When things are not just "things"

Remember what I wrote here.

"So during this Big Spring Cleaning join me and open your closet doors with the most critical look and a cool head. I don't know about you, but when I flick through my wardrobe and it's seriously not inspiring me to get dressed then I feel a bit unhappy. So, pack away the things for winter, sort out the pieces that leave you questioning why it's in your closet or don't fit you no more and take them to your local Recycling Center. And now you've made room for your spring favorites." 

I love quoting myself.

So I did what I suggested. I accepted the challenge and I tackled my closet "with the most critical look and a cool head". 

Well, it started like that. I knew what was a keeper and what not based on how much I've actually worn them. But when it came to actually saying goodbye to them, my critical look and my cool head were nowhere to be found. All that was left was a big softy standing in front of her closet caressing the clothes with a thick nostalgic bubble over her head. "Pretty pathetic" you may think.

Clothes are not just "clothes" for me. They are moments. They are emotions. They are people. 

Every time I wear a piece it brings me back to the times when I was wearing it before. It can remind me of the special people I was with. Or the memorable moments in my life. 

Certain items are a sentimental memorabilia. They are the fragments of your past.

Maybe it's your wedding dress. The suit you graduated in. An adorable dress from your earliest childhood that your mother didn't have the heart to give away. Your first pair of high heels. Or that pair of underwear that brought you luck every time you wore them no matter how ridiculous everyone else said the idea was. That silly T-shirt you bought from the most awesome trip of your life. The fox fur neckpiece that once belonged to your grandmother. The jacket you threw over your partner's shoulders during your first date on that chilly night. Gosh, this is getting too lovey-dovey. You get the point. 

Clothes now not only serve for their first and foremost purpose- to keep warm. Other functions have risen to become as important or even more. 

Saying goodbye to some of my items was hard. What finally helped me to accomplish my mission was the thought of sharing them. I had some good times with those old folks, but what good does it do when they are simply hanging in my closet and bringing me joy for a moment or two when I open those doors and spot them. Especially if they are in an excellent wearing condition, but don't fit my bodyshape/life pace/preference etc. I will always have those memories with or without them. And if I'm willing to let go of them then I'm allowing for greater moments to find me.

And what is especially gratifying to know is that if you find a new owner for them you are sharing the joy with them. Think about how much great moments that person is going to have in that item.

So goodbye old friends. We had good times together. But now it's time for you to find a new owner to make happy.