As I clean out a closet filled with mementos from the past, I'm wondering about what to hold on to and what to let go of. As we grow older, we need to capsulate chapters in the past as there's no way to hold onto all the details related to every life event or chapter, yet to summarize the valuable events and chapters in our lives is important as the past does inform the future in important ways.
So, as I continue to remove countless items from the too-full closet, what will I hold on to and what will I get rid of. As I think about this, I am thinking about the chapters and events I want to capsulate and how I will summarize those times with a collection of photos, books, and other memorabilia.
Teaching career
I have countless notebooks, books, and other items related to my teaching career. At one time or another, each of those items brought me great inspiration, information, and the ability to do my job well. At this point, it is unlikely that I will return to teaching in a big and detailed way, so what I want to hold onto are the items that summarize the best of my career. To that end, I'll hold on to a few photos, letters, and books that bring back the good memories that tell the highlights of my 34-year career.
Children
In that closet there are countless books, photos, and other memorabilia related to my children's young lives. I'll hold on to their trophies, plaques, yearbooks, handwritten stories, some photos and special books. When they settle into homes of their own, I'll pass most of those items on to them.
Grandparent collection
I'll keep a grandparent collection of wonderful children's books and some cookbooks too--books I'll likely read and use with grandchildren someday.
Gifts and celebrations
Items that can be used as thoughtful gifts or for meaningful celebration will remain in the closet too.
As we think about the past versus the present, I want to hold on to the items that remind me of the good times and good lessons of the past. There are signature books, photos, and other mementos that do that. I also want to hold on to the timeless books, maps, and guides that we'll use as we adventure in the future. When I think of the value of the past, present, and future--I realize that I want to hold on to a few items that tell the story of my past, but not too many. I want the past to inform me with regard to the present and future, but not bog me down with too many items to care for--items that stymie living in the present or future.
As for the present and future, I'd prefer to adventure in life with people I love rather than spend lots and lots of time focused on the past. That means the simpler my collections are, the better. Less things, more time is a motto I want to follow. Onward.