The Value and Significance of Things: Reflections on Clutter and Comfort

Hi there, an intriguing question. I believe it is the value you place on them and the actual significance they hold for you.

Years ago, when I left Mexico City to move to California, I packed two small suitcases. "But what about your things?" my father asked. "I don’t need anything," I said. "If I do, I will buy it as I go."

“No, no, Dushka,” he said. “Your things are who you are. You need them with you.”

For years, I maintained that my father was wrong, that we had a fundamentally different relationship with physical possessions. I resisted attaching any meaningful value to them. However, decades have passed, and now, during this unimaginable pandemic, I find myself in my apartment, sheltering in place. The world is grappling with a global crisis, and I have with me the things that have shaped me over the years.

These things, from my father, from my mother, and the items I have accumulated reluctantly along the way, provide me with a profound sense of comfort and connection. They are anchors in a turbulent world, reminders of the love and experiences that have led me to where I am today.

The Clutter vs. Significance Dilemma

Clutter is often seen as synonymous with disorganization, but what if we flip the script and consider the significance behind our possessions? Many of us harbor a certain aversion to clutter, but might it be more about emotional clutter – the items that tell the story of our lives, our loves, and our losses? Is it possible to value the things around us without letting them dominate our lives?

The Role of Things in Emotional Comfort

During times of stress and uncertainty, like the present global pandemic, the objects we surround ourselves with can provide a sense of solace and continuity. These physical elements hold the memories and emotions that shape who we are. They remind us of past joys, hardships, and the people who have made a difference in our lives. By holding onto these artifacts, we are, in essence, holding onto parts of ourselves.

Personal Transformation and Attitude Shift

My journey from resisting the value of my things to valuing them deeply has been transformative. It has taught me to see possessions not as burdens but as treasures. Each item, whether it’s a handkerchief from my mother, a drawing created during childhood, or a book passed down through generations, carries with it a wealth of stories and emotions. These stories have become part of me, giving me a sense of identity and a historical context.

Moreover, these objects have become a source of strength and resilience. When the world seems overwhelming, looking at these things reminds me of the love and support that have brought me this far. They are a tangible connection to the people and experiences that have shaped me, providing a sense of grounding in an uncertain world.

Conclusion

So, to get back to the question of things being important – it depends on your relationship with them. These days, I embrace the significance of my things, understanding that they are not mere clutter but contributing pieces to the puzzle of my life. They remind me of the love that brought me to where I am today, and they provide me with a sense of comfort and continuity in a world that feels increasingly chaotic.

Each of us has a unique story to tell through the things we hold dear. Embrace the significance of your possessions, for they enrich your life in ways you may not fully realize. In doing so, you may find that your things are not burdens to be rid of, but treasures to be cherished.