Today we had our Spring Yard Sale. I spent a lot of time this week going through all of the nooks and crannies in our home looking for anything else we might want to sell. We have lived in this community for two years and have participated in 3 yard sales so the pickings were slim.
I have some picture frames stored in a cabinet and I have never updated them or had them out in the last 2 years. Some I have had stored away for longer. I really wanted to get rid of all of the picture frames we have and eventually put up a matching set. My husband mentioned a couple of times he would like to keep them just in case.
A few of the frames were scratched but I decided to keep any that could be painted or refurbished in some way. Instead of having them all match perfectly in size we could just paint them all the same color.
I did however, add these to the yard sale pile. I know for sure they have been stored away at least 5 years. When I pulled them out it made me think of the thought process some of my clients go through when trying to declutter.
Personally, I immediately remembered who I was with when I bought the frames (no good), how much I paid for them (way over priced, bought them in a tourist town), and I remembered pictures of people I had displayed in them before (one person I care not to be reminded of every time I open this cabinet).
Despite the fact that the frames no longer fit my decor, they really just don't bring any good feelings when I look at them. The negative overrides the positive so it is time to lose them.
I have seen how my clients (and myself, at times) tend to attach emotions to an object whether it is positive or negative. Often it is hard to even get rid of the items that bring negative feelings , For example...
Guilt - you feel bad you paid so much money for it and never used it - I hate to tell you but the money won't come back so instead of beating yourself up about it, sell it to someone that can use it. Find a good home for it and maybe in the process recoup some of the cost.
Broken-hearted - so "that" relationship didn't work out, you have been happily married for 10 years why hold on to his/her old picture, nick-knack, shirt, whatever. Let it go.
The list could go on, I really am trying to keep it short here. I challenge you to take a look around your house and see what memories or thoughts come to mind when you focus on a particular object. If a negative thought comes to mind and you don't need it, by all means chuck it!
*For some this process may be easier said than done. If you need help, I do offer my services virtually. Feel free to contact me with any questions.
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