I recently read some excerpts from FabJob Guide to Become a Professional Organizer by Grace Jasmine. I like to look over past reading to brush up sometimes.
One section of the book on working with clients, talked about using a four-grid system to determine the four categories of possessions: Treasures, Trash, Tools and Toys.
- Treasures are things with high emotional value, but low function.
- Trash is anything with no function or emotional value.
- Tools are things with a function, but low (or no) emotional value.
- Toys are anything that you use and that evoke an emotion in you.
The category that most intrigues me is TOYS. Reading this section got me thinking. . . what are my top 5 toys? Things I use and enjoy. Here’s my list.
- My car. It’s new and exactly what I wanted, so that makes me so happy. It also gets my from point A to point B.
- My TV. Sorry, I love TV. Functionally, entertaining.
- My screened porch. Mosquitos love me, so the fact that I can enjoy the outdoors and not get eatin’ alive is great – very functional. I love how peaceful it is there as well.
- My time. Something a little esoteric. I plan my time and schedule everything, because I love “free time”. The thought of having nothing to do right now is priceless to me. OK, maybe time isn’t an object, but I wanted to include it.
- My kitchen. I like to cook. It’s my way of being creative. So I appreciate how the appliances function. They allow my to enjoy myself while I am cooking dinner and that makes my feel good.
Just so we are straight. My list (just like the book was talking about) is about objects. I love my family, very emotional about that. They are also somewhat functional too!
I appreciate all these things on my list and many more. I think it’s all about living consciously and appreciating what you have. What are your toys?