Today was day 3 of letting go. I have been discussing with my brother, Jason, the process of letting go of things that have been in our family for the past 100 years. It's been very hard.
I almost felt like I had a duty to carry these things with me throughout my life. Things that belonged to my great grandparents, grandparents, parents, siblings and child.
I had some things that I was "saving" for Lila, and I decided to actually ask her if she wanted them. To my surprise she said no! She told me that she was not attached to these items and I didn't have to hold onto them.
Honestly, it felt really down letting go of something I thought was going to be a memory for her but in reality it wasn't. So I bagged them up and gave them away.
In talking with my brother he told me not to feel guilty. That it would be an act of freedom. That the memories would be more important than the object.
That's the thing. We carry around with us both literally and figuratively things from other people that we really don't need. Sure they fill valuable spaces, not only in our home but in our minds. Sometimes Good, sometimes not so good. But, we should also give ourselves the opportunity and permission to part with the baggage. The reality is, these things may not mean anything to any one else but you, I know my kid doesn't want the burden of my grandmother things!
I have put these valuable things successfully into boxes all by myself and Ryan so wonderfully shuttled them across to the very convenient second hand shop.
I won't lie, it was hard saying goodbye to these things, but so necessary.
I love my family, I miss them dearly, but my memories of them are treasures enough to carry in my heart.
