulation of lawnmowers. My mother and father were picture “takers” (another creative use of a word – see my past articles). The inheritance was plentiful.

I am a saver by nature. Thus, I have an accumulation of assorted consulting materials. I am also a reader. During this quarantine, I have been averaging reading one book a week. One of my recent “borrowings” (another creative use of a word – at least I am consistent) is an audiobook. Using an audiobook is a new approach for me. Borrowing from our Musser Public Library is easy and convenient. I spotted an audiobook by Marie Kondo titled, “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up.”

I have to admit that this was a “give it a try” from both the audiobook and the becoming organized standpoint. On a whim, I proceeded to download Kondo’s book in audiobook form. This has been a positive experience, both listening to the audiobook and becoming organized.

Earphones and Bluetooth headphones have been my friends while listening to this book. Don’t try to listen while lying down. That didn’t work very well! It is much too easy to nod off for a welcome but untimely nap. Earphones keep one attached to the computer. Bluetooth is less limiting as one can get up for a glass of water or cup of tea to accompany the listening.

Getting organized is quite a challenge for me. The quarantine has prompted me to consider the accumulation of consulting materials, papers, documentation, and personal pictures. Marie Kondo’s approach to tidying up can be quite cold. I am sure her approach is based on years of work experience, her life-long passion. Her suggestions have been quite helpful in me getting organized.

One of her themes is to have clothes, papers, and items that bring you joy. Over the years, I have accumulated quite a library of books on a myriad of topics. I am acquainted with a young man who is new to training in the trucking industry. In an effort to reduce my inventory, and help him in his new position, I mailed him a number of good texts from my inventory. Other texts have been donated.

Pictures have a sentimental value and bring me joy. Yet, I found quite the inventory of pictures from my mother and father’s pictures. I come from a large family of cousins and mailed pictures of their parents from the 1940’s and 1950’s. Sentimental value and having them enjoy those pictures has brought me great joy.

During my organizing effort, I found what must have been over 50 floppy discs. After finding a company in California that recycles floppy discs, off went the floppies to the recycling company. Thank you United States Postal Service.

In recycling floppies, donating books, helping a young leader, and brightening my cousins’ days in quarantine with pictures of their parents, I have found joy.

Recent Stories

Recent Shows

Get Discover Muscatine in Your Inbox

Select list(s):
en_USEnglish