When I was much younger and dealing with the demise of certain relationships (whether friendship or more), I always rid myself of any reminders. Love letters and notes passed in class went into the trash. Tokens of affection, too. There have been times when I stopped listening to a certain artist or album because the connection was too dear for a while. I always had a tendency to dwell on things and the last thing I needed was a sensory clue sitting around, just waiting to be rediscovered.
I realized this week that some things shouldn't be thrown out. I may not want them around, but...ah, here is the point where you might think that I want to look on them again someday and perhaps I'll bury them in the yard or put them in storage till I'm ready, but no...
Gifts that once had special meaning, but have since gone sour, can be used to create new memories...for someone else. Earrings I once loved to wear and was always complimented on (to which I'd reply, "Oh, so-and-so bought them for me," will look even better on a particularly stylish co-worker of mine. A jumprope with foxes on it is an adorable decoration, but another co-worker's daughter appreciated it far more than I ever could. And a much coveted canvas bag can finally be uncoveted, once I track that one guy down who told me he was going to steal it someday.
Sure, I could have just donated these items. But I wanted to part with them on good terms. And what could be better than surprising someone else with them? Each recipient knows why I don't want the items around anymore. And they appreciate that I was thoughtful enough to find new owners for things I once held dear. And now I'll remember them as Sabrina's earrings, Elizabeth's foxy jumprope and Samson's canvas bag from San Francisco. So much better.
Gifts that once had special meaning, but have since gone sour, can be used to create new memories...for someone else. Earrings I once loved to wear and was always complimented on (to which I'd reply, "Oh, so-and-so bought them for me," will look even better on a particularly stylish co-worker of mine. A jumprope with foxes on it is an adorable decoration, but another co-worker's daughter appreciated it far more than I ever could. And a much coveted canvas bag can finally be uncoveted, once I track that one guy down who told me he was going to steal it someday.
Sure, I could have just donated these items. But I wanted to part with them on good terms. And what could be better than surprising someone else with them? Each recipient knows why I don't want the items around anymore. And they appreciate that I was thoughtful enough to find new owners for things I once held dear. And now I'll remember them as Sabrina's earrings, Elizabeth's foxy jumprope and Samson's canvas bag from San Francisco. So much better.
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