Grabbing onto things.
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By Marie D in Anything about Everything Published: Monday, 30 July 07 - 04:37 PM (GMT) |
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I just finished decluttering my wardrobe. This is something I don't do often, but these last weeks, I was upset by the fact that finding the pieces I was looking for, was taking me way too much time. So I decided that was something I would do during my holidays, hence my project for this afternoon.
I must admit I am getting rid of about 35% of my items, possibly more. How is that possible?
Well, first of all, I still own a lot of things I was wearing pre- Weight Watchers, and these are now 3 sizes above my current one. It's been 2 years since the end of my diet, it is time I let fat me go. On top of that, there were some very expensive pieces among those now too big clothes, and I have no equivalent for that in my current size. Somehow, having them in the closet was tricking me into thinking I was still owning that kind of cloth in case I needed them. Now I really don't have them.
There are the things I bought for some bad reason, when they didn't really fit me or were not my style, and that I am keeping because I feel guilty to have spent money on them and hardly ever wore them. So I keep them in the hope one day I change my mind and realize they're great, I guess.
And then there were the very old things. The dress I bought with my best friend when we were 15. It's green, and my friend owned the same in blue. I am 30 now, of course I am not going to wear it again, and I am sure my friend got rid of hers years ago.
There's that other dress I wore during a trip in Italy in 1999. A perfect white dress. It doesn't fit anymore – putting on weight then losing it changed my figure, I can't zip that dress anymore although I am back to the same weight.
The truth is, when it comes to throwing away things, letting things go, I always feel bad. I feel as if I am letting go the associated memories as well. I never look at those things, but I know they're in the closet and that's comforting.
I do the same with all things in general. There was a time I was findin it hard to throw away a movie theatre ticket. Wherever I went I would buy any stupid souvenir just to have an object to remind me of that place and time. Then I woul almost never look at it, but they would be there just in case.
That's why I was keeping those clothes, too: just in case. In case I'd like to wear them again, or just look at them. Just in case in 6 months or in 2 years, I would regret having thrown them away.
But now it is time to let them go.
I did a bit of research on this, because I was curious to know if I am the only one doing this.
Happiness Project writes: « For me, clearing clutter is a key in striving to be happier. Outer order makes it much easier for me to find inner serenity. Not to mention that it's easier to find my keys. »
NotMe also feels my pain « For some, getting rid of stuff is easy enough. For others, it can be a real emotional undertaking. Memories are usually attached to everything we own and, because of this, can be difficult to let go. However, with a motivated, enthusiastic approach, the task is like wiping down that kitchen fridge so it sparkles back at you. It just makes you feel good. »
Made of Glass talks about how « clothes make the man », and finds the right attitude: « and last week, I wore a shirt that I have had since junior year of high school. high school. I have had the shirt almost 15 years. And you know what? I put it on and wore it to work. and felt lame the entire day. I did not enjoy wearing it.
That was that. This weekend, I got rid of it, along with some t-shirts, ties and some other shirts. I have taken the (long-overdue) approach of ‘if I don’t like wearing it, get rid of it’. There is no reason to feel less than good. There is no reason to hold on to items I will never wear or wear out of some sort of perverse guilt. »
The words are out: no perverse guilt.
1 Comment so far: |
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| Great post, Marie. I'm glad you were (...) | Zandria | 08/05/07 |
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Top | Reply to this Author: Zandria (http://zandria.us) Date Posted: 05 Aug 2007 03:40 AM (GMT) Great post, Marie. I'm glad you were so successful in decluttering your wardrobe. I've done that several times over the past few years (especially when I move from one place to another), but I still always seem to have more than I ever really wear. My issue right now is holding onto clothes that are too small for me. I was technically underweight when I was able to wear them, so I don't really WANT to fit into them again, but I still haven't been able to part with them. |
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