🌱 Happy March!
It’s not quite spring, and not quite winter, but March always feels like a season of fresh starts.
March makes me want to throw open the windows and let all the fresh air and sunshine in.
While I've never been prone to spring cleaning, I'm currently taking the 3-month Uncluttered course taught by Joshua at Becoming Minimalist.
Each week we tackle decluttering a different area of the house, and last week I worked on the boxes in our garage.
A Conundrum: Family Heirlooms
In a dusty corner sat a plastic bin I hadn't opened for two decades. It was marked DAD'S MEMENTOS.
Oh, boy. I had a lump in my throat before I even lifted the lid.
Inside were records of some of our father's many accomplishments: his college diploma, a framed letter of commendation from his boss, assorted awards, and even some old, musty chenille athletic letters from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK.
I miss my dad all the time, and think of him every day. How can I possibly part with his precious accolades?
But as I stood there in the garage, I realized something.
Keeping Dad's things in a dusty bin wasn’t honoring him. It was postponing a decision.
So I began, one item at a time.
I took a picture of his high school letters and patches.
I scanned the letters and important papers.
I photographed his diplomas and awards.
Once I had documented everything, I was ready to let the physical items go. I donated reusable things like frames.
I really didn't want to write about this part, but the time came when I had to lay some of my dear dad's treasures in the trash bin.
I won't pretend it was easy. Oh, my heart.
A Modern Solution
After dealing with the contents of the bin, I decided to create a new album in my phone’s Photos app called Dad’s Mementos.
Now, instead of being tucked away in a forgotten box, his treasures are preserved, organized, and just a click away.
I can look at them any time. I can share them with others.
The memories feel more accessible now, not less.
Our garage is also a little lighter, and that feels good.
How About You?
Have you inherited any family heirlooms that feel heavy, perhaps because of what they represent?
Are you holding on to any artifacts out of love, or maybe out of guilt? If so, I'd love to hear from you.
Just hit "reply" and share your story. Maybe we can figure out a solution together.
For me, this month of fresh starts feels like a good time to lighten up and tackle some tasks I've been putting off.
Maybe it is for you, too?
Warmly,
