https://twitter.com/ohheygreat/status/612688575310606336
My last de-clutter event is now well in the past and it is once again time to attempt to simplify my space. The “clutter” is not the problem, however. Those clothes that are out of style or never fit well are donated or tossed easily. It is simple to look at that chipped set of cheap dishes and answer an unequivocal NO when I ask myself if they bring me joy.
It is the past selves that I’ve stored for years that I struggle to let go of as each and every item in every box is a representative of one of those past lives.
The hardest self to part with is the me that was the mother of a young child. The little shoes, adorable outfits, amazing hats, art work, school work, cleats. Each object a ticket back to a particular moment in time, to a vivid memory of a precious child so loved by a younger, unwrinkled me.
Older selves are reflected in much smaller collections. Ticket stubs of concerts from the early 70s, a small rocking chair from the 60s. Those lives I’ve made peace with and stored safely away in my heart so there is no need to hold on to quite so tightly.
Letting go of the past self that was the mother of the precious child who is now an adult will be a challenge. I’ll take pictures of the items before letting them go, I tell myself. Those memories are in my heart, I say. And maybe I’ll be able let go of another half of them.
I hope so. Getting back into a size 5 x 5 unit would almost be as good as getting back into those size 3, 1970s vintage jeans.
