4Real Forums: Can we talk decluttering?

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Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry ( Forum Locked)
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Topic: Can we talk decluttering?

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Connections
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Posted: April 27 2011 at 4:16pm \| IP Logged

Here is something I am pondering and would love to hear others' thoughts on...

How does holding onto physical memories from our past (i.e. things) help us and help our families today or in the future?

Why should we hold onto things from our past?

JodieLyn
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Posted: April 27 2011 at 4:45pm \| IP Logged

sometimes you simply need something to remind you of things that have happened. Sometimes it's a measure of progress that can encourage you during times you feel there is no progress.

Sometimes having items from the past can help by showing that things aren't as we remember them. I'm thinking the adult that might have a young child and are sure that when they were "that age" that they did or didn't do certain things.. where some records of their childhood might show they're wrong in what they remember (usually, you're remembering an older age than the child in question is).. which can be quite beneficial to both the child and parent.

Are any of those things necessary? probably not.. but they can help us or our families in the future. BUT it shouldn't be at the expense of today. If today you can't function because of so much stuff.. then that should be taking precedence. I find something like a rubbermaid tote per child to be manageable. The kids call them their baby boxes.. and they have little special things in them.. things that shouldn't be out at this time but would be nice to have in the future.. the papers they get as they progress through swim lessons.. just little stuff like that. Big things can have pictures taken and just the pictures saved.

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Kathryn
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Posted: April 27 2011 at 6:26pm \| IP Logged

I personally find a great connection to the past from family "treasures" whether they are large or small. I have my long gone grandmother's old sewing box and just by touching it and smelling it, I'm returned to a time when she was here. I can see her much younger when she worked in a dept. store as a seamstress, I can see her quilt rack hanging from the ceiling, I can see her. I think as we age, our memories do fade and for me, these tangible, physical reminders bring our other senses into remembering. I do think it's wise to be careful not to hold on to too many physical treasures. However, in bringing out that sewing box, I talk about my grandmother with my children, I talk about when I was a girl, when my mom (their grandmother) was a young mom. Personally, I need those physical things from the past to help me connect the past, present and future.

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Posted: April 27 2011 at 6:55pm \| IP Logged

Kathryn-

That is a lovely description. There is a lot to ponder there about saving something meaningful.

Jodie-

I like the idea of the rubbermaid boxe- one per child. I have simply kept EVERYTHING they have ever made or drawn and now we need to cull it down- for my sanity!

kristinannie
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Posted: April 27 2011 at 8:03pm \| IP Logged

You should ask my husband about this. He is an expert on keeping things!

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Posted: April 28 2011 at 7:33am \| IP Logged

kristinannie wrote:

You should ask my husband about this. He is an expert on keeping things!

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