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Karyn Settles's avatar

So well written and thoughtful! I’ve been thinking about what truly makes me happy a lot lately. If it is an object, it has meaning and a story. I try to remind myself to think about what it is that brings me joy in the things I have, even if they are the most common of items, and to make a conscious choice to rehome or discard things when needed. As I’ve matured it matters more than when I was younger. Clutter has become something that makes me anxious now. Thank you for the insightful post.

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Sarai Mitnick's avatar

Yes, same. I am not a minimalist by any means, but more and more i enjoy being picky about what I allow in.

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Francis Berryhill's avatar

This was a great question. So many times we want something that everyone is buying, just to fit in. We think we must have it. Just finished a Woody Allen movie Zelig. A man makes himself like the people he is with at the time, so they will like him. He isn't being himself. I do find it hard to discord anything I have made. I keep sweaters that no longer fit because I love the finished product.

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Sarai Mitnick's avatar

I also find it difficult to get rid of anything I made, and even when I do, I often regret it later.

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Erin Riley's avatar

What a beautiful essay! Thank you for doing the deep thinking about something so many of us struggle with. Your insights will help me as I downsize from a house to a condo. You are so right that it is the items with stories and person connections that we have lasting feeling for.

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Sarai Mitnick's avatar

Good luck with the move!

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Katrina MacAllan's avatar

Love this! Thank you Sarai. You've articulated perfectly the reason I love handmade things. They add richness and meaning to our lives. Also that vintage quilt is dreamy!

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Sarai Mitnick's avatar

Isn’t it? I stare at it all the time.

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Sybil's avatar

RIGHT ON, Sarai!

Beautifully written truths.

Thanks for writing for us!

Happy Spring to you and yours.🪻🌷💗

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