As I have gotten older, and life has slowed down just a tad, I have begun to get a clearer image of my life. And what I have discovered is that over the last few decades, I have accumulated a great many things. Some have been gifts, others have been purchased, and a few might have just snuck into my house. But as I have taken a mental inventory over the past few months, I know that there are more things here than I need. And more stuff than I want to move, dust and replace back on the assorted flat surfaces around the house. This has been my aha moment for downsizing!
And as I mentioned, some things can easily be placed in the box that will be donated to Goodwill. But what has surprised me is the number of things that hold significant memories or sentimental value. Finding a new home for these items almost feels as if I am rehoming a beloved pet. Each one is lifted from its home for the past decade or two, as the memories wash over me. It might have been a thought of the person who gave me the item or the place that it was purchased as a keepsake reminder of a special moment or event. But each one carries with it a significant moment from my past.
And now that I have chosen to whittle down these physical items, I am having trouble reconciling which memories to keep and which to release on out into the world. I even read a few articles on downsizing and how to face parting with some of our emotional treasures. One piece suggested taking a picture of the items so that you can still relive the memory when you view the picture. At first, it sounded like a plausible solution. Then I began to wonder why I needed a picture to remind me to think of a thing to remind me to think of a particular moment from my past. My conclusion was that if my mind has gotten that bad, I might as well get rid of it all because I will forget to even look at the pictures or the items.
As the days past, I began to reminisce and think of the people and the places that are a part of my past. And what I discovered was that those images that came to mind held far more emotional connection than the commemorative coffee mug or the sand dollar candle holder that I was having trouble getting rid of. I have the memories, the really important ones, stored deep in my mind and in my heart. And I don’t need to have the Internet to reach the cloud to view my memories. I don’t even need to turn on a light to see these mental images more clearly. These “pictures” I view with my eyes closed and my heart open.
So now as I sort through a closet or a drawer in search of more space and fewer things, I find that I am no longer as conflicted about passing on items that still have some life left in them. I have my memories of the events, moments, and people who have made my life rich simply with their presence, not their presents. At this point in my journey, I have gained some insight into my future by exploring my past. I discovered that what is most important to carry with me will all fit in my heart.
Lllooovvveeelllyyy