A subscriber sent me a direct message and gave permission for me to sahe the comments anonymously:
"I, too, have started to purge the unnecessary items I have accumulated over the years. I finally shredded all my parents tax returns. Since, both of them have been gone for years. It was difficult as I traveled down memory lane. But I am at a crossroads with regards to all my high school year books. My children are not people to reminisce over what mom looked like years ago. I feel like I should toss them. Secondly, is my wedding album from my first marriage. Neither of my children have contact with their biological father. I’m thinking of letting that go. What are your thoughts?"
My response: Wow..the wedding album question is interesting. How does it make you feel when you look through it? I think I would pull out a few pictures of my family and friends...without the ex...and toss the rest. But, that's just me. My sisters had 6 big boxes of "stuff" for me from my parent's house when they cleared it out prior to selling. I went through every piece...and threw 90% of it away. I kept my senior year annual...the rest went into the trash. Honestly, I didn't even remember annuals from grammar school or Jr. High, do you?
Thank you for your response. Would you mind if I shared your comments? I will keep them totally anonymous.
Her response, "Thank you for some solid advice. I was thinking about family pictures only in the wedding album. As far as yearbooks, agreed the senior year would be the only one I keep.
You have helped me to unburden myself and kids.
Yes, you may share this email, my question and all other responses."
great article! i've been on the "cleaning out" journey for over a year and it's a little overwhelming! i start going through a box and some of the things, pictures, cards and some "stuff" brings back such great memories and laughter one box can take hours! i've decided i'm going to do it in phases, the first, get rid of the stuff that's not "special", the second, take pictures of the stuff that's "special or a great memory" and third keep only one or two really "significant, special things" each that reminds me of family or friends in my life that i love.
A subscriber sent me a direct message and gave permission for me to sahe the comments anonymously:
"I, too, have started to purge the unnecessary items I have accumulated over the years. I finally shredded all my parents tax returns. Since, both of them have been gone for years. It was difficult as I traveled down memory lane. But I am at a crossroads with regards to all my high school year books. My children are not people to reminisce over what mom looked like years ago. I feel like I should toss them. Secondly, is my wedding album from my first marriage. Neither of my children have contact with their biological father. I’m thinking of letting that go. What are your thoughts?"
My response: Wow..the wedding album question is interesting. How does it make you feel when you look through it? I think I would pull out a few pictures of my family and friends...without the ex...and toss the rest. But, that's just me. My sisters had 6 big boxes of "stuff" for me from my parent's house when they cleared it out prior to selling. I went through every piece...and threw 90% of it away. I kept my senior year annual...the rest went into the trash. Honestly, I didn't even remember annuals from grammar school or Jr. High, do you?
Thank you for your response. Would you mind if I shared your comments? I will keep them totally anonymous.
Her response, "Thank you for some solid advice. I was thinking about family pictures only in the wedding album. As far as yearbooks, agreed the senior year would be the only one I keep.
You have helped me to unburden myself and kids.
Yes, you may share this email, my question and all other responses."
What a great way to start my Saturday morning. Coffee and a friend's thoughtful and delightful words. You have motivated me to clean out too!!!
Thank you for your encouraging words!! Please keep me posted on your "clearing out" journey. Maybe we can help to motivate each other. 😊
great article! i've been on the "cleaning out" journey for over a year and it's a little overwhelming! i start going through a box and some of the things, pictures, cards and some "stuff" brings back such great memories and laughter one box can take hours! i've decided i'm going to do it in phases, the first, get rid of the stuff that's not "special", the second, take pictures of the stuff that's "special or a great memory" and third keep only one or two really "significant, special things" each that reminds me of family or friends in my life that i love.