Sometimes when writing an article, the title comes to me first. Such was the case today. While waiting for the rest to come, I Googled “Controlling the Past,” curious what I’d find. Lo and behold, I came across this quote from Orwell’s book 1984.
“He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.” George Orwell (1984)
I’m sure there are many layers to this quote that have nothing to do with organizing, but it serves as a framework for today’s topic. How we control our stuff in the present affects both our past and our future.
One might consider this application is for seniors, but everyone should pay attention since we don’t know the number of our days. What you do with your stuff today, controls how your past will be remembered, and what will be required of others in the future.
Timely Tips to control the past, present, and future
Photo by Julius Drost on Unsplash
PAST—If someone were to come into your home today and write your eulogy based solely on what they found, how would that read?
Your stuff tells a story. Is it obvious what you value most? Do you have things that reflect or tell about people, events, and experiences that impacted your life?
Are they easily accessible and displayed in ways that demonstrate their value? Are they stashed away in random boxes, buried under miscellaneous clutter?
I recall a client who had, among other things, a collection of corks from her father who died from alcoholism. Getting rid of the corks didn’t change the past, but it removed that reminder. When you control the stuff from your past you control the narrative it communicates.
I’m not suggesting that you keep only things that paint a rosy picture. You have may items that trigger thoughts of battling through cancer or a job loss but remind you of the strength of character you developed or people who supported you through that time.
FUTURE—By controlling our past stuff we impact the future. I’ve worked with clients who were “gifted” houses, garages, shops, and storage units full of stuff when their parents passed.
Today I received a call from a woman seeking help for her mother. Her grandmother recently passed, and her mom is trying to make space in her house for the grandmother’s things. I sensed the burden this woman felt knowing that in a matter of years, it would all be hers to deal with.
A greater gift is to leave behind only what you value most. Your family will appreciate the Reader’s Digest version of the story your belongings tell.
PRESENT—It’s never too early to look around your home and begin identifying your treasures while letting go of the superfluous. What’s on your bookshelves, in your curio cabinets, and stuffed into closets? Is there something in the garage or storage that you’d like to pull out and enjoy now, or make sure it’s noticed when you’re gone? No one knows better than you what you value.
Can a photo of you doing your hobby or sport tell the story just as well or better than the items you no longer use? Give yourself permission to let them go, remembering what that does for your loved ones in the future.
In the process, don’t be hurt if people don’t want your stuff. Remember—it’s your stuff. Donating usable items is a great way to get it into the hands of someone who will treasure it.
This isn’t a quick and easy task, but neither is it for loved ones who must take vacation days to go through your stuff if you don’t. If it feels overwhelming, I can help.
Remember: He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past.
wise words
If everything's precious, then nothing's precious. -Unknown