It has been a while since I’ve written about clutter. But, it’s still something that’s on the forefront of my mind and heart. Letting go of the physical, mental and spiritual junk is definitely a daily practice, and just when I think it’s getting easier, something like baby clothes, reminds me just how hard it is to give away things, especially with sentimental value.
I’ve taken advantage of some hot days to organize and now I have two full bins of clothes that no longer fit the boys. Although I did set aside my very favorites, all the others I’m ready to let go of. Or so I thought. The bins have been sitting in my dining room for the past week. I couldn’t get myself to bring them to the thrift store. The consignment shop sort of interested me, but still, I avoided going. Finally, I put a post on Facebook to see if anyone knew of a mom in need. I did get a response – a soon-to-be mom of 3 who is expecting her first boy. She could use some help. And, even though I am more than happy to help, I noticed some sad feelings come up at the thought of letting the clothes go.
After taking some quiet time last night to reflect on what I was feeling, I realized that I was clinging to the clothes, the things, because really I’m feeling a sense of sadness that the precious newborn and early infant stage for my boys is over. It’s gone. Just like that. They are too big to fit in those tiny, tender little clothes. The clothes that at one time I held in my arms only wondering what my sweet little baby would look like wearing them.
And now, not one, but two boys are too big for them. They are growing before my very eyes. Yes, just the thought of it can make me cry, yet, when I sit with these feelings, I see that I really only feel that sadness when I try to grip, hold on to, and resist the rhythm of life. Everything changes. Moments are temporary. Life keeps moving on. My children are growing out of their clothes.
And then, I remember that I don’t have to hold on to the past, because the only moment I have is NOW. I can let go. Sometimes letting go is easy. Sometimes it’s hard. And if I choose to, I will carry the memories in my heart. I can take a big, deep breath and smile knowing that all I need to do is enjoy, LIVE, fully experience, and have gratitude for the moments I do have with my boys. And know that in letting go of the past I am making space for what’s to come.
Bye-bye baby clothes. Oh, how I’ve loved zipping up my boys in those winter-newborn-jammies-with the-feet. I know you will keep another baby warm.
And I’ll keep celebrating this moment as a mother to my growing boys.
One day.
One moment.
One breath at a time…
Your Personal Reflection: Is there something from your past that you are holding on to? What are you ready to let go of?
ooh.. yes.. shedding..feeling lighter.. and brighter. I love it!
Your boys are precious.
Cheers , Helen
Oh wonderful post. I am the same way with clothes. You hit the nail on the head. I think it is the memory of how tiny they were and the realization at how fleeting their time with us is that makes us reticent to let go, even though that's the way to enjoy them now. Recently out of clutter desperation I gave away a lot of a lot of baby clothes. I still have a hard time, but slowly the lessons of letting go and being in the present so I don't miss it are sinking in-slowly. I love that another family will get to use/cherish your children's clothes. It's that thought that makes letting go easier.
Thank you.
xo,
Ang
I'm holding on to my wedding dress – I don't know if I'm ready to let go of it yet. I think I'll try printing some photos of it and displaying them – then maybe I'll realize that I'll always have the memory of the dress even if I give it away.
those clothes are hard to let go — i try to temper the difficulty by keeping a piece or two along the way that defined a phase of my girls' lives.
I have been able to give away most of my daughter's nb clothes, only because I fear that I might be hit by the clutter bug again. I totally understand when you say it might be hard…
Boy do I feel ya on the letting go. My oldest will be a senior this year!!!! OUCH!!! I'm soooo not ready to let go. I take it one day at a time. I've gotten pretty good at living in the moment. Eckhart Tolle helped with that and gentle reminders (like the one you have just given) sustain me.
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The Experimental Art E-course was sooooo good for me!!!!! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win a spot in it. I really needed something like that. I talked about it on my blog several times and included links to you and your class as well.
http://cranialpurge.blogspot.com/2011/08/guerilla-art-assignment.html
Stop over some time soon!
Thanks to each of you for taking time to share.
Helen – YES…lighter and brighter. Now who wouldn't want a little more of that?
Angela – I know after we act in "clutter desperation" it's so easy to have regret about what we got rid of. I did that recently when I sold my childhood piano. I so wanted to keep it and yet I never really played it and we just didn't have room for it. I've thought about it a few times with feelings of regret…but it always helps when I remember that if/when I want a piano in my home again – it will find a way back when the time is right. The Universe is pretty cool that way.
Catie – I, too, have my wedding dress. I still want to take funky photos in it with my husband (maybe for our 10 year anniversary), but if that doesn't happen by then…I'd like to give it a new life and let it go, too.
Aimee – I think that's what I've started to do and I LOVE that – holding on to an item or two that defines that phase is a really beautiful way to preserve those memories.
Yarny Days – Good for you…that clutter bug usually hits me this time of year as we shift from summer to fall. 🙂
Nacherluver – SO happy you loved Amelia's class!! I will stop over there right now to see your posts. Thank you for letting me know. Happy senior year to YOU and your oldest!