As much as I would love to deny it, I am my mother’s daughter when it comes to holding on to meaningful, or maybe not so meaningful, things. It honestly doesn’t matter what it is, I promise you, there will come a time when I will either want or need it again!
For something to be worthy of holding onto, it doesn't have to be super important, but it can be.
We’ve all caught ourselves wishing we could find the guts to throw out those ratty ole sweatpants, but why get rid of them? They are comfy and that’s all I need in a pair of sweats. And my purple and black striped tights that are stuffed away in a drawer might come in handy next Halloween, ya never really know. Plus, everything comes back in style at some point. Who would have guessed choker necklaces would be the hottest trend again; good thing I kept all mine from middle school.
Shoes, shoes, and more shoes. Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend got it all wrong. I probably don’t need every pair of shoes that consume my room, but you couldn’t talk me into chucking a single pair even if you tried.
It’s happened to all of us. We say bye to a pair of shoes that have been sitting in our closet for a decade, and the very next day we find the perfect outfit to pair them with. Even those old tennis shoes that have been worn down to the sole serve their purpose.
I don’t know about you, but I love reading words, especially words that were written personally to me or about me. I guess that explains my guilt in saving every card, letter, and news clip involving myself.
The most important days in one’s life are represented by birthday cards or congratulations cards or even get-well cards, and they are sent by some of our closest friends and family. No, I don’t spend my Friday nights lying in bed reading old cards, but it is nice to know I have them in remembrance of a specific day from a special person.
It doesn’t matter what kind of card it is, or even if it’s a letter; it’s still in my possession. The way I look at it, if someone is willing to take the time to address a card or letter to me, the least I can do is appreciate it enough to hold onto it.
Through time, I’ve also learned from Mom that newspaper clips are worth saving, too. They help the past come to life, and the past doesn’t always need to be thrown out.
Last but not least, and I don’t think I’m alone in this one, I hold on to photos. We’ve all heard it before, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” but really a picture is so much more than that. It is literally a memory captured for our keepsake.
I’m guilty of taking way too many pictures, and I’m reminded of it every single night when my phone tells me that my storage is full. I find a way to keep them all though, because I want to always remember the little moments, and through photos, I can do that.
We spend so much time building our lives day after day, and for what? It's the silly clothes and the tons of pictures that make us, us. These things are worth holding onto.
If holding on to too many things is the worst thing I can say about myself, I’d say I’m doing something right. I always looked at the way my mom saved everything as a bad thing, and I wanted nothing to do with it, but it’s not so cut and dry. She is sentimental and sees the value in things, and I am proud that she has shared that quality with me.
Start saving today, you won't regret it!
