It's tough to part with that old stuff, for sure. I've always believed it's hardest to give up stuff that's already gone. That lunchbox must have meant a great deal to the woman to carry it with her as a resentment all those years. Maybe it was stuffed with cash? Thanks for reading.
Indeed, Byron, we expend far too much mental energy on trivialities, allowing them to overshadow the present and potential for more meaningful engagement. The contrast between our capacity for complex thought and our inclination to dwell on petty resentments is striking. Ultimately, your story/examples underscore the importance of learning to release emotional baggage, both positive and negative, to fully experience life. And to do so before it's too late.
I have been gradually leaving the bad stuff by the side of the road. If I only knew at 40 or even 30 what I know at 74...
I keep objects that reflect or were once my parents. There is not much left now, but I display what I have on my office bookshelf in an altar-like fashion. I live in NYC. My Dad is buried in Illinois, and my mom's ashes are scattered in Colorado. It's a challenge to visit them and leave a stone in the Jewish tradition, a sign to others that "I" was here to pay my respects. But I can easily swivel in my desk chair and look at a few of the twenty or so objects—an elephant from my Mom's collection, my Dad's shaving brush and mug, and a menorah—and leave a figurative stone.
It’s Passover, and letting go, going, starting over, remembering, are themes of this holiday. As Hotel Hope is open for the next 10days, there will be food, hugs, and tiredness. I do believe there will be meaningful and non petty emotions, too. Thank you
Reminds me of The Smothers Brothers: "Mom always liked you best...."
And the hoarding - what we hold on to "just in case of ...."
When my used-to-be husband left I lost pounds(!) of stuff because he was always planning for house #2. And, wife #4 if I'm honest.
Going through the exercise of clearing out the family home after the parents are no longer there is great practice for our own downsizing. I'm not having my loved ones troll through the detritus of my life.
Although, I could leave a few things lying about: to give them pause & raised eyebrows.....
It's tough to part with that old stuff, for sure. I've always believed it's hardest to give up stuff that's already gone. That lunchbox must have meant a great deal to the woman to carry it with her as a resentment all those years. Maybe it was stuffed with cash? Thanks for reading.
Indeed, Byron, we expend far too much mental energy on trivialities, allowing them to overshadow the present and potential for more meaningful engagement. The contrast between our capacity for complex thought and our inclination to dwell on petty resentments is striking. Ultimately, your story/examples underscore the importance of learning to release emotional baggage, both positive and negative, to fully experience life. And to do so before it's too late.
I have been gradually leaving the bad stuff by the side of the road. If I only knew at 40 or even 30 what I know at 74...
I keep objects that reflect or were once my parents. There is not much left now, but I display what I have on my office bookshelf in an altar-like fashion. I live in NYC. My Dad is buried in Illinois, and my mom's ashes are scattered in Colorado. It's a challenge to visit them and leave a stone in the Jewish tradition, a sign to others that "I" was here to pay my respects. But I can easily swivel in my desk chair and look at a few of the twenty or so objects—an elephant from my Mom's collection, my Dad's shaving brush and mug, and a menorah—and leave a figurative stone.
Exactly, and we all do it to one degree or another. This may be a timely topic for my Bench hosting event in May. Thanks for reading.
It’s Passover, and letting go, going, starting over, remembering, are themes of this holiday. As Hotel Hope is open for the next 10days, there will be food, hugs, and tiredness. I do believe there will be meaningful and non petty emotions, too. Thank you
Love this piece, Byron!
Reminds me of The Smothers Brothers: "Mom always liked you best...."
And the hoarding - what we hold on to "just in case of ...."
When my used-to-be husband left I lost pounds(!) of stuff because he was always planning for house #2. And, wife #4 if I'm honest.
Going through the exercise of clearing out the family home after the parents are no longer there is great practice for our own downsizing. I'm not having my loved ones troll through the detritus of my life.
Although, I could leave a few things lying about: to give them pause & raised eyebrows.....