Sentimental clutter

We all keep mementos of the past as a trigger for the memory connected to the thing. Presumably the memories attached to the thing are good memories, otherwise, why would we hold on to it? Many are afraid (strong word, but very appropriate) to get rid of the memento for fear the memory will fade also.

But you know what? That supposedly good feeling from the memory triggered by the thing is trumped by the bad feeling of clutter!

What memories will you have 5 10, 15 years from now of your home? Will the plastic flamingo key chain from Florida with one of the legs broken be what you remember? How about the t-shirt that says, “I’m with stupid” that you bought with your younger brother when you went to the beach in sixth grade? Will you be thinking of the dried carnations from the corsage your boyfriend gave you at the senior prom? Will you remember the gads and gads of STUFF from places you visited (or worse, the gifts from places other people visited)?

No, I have the feeling that in 5, 10, 15 years, you will be remembering the clutter in your house, and the regret of allowing the stuff to make you miserable.

By the way – starting now, when you want a memento of a special occasion, buy something useful. For example, one a trip to visit a friend in California, we walked down the famous Sunset Strip. I bought a pair of boots that I wore and wore and wore. When they finally had enough, I tossed them. As evidenced by my recounting of this story, I still remember the trip and the good times we had.

Make new memories now. Do something with the objects of sentamentality so that you feel better in the moment, and for years to come.