Margaret Magnusson's book "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter" was really helpful to me. I had a near-death health crisis in my late forties and when i came home from the hospital, during my recuperation, I was horrified to see all the junk I had accumulated, and hated the idea that my husband would, in his grief, have to deal with all of it. i know that everyone has a hard time talking about death, but i do not. it's going to happen and i'd rather go knowing that i haven't saddled loved ones with a pile of stuff. i have started to talk to them about items of mine that they wish to have when i die. a collection of stoneware I made; my guitars and songbooks; my published books and chapbooks; jewelry. my cardigan collection. in my sixties now, i am trying not to buy new items unless i need them, such as new underwear to replace the holey ones :) best of luck to you on your journey.
Your comment is amazing, Amanda - thank you for sharing your story and your wisdom. I’ve heard of that book and will take a look at it now based on your recommendation. I’m with you on talking about death. Given its inevitability, I’ve never understood why it isn’t more widely discussed. Your story is a beautiful reminder to think more deeply about what we leave behind - and why. ❤️
We actually should never throw away anything from our past, especially what helped us to grow up and transmit our experience and all mental acquisitions. Therefore it is a heart breaking issue to make a choice even whether we have to or we can postpone it. But we must face it: 'our old things shall disappear because are now useless?' No way. We learn how to give and to whom and for what purpose, and above all in what precise circumstances. All the books and material related to my profession represent a truckload of stuff: they will be given, transfered, offered, whatever we call it, to the right persons. Individual or organizations. So that will be a useful act. Same story with the emotion charged object we accumulated over the years and circumstances of life: we must think of to whom they will be transferred. And decide to do it at the proper time. It is true however that most of the younger generations people don't realize what objects are valuable and why. Here too is the issue of transferring the load of knowledged heritances we all shall be able to explain. Otherwise we can set a garage sale. Auction in some cases? Internet ads? Perhaps, but in all case we must remember and preserve our remembrances since they are the gifts of our parents. Anne dearest have a great week and your family. pierre alain etc etc
Margaret Magnusson's book "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter" was really helpful to me. I had a near-death health crisis in my late forties and when i came home from the hospital, during my recuperation, I was horrified to see all the junk I had accumulated, and hated the idea that my husband would, in his grief, have to deal with all of it. i know that everyone has a hard time talking about death, but i do not. it's going to happen and i'd rather go knowing that i haven't saddled loved ones with a pile of stuff. i have started to talk to them about items of mine that they wish to have when i die. a collection of stoneware I made; my guitars and songbooks; my published books and chapbooks; jewelry. my cardigan collection. in my sixties now, i am trying not to buy new items unless i need them, such as new underwear to replace the holey ones :) best of luck to you on your journey.
Your comment is amazing, Amanda - thank you for sharing your story and your wisdom. I’ve heard of that book and will take a look at it now based on your recommendation. I’m with you on talking about death. Given its inevitability, I’ve never understood why it isn’t more widely discussed. Your story is a beautiful reminder to think more deeply about what we leave behind - and why. ❤️
We actually should never throw away anything from our past, especially what helped us to grow up and transmit our experience and all mental acquisitions. Therefore it is a heart breaking issue to make a choice even whether we have to or we can postpone it. But we must face it: 'our old things shall disappear because are now useless?' No way. We learn how to give and to whom and for what purpose, and above all in what precise circumstances. All the books and material related to my profession represent a truckload of stuff: they will be given, transfered, offered, whatever we call it, to the right persons. Individual or organizations. So that will be a useful act. Same story with the emotion charged object we accumulated over the years and circumstances of life: we must think of to whom they will be transferred. And decide to do it at the proper time. It is true however that most of the younger generations people don't realize what objects are valuable and why. Here too is the issue of transferring the load of knowledged heritances we all shall be able to explain. Otherwise we can set a garage sale. Auction in some cases? Internet ads? Perhaps, but in all case we must remember and preserve our remembrances since they are the gifts of our parents. Anne dearest have a great week and your family. pierre alain etc etc
A brutiful truth shared with your usual panache, Anne.
“brutiful” - brilliant coinage, Michelle! Thanks for sharing - and for your love. ❤️
‘Brutiful’ is a Glennon Doyle word. I love it’s nuance.
That resonates. 💙
The trick to me is remembering it in my own life 🫣