When is it time to let go?

I’ve written in other blogs about my books. I literally gave thousands of books away when I moved to Florida. The ones I brought with me were intentionally chosen for various reasons. There were four boxes of children’s books that I didn’t put on my bookcase. These were sorted into age-appropriate categories, with the expectation that my grandchildren would enjoy them eventually. Knowing when to let something go can often be challenging.

Why did I keep these books?

Some of the books were for very young children. Among these were books that had been my mother’s when she was little, with the quaint old illustrations typical for that time. Some were books that I spent hours reading, including the one I remember poring over as I learned how to read myself. I was a very early reader. My grandmother had a teaching certificate but had never taught in a school. I’m sure she must have spent lots of time helping me learn the alphabet and explaining the mysteries of phonics. Because there weren’t often children to play with, and there were fascinating books on the bookshelves, I spent lots of hours reading before I ever started school. Two boxes of books I kept were all part of those memories.

Another box was full of books that I enjoyed once I was in school – The Black Stallion, Nancy Drew, a favorite book of poems. I was hoping these would be enjoyed soon by my grandchildren. However, I’d noticed that they never really wanted to dig through these boxes when they were at my house, and they’d outgrown at least half of the books.

I didn’t even know this was a thing!

A few weeks ago, I discovered that my tub leaked water around the drain fixture. I never even knew that was possible! Water had been going under the house every time the tub was used, unbeknownst to me. As a result, the walls in the bathroom, hall closet, and adjoining guest room got wet. I called in people to dry the walls out – there was more damage than any of us imagined. The rug had to be thrown out. It was a really good rug and had always been in a guest room, so very little wear and tear on it.

Under the beds were some foam mattress toppers I’d bought for PSYCH-K® workshops that I occasionally sponsor. I had ten in boxes, six of those were wet and needed to be thrown out. Useful sporadically, but certainly replaceable if I ever needed some again. Sadly, my four boxes of books were also under one of the beds, and three of those got wet.

What a waste.

Each week, I put another box out with my recycling. I’m grieving over some of them, because of the memories I have associated with them. And I’m also remorseful that I kept these books past when they were useful to me or my family. They could have been loved by others if I’d just gone through them periodically and donated the ones that had become too young for my grandchildren.

I’m sure my guest room will feel lighter once it’s put back together, without the boxes under the beds. I’ll go through other items before putting them back in the closets. I don’t need all those linens and someone else can use them. My shelves will be easier to manage with fewer items on them.

Are you ready to let go?

Our beliefs can be similar. Some are still useful, and others may no longer serve us even though we might cling to them because they are familiar and comfortable. What beliefs are you ready to dispose of? If you did, would you feel lighter and more spacious? If you need help with that, I am happy to assist! Book a session with me here.