Ending “Someday”: A Spring Resolution

Spring is finally here in Tokyo. The city is starting to feel fresh and full of energy. As the cherry blossoms prepare to bloom, it’s the perfect time to let go of the old and make room for the new.

Recently, one of my clients completed her "Tidying Festival." She had been struggling with her home for many years, but on March 6th, she officially graduated.

I asked her to fill out a feedback form, and her words were so powerful that I wanted to share them with you. Below is a full translation of her handwritten questionnaire.

Tidying Lesson Feedback Form (For Graduates)

Q1. What changes did you notice after finishing the tidying process? (In your room, your feelings, etc.)

"I now feel excited just thinking about going home. I’ve become more motivated, and I feel like I'm in a positive mood all the time."

Q2. Is there anything that left a strong impression on you, or was particularly difficult?

"In the beginning, I felt like letting go of things was painful. Above all, it took so much courage to show my home to someone for the first time."

Q3. Through tidying, what was the thing that made you the happiest?

"Being able to go through my family photos and memories. Until now, I somehow couldn't look at them—I was scared. But they weren't as scary as I thought. I remembered many things, and found things I had completely forgotten. Now they are neatly categorized and stored, so I can look at them whenever I want."

Q4. What kind of reactions did you get from your family or friends?

"After every tidying session, my family says things like, 'Wow, it’s so clean and feels great!' or 'You did a good job!' They also tease me a bit, saying, 'I wonder if you can actually keep it up?' Looking back, I feel like saying 'I'm sorry' to them for the way things were. I wish I had made the house like this much sooner..."

Q5. Please leave a message for those who are interested in taking Ai Hayashi’s tidying lesson!

"Don't hesitate—take it as soon as possible!! I spent decades believing I could tidy up by myself 'someday,' even without any help from a professional. But that 'someday' never came. I waited too long to take the lesson. Now, I think I was very brave and did a great job by finally deciding to take it."

My Reflection as a Consultant

In this age where we can find any information online or through AI, nothing beats the "real" experience of facing your own life.

My client’s words, "That 'someday' never came," really left a big impact on me. We often wait for the "perfect time," but as she discovered, the perfect time is the moment you decide to take the first step.

She started her journey with fear and hesitation, but she finished it with a smile and a home that finally "sparks joy."

If you are waiting for your "someday," why not make it this spring?