Sometimes the act of nesting requires letting go. This of course is far easier to write or say than to actually do! The act of choosing to release ourselves from things, people, emotions, or experiences can be daunting and rewarding.
While helping mom move from our family home of 44 years, the sorting, selling, and planning for the new space has been emotional for all of us. Letting go of expectations about how fast she can move. Letting go of things at prices that might seem to low to mom after all of the hard investment decisions made when big items were purchased. Letting go of things that carry memories (I’ve blogged about items/memories before), stories, and emotions tied to friends and family members. Letting go of her vision of aging and life-style options is also difficult for all of us. Two weeks to go, many new homes have been found for items and furniture. Still some furniture remains for re-homing.
At the same time, my teen decided to live with her dad for her senior year. This means sorting, moving, re-organizing in my own home. In our case, we are getting ready for a garage sale. Several times I’ve coached: “Let go of your childhood and past, keep the happy memories, and take into your adulthood only the things that will help you in your future.”
All the while, I am working on opening my hand (literally and figuratively) to the past so that I can fully move into my future. Some emotions (and a few things) are harder to let go of than others. As I release myself from the holding-on, I do feel lighter and more energetic. It is definitely a process without a single, identifiable endpoint.
Yes, garage sales are a part of nesting! Items that have served us well can be sold. Furniture that no longer serves the kids – let it go. Furniture that no longer fits your style, let it go too. Items that have been outgrown or are no longer used by the kids, or adults, can be sold too. Other individuals and families might enjoy having what you are releasing. In fact, that is how I envision the right people showing up to buy: “Let the people who are looking to add these items or furnishing to their home and life show up at our sale.”
This mantra has worked in the past. I sold my hope-chest from a didn’t happen marriage to a mom who wanted it for her daughter! We sold a doll house to an adult who said: “I’ve wanted one of these since I was a kid.” She was joyfully giddy. And, a 250,000 mile vehicle in good working order sold to a college student who needed a get-around-town ride. These “it all worked out” stories keep me hopeful for this sale too.
Some people call letting go/selling/repurposing items an “editing” of one’s life. This makes sense to me because editing involves deleting, reworking, and adding items which are better for us in the present and frees us from the energies of the past which might hold us in the past.
What can you let go of, or edit, this week? Month?
Photo note: From a 4-H event more than a decade ago! The things from this stage in her life can be let go of now! Happy garage sale!
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. Also, enjoy browsing NestingCards.com for fun, for gifts, and for joy-spreading possibilities. ~ Jana
Jana Kemp
