Earlier this spring, I had the honor of speaking at the Friendship Village of South Hills, a Senior Living community in Norfolk, VA. The event was called “Change Your Space, Change Your Life: A Mindful Approach to a Worry-Free Future”—and like so many conversations around transitions, downsizing, and finding joy in the next chapter, it was full of reflection, laughter, and a lot of heart.
When I arrived, I could feel the anticipation in the room. Chairs were filled, books were stacked, and curiosity was in the air. We gathered together not just to talk about clutter, but to talk about life—about what it means to let go of what no longer serves us, and how to make space (literally and emotionally) for what brings us joy.
The conversation wasn’t only about how to downsize, but why it matters. So many residents shared stories about the emotional weight tied to their possessions—gifts from loved ones, mementos from travels, family heirlooms—and the sometimes overwhelming question of “What stays? What goes?” These are deeply human questions, and they deserve time, care, and dignity.
As someone who once spent years in government health work around the globe, I understand how transitions—whether it’s moving, retiring, or simply aging—can feel destabilizing. But I also know that our homes can be anchors, and that by making intentional choices about what surrounds us, we can feel more grounded, more peaceful, and more ready for what’s next.
We talked about the KonMari™ Method, of course—but more than folding shirts and organizing drawers, we explored the real freedom that comes from making mindful choices. I reminded the audience that decluttering isn’t about deprivation. It’s about aligning your space with the life you want to live today, not the life you lived ten or twenty years ago. And it's about doing so with kindness—both to yourself and the memories you hold dear.
One highlight of the event was giving away free copies of my book Decluttered: Mindful Organizing for Health, Home, and Beyond to the first 25 attendees. Watching people flip through the pages and nod along as we talked was a reminder that even the most practical guidance can become deeply personal when it meets people where they are.
Whether I’m working with a retired couple in Norfolk or a young family in DC, I want people to know: change is possible. Joy is possible. And even the act of sorting through a sock drawer can spark something new.
If you’re navigating a move, downsizing, or simply craving more calm in your home, I invite you to start small. Pick one drawer, one shelf, one memory. Ask what it means to you now. And if it no longer fits the life you’re living or the future you’re building—thank it, and let it go.
To everyone at Harbor's Edge: thank you for welcoming me, for showing up with open minds and open hearts, and for reminding me once again that it's never too late to change your space—or your life.
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