Once you identify your attachment to things, you can feel ok about letting go without the burden of emotions like guilt or sadness of choosing to do so.
Knowing what will help trigger the RELEASE, REPURPOSE, REORGANIZE cycle for you will help you move from clutter and chaos into a place of calm and order – which truly is more valuable than any thing you own.
Many of the items we tend to hold onto for longer than necessary are because they are filled with memories. Our memories spark many emotions and when we feel the sentimental spirit we hold onto the items even tighter.
Feel what you’re feeling- is it positive or negative. Identifying the feeling as it relates to the item is the source of why you have kept it.
Happy emotions are: joyful, pride or filled with nostalgia and bring a smile to your face
Sad emotions are: regret, anger or guilt and bring your spirit down and sullen
If you look at the collection of tea cups, for example, you may reminisce about your aunt who gave them to you. The emotion may be sad, because she passed away only recently. Recognize that the tea cups may not fit into your current lifestyle or space and that letting go of the tea cup collection doesn’t mean you are negating the love and relationship you had with your aunt. Carry the emotion and her memory in your heart- not on the shelf with the tea cups.
Here are some suggesting of how to let go without losing your heart:
Easy does it: if you are clearing the home of a loved one who passed away, go slow but steady. One closet, one drawer, one area at a time. Take the time to hold the item, feel what it represents, and then clearly and confidently, decide if you really need it to honor the memory. If you want to keep it- think carefully of where you will put it and if you will use it- if keeping it will only cause clutter (chaos) in your space- LET IT GO.
A picture can capture the emotion: take a photo of the item that is triggering a happy or sentimental emotion. You can even have someone else take the picture of you wearing or holding the item. Save the picture, even display it if this works for you.
Cost vs Value: Some items we own we inherited, or were assigned to us after a divorce. Some of the items may truly hold a monetary value beyond the emotional sentimental value. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to weigh the difference between the COST of letting it go vs the VALUE you can gain by selling it. Turn to a qualified appraiser/antique dealer to help you make a decision that works for you.
Host a GOING AWAY party/event: Sending out invitations to friends or family that you think would both appreciate and support you in your LETTING GO of things of sentimentality can turn a difficult project into a wonderful time. You can add some fun games to the event- like a mock auction- where folks “bid to win” a popular item, or set a timer and see how many items you can give away in how much time. Know that giving items a “new home” can be wonderful.
-REMEMBER- THE MEMORY IS ALWAYS MORE VALUABLE THAN THE MOMENTO
