21 Comments
Sep 26Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

I've heard of clubs where you join and each person tells the story of something they treasure but need to discard. Apparently once you tell the story it's easier to let go of the treasure. Clearly you couldn't do that for everything, but it would work for something you really love but can't keep. Nice post Abby.

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What a cool idea! Thanks, Trish!

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Sep 27Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

Loved the Birthday bus! 🚌 🐕

Getting rid of stuff is hard! After we moved I was repeatedly challenged by “What did I do with…..? Did I get rid of it? I’m sure I wouldn’t have done that?” Then spend half an hour looking to no avail! Maybe I wasn’t as attached as I thought to some things! Also, for some items that I loved looking at but was wavering about, I just took a picture of it, so I could always look at it. Now if I could just find the picture amongst the zillion on my phone!

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I love the idea of taking a picture. I'll have to remember to create an album on my phone though.

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Oct 5Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

Abby - Decluttering my prized possessions is not as difficult as decluttering my mind. Thank you for providing me with the impetus to consider doing both.

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Pat, you have more energy and stamina than anyone I know. I have no doubt you will accomplish both winningly!

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Oct 6Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

Thanks, Abby. You very kind, I will keep you posted. HeeHee!

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Loved this. It resonated with me. This "Forward movement in a healthy direction overrides the inconvenience of missing her." is helpful when I think about my own empty nest and reframe it as a warm and loving nest of two, with my little flung birds living and thriving elsewhere. And decluttering and downsizing are so important as we move into these new chapters. Best of luck!

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Thank you so much, Samantha. Btw, that’s my daughter’s name. ❤️

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Sep 26·edited Sep 26Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

I know these feelings! We downsized 2-1/2 years ago and it took nearly a year to get through everything. Based on this experience and my work as an energy healer, I created an online workshop called "Making Space: Rituals for Releasing Stuff," and I'm offering it again on Oct 26. https://www.pegconway.com/event-making-space-workshop-rituals-for-clearing-releasing-stuff/

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What a cool offering!

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Great post. I STRUGGLE to get rid of things, I'm so sentimental. But it does always feel good. Excited for your move and all next stages.

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Thanks, Jocelyn! I loved your newsletter yesterday, BTW. I totally relate to not sleeping and also not doing anything recommended to help me sleep.

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Sep 26Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

We completed the great downsize this past year. For those items we just could not release, we put them in a couple (defined as “2”) boxes labeled “Memories” and put them in our attic storage. Some day the kids will decide.

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That was a smart way to handle it. And sometimes putting off a decision makes the decision.

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Sep 26Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

Great post, Abby!

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Thanks Heather!

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Sep 26Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

The downsize! I'll be doing it in the next few years, too. I keep telling myself it's just stuff. You've inspired me to start with my closet.

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It feels like an overwhelming task, doesn't it? But it feels so freeing to minimize.

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Sep 26Liked by Abby Alten Schwartz

Getting rid of stuff is hard. But it becomes easier if you realize that you’re probably attached to how an object makes you feel and not the object itself. As long as you remember the object, the feeling won’t be lost.

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Definitely the emotional attachment is the toughest part. That's good to keep in mind.

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