Funny what tugs on our heart strings. It’s the end of an era for our family as my youngest finishes elementary school. Our schedule has been dictated by kiddos starting school around 9:30 for the past 12 years. It feels a bit like we are closing the chapter on the “little kid years”. Reflecting this week on this big shift for our family.
This painted butterfly clip was made by my now high- schooler during Kindergarten. Back then it displayed art in the classroom, and then on our art wall at home for years. Now it’s a chip clip, and as you can see from the teeth marks, the crazy pupster got a hold of it earlier this year. I could have just tossed it, but my heart made me fix it, even just to continue it’s job at chip clip. This item may not stand the test of time, but right now it makes me smile, serves a purpose and we have a spot for it.
I’m sharing this because I truly do understand how so many of my clients feel as they consider the memories or the people attached to items in their home.
May I offer this encouragement for your sentimental treasures? Rather than dusty boxes stored in the attic or hidden in the garage of items passed down from grandparents, parents, our own childhood relics, of those made by our children - bring them into the light. Personally I don’t recommend more than one or two keepsake STORAGE bins per person in the family because anything more will weigh us down, be easily forgotten, and be burdensome many years later for ourselves or family members. Even better if items are accessible to explore occasionally - perhaps in a cedar chest at the foot of the bed, or some pretty keepsake boxes on a bookshelf. This provides for great storytelling and laughs. BUT, also - don’t hold onto items out of guilt!
If there is something that makes you smile and can be seamlessly incorporated - use it, display it, hang it on the wall. Use your grandmother’s bowl she used for every holiday to serve weeknight mac and cheese. Frame your kids artwork and hang by the front door. Use an award or stack of vintage books as a bookend. Incorporate a small piece of furniture as a nightstand or foyer table. Hang a graduation tassel or a clay creation on your Christmas tree as an ornament.
Keep only your favorite items that give those little glimmers of joy that are like a hug in the mundane moments in our day. If something is meaningful to you, incorporate it into the story told in the spaces of your home. I could have easily stuck the butterfly clip in a keepsake box, or even thrown it away once it was chewed on, but seeing it in our pantry throughout the week is a sweet little smile in my day.