My basement is one big pile today. We’re getting ready for a garage sale with friends this weekend, and using the opportunity to really clear things out. Not only baby toys, but toddler toys too. (Our toddler doesn’t need two sit-and-spins, two rocking chairs…the list goes on.)
And you can guess what the toddler is doing right now as I write this: playing in the basement.
All of the toys he hasn’t looked at for a year seem oh so exciting now that they’re in the garage sale pile.
I can relate. It’s hard to let go of the stuff of life, even when I know I don’t need it. I don’t tend to hold onto things as much as I do emotions. It’s hard to let go of those, even when they hurt me and the people around me. Anger, grudges, even sadness sometimes feel like a warm security blanket. But I know that in order to make room for emotions like joy and contentment, I need to let go of some of the other stuff.
And like the big pile of stuff sitting in my basement, I know I won’t miss it when it’s gone.
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9 comments:
Learning how to give away material stuff has helped me learn how to let go of grudges. The material things are much easier to give away; every time we move we have boxes and boxes of items for goodwill, and the act of cleaning up and giving away things and making more space in the house really helps me focus in on my brain. I want that same kind of feeling inside of me, so that is what I think of when I realize I am holding a grudge. As for our children, it is kind of fun to see their eyes light up in recognition of something old that they lost interest in long ago, but maybe it's also a good thing that they learn from an early age how to give something away!
Robyn, I relate completely to sadness feeling like a security blanket. I lived with that sadness for many years and though I am more positive and happy most of the time, there are times I look back at the "comfort?" of my old familiar "friend." I don't stay there long but when I'm tired, it feels familiar and comforting. lghw
I can count on one hand the things I've decluttered that I miss.
If you're getting rid of clothes, we are still in the market. Let me know what doesn't sell, and I'll come pick it up!
I am sooo glad it's garage sale time again. That means that the Chicago winter is over. At least I hope. Have a great garage sale.
I did the same thing awhile back and regretted giving some of the kiddo's stuff away. At the time I just felt overrun by all the stuff. But later, regret. And then I had to explain to my husband why I was on eBay paying $12 plus shipping for some stupid $3 sentimental toy. I never thought I'd be one of those sentimental types.
I'm doing the same with the garage now that O's married - but it's the thought of packing up and moving again that really has me looking around the house and wondering.
Great post!
Decluttering the junk from our minds and our homes is a good thing, but often hard to do.
You're right -- emotions are hard to let go of. In fact, after holding onto them long enough, they become part of who we are, and letting them go is like losing a little part of ourselves. Still . . .
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