I went through a cupboard full of old things last weekend as part of decluttering for Chinese New Year, and ended up throwing away lots of old stuff.
But it wasn’t easy. In fact, I dug up books that I hadn’t seen in years, and if you know me, you know I have a great fondness for books. I grew up with some of these books and boy, did they bring back some memories.
I was having a tough time clearing them out, which I realized was strange. Here I was; suddenly feeling nostalgic for things I hadn’t seen in years, when in all these years previously I’d nary given them a second thought.
I realized it was the past I was feeling nostalgic over, and these books had just triggered that for me. While I deeply treasure the happy memories growing up with these books gave me, the past was just that…the past, and I figured I’d always feel nostalgia for the past. I couldn’t keep every old thing with me simply because it reminded me of the past, and certainly not children’s books which I no longer read.
Have you ever had the experience of throwing out something that was a link to your past? What made you decide you could let it go peacefully?
P.S. I threw out the books, but my mom asked and my neighbor’s little girl took them home.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I found some of my favourite childhood books recently.
Decided I would keep just two and dispose of two newer books.
[)amien
February 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I watched a show on Oprah today about decluttering your home in order to let go of excess weight on your body. It was an eye opener. I promptly cleaned out my clothes closets again. I do this each time that I see a show on clutter. I still need to let go of some of my books and kitchen stuff that I don’t use that just take up space. I think I will do that tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Patricia,
I’ve been hearing about that show! Is it the one with Peter Walsh? I had no idea clutter and weight lost went together. Maybe I should clear out some more stuff
February 14th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
hey alvin,
everyone’s decluttering except my mom! She seems so nonchalant about the clutter she accumulated! Wch i might help her to…
I also recently blogged abt having cleared out many bags of my old things, yet still have more to go since i really dunno wat to do with them, except watching them all collecting dust beside me.
Finally, as time goes by, my priorities shifted, goals changed,
we just need to let go easily and move on.
I can realise that i could now just throw things away easily because i learnt how to let go, detach from inclination to covet things… slowly i learn, not easy.
I ask myself, what if i dun have/own all these things,
can i still live without them?
i discover that i now can. (=
fel