Everything in my house has a story. But I spend more time managing possessions than enjoying them. Outgrown clothes crowd closets. The crammed toy box hides vital pieces, thwarting easy play. I seem to keep every book I read.
I start out with good intentions. I know that less is more. But here is the rub. When I begin to declutter I get stuck on the stories. I feel like I am abandoning a memory when I put things in the goodwill box.
Our neighborhood has a community garage sale each spring. For the past two years, I have promised to get organized in time to join in. Meg and Casey are game, excited to have a lemonade stand. But for two years I have gotten stuck…in the closet…holding a shoe too small for my wee one’s foot. Because I remember her wearing it. And somehow I’m afraid I will forget that day if I give it away.
So this is my plan. I want these items to have another life. It’s no fun collecting dust in a closet. But I want to keep the stories, and perhaps find new ones too. I’ll have the garage sale, but with a twist. Every item will be free. The only catch…I’ll ask each “purchaser” to send me a story about how the item plays a part in its new home. And maybe a picture. So the trike that scraped my Meg’s knees will carry a Mary or a Jason now. But I’ll learn a bit about that family.
Who knows, maybe we’ll keep in touch.
And I will write about the experience.
If nothing else, it will motivate me to clean out the closets.
The "sale" is tomorrow! Check back soon to share the stories we find.
Ann
2 comments:
Ann, Now you know why I have so many "things" on my walls. Each has its own story which will mean nothing to anyone after I am no longer able to enjoy them.
Your solution should bring some interesting conversations with others!.......Bodi
Bodi-
This is why I ask you to tell me the stories again and again. The stories make everything meaningful.
Ann
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