Do you have things that you have kept forever because it reminds you of a good time in your life? If you answered yes, you are not alone!
Today I share a video from a new YouTube buddy, Rita Emmet. She shares her perspective on dealing with her mother's belongings and other sentimental items. I'll share some of my thoughts too!
Can't see the video? Check it out here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twCi90oWPrk&feature=related
My Memories of Grandma are Beautiful, Her China Was Ugly!
What a funny story she tells. How many things do you save, thinking "Yuck! I really don't like this at all."
Most of the time, when our loved ones give us something, it is because they loved it and hope that the items bring you the same joy. They may never imagine that you would not like it in the same way!
"But she GAVE it to me. I have to keep it."
Is this really true? Let's look at from a bit different perspective. When you give gifts to someone, do you want them to be happy or sad? Happy, right? Let's say, you learned that the gift that you gave actually caused stress and frusteration. Would you want the person to keep the gift just because you gave it to them? I bet you say "no."
So, would the person that loved you, that gave you that "ugly painting" or "hiddeous statue" really indend for you to be unhappy? I'm betting the answer was, no.
Sentimental things are difficult!
Letting go of things that you feel bring you great memories is hard! Who wants to let go of good memories anyway? I think that Rita brings up some good points though. Is it really the thing that holds the memory?
I think back to a post I wrote about letting go of my wedding dress. http://www.productiveandorganizedhome.com/2008/10/letting-go---th.html It was not really the dress that brought good memories. It had been in a box and sealed up.
Or, how about the time I tried to let go of my son's things http://www.productiveandorganizedhome.com/2008/03/clutter-awarene.html
What Have You Done?
What have you done to let go of sentimental things? How did you figure it out?
Share your thoughts and comments below!
To your success!
