This summer, my separated parents coincidentally are both reducing their living spaces simultaneously, and although neither occupies the apartment where I spent my childhood, I’ve cleverly/luckily managed to stash away numerous items in their residences. When they asked me to sift through my past belongings, I was taken aback by my response…
I didn’t desire to retain all those items, yet I absolutely didn’t want them to dispose of it. Closing down the Museum of Me?!?! Not happening. I procrastinated, voiced grievances, and showed virtually no appreciation to those who had allowed their homes to be repositories for objects that held little value for them, such as the letters I received at summer camp many years ago.
Nevertheless, there were some true treasures among the collection. For someone who isn’t particularly crafty, I was surprised that I attended shop class from kindergarten through middle school. Among my finds was a hinged box I crafted at the age of five, which I then lined with purple velvet.
Proud of this one.
“You don’t want this wooden doll I created?” I later inquired of my dad. “Even though she has movable arms, braids made from yellow wire secured to a nail in her head, along with a matching bed adorned with painted roses?” I was serious. He smiled but didn’t agree.
A substantial portion of my early artwork was notably large. My mom had a 3×5 foot framed piece I painted of Demeter and Persephone during our studies in Greek mythology, while my dad held onto my similarly large self-portrait from elementary school, infamous for having the eyebrows placed beneath the eyes.
School photos from when I was three (left) and four. The turtleneck is inscribed with the words “big enough,” and I wish my parents had kept that shirt!
Even though I had already pared down my collection of items I begged them not to discard at various intervals since graduating high school, the current endeavor was draining. I disposed of the school yearbooks but retained the school photos. I preserved books I cherished as a child and shoved several boxes of paper memorabilia to the back of my closet. Somewhere within that chaos lies my ticket to see the Spice Girls at Madison Square Garden in 1998 and the diary I attempted to disguise as a school notebook by labeling it with INGLISH on the cover. (Spelling has never been my forte.)
Farewell, chairs :/
As I returned to Brooklyn, I brought home two old kid-sized wooden chairs. However, after moving them around my apartment for a few weeks, I realized space was limited. I summoned my courage for days, then left them out on the street and walked away, feeling a genuine sense of loss.
When I went to the bodega later, the chairs remained untouched, and I nearly retrieved them again. I managed to resist the temptation, and by the following morning, they were gone. I still have a longing for them, but I prefer to think they are being used in a child’s bedroom in Brooklyn.
I took home the velvet-lined box (naturally!!!) and a quirky paper maché vase that our exceptional art teacher had us make around a tennis ball canister that could hold water and flowers. I chose not to keep my enormous self-portrait with the misplaced eyebrows, but I still recall my brothers laughing at it over the years. I neither retained nor discarded the wooden doll. She now rests peacefully in her custom wooden bed, adorned with roses, in a closet at my dad’s house. I’m still trying to persuade him it’s a collector’s item.
Now, I ask you: if you’ve dug through your childhood bedroom, what treasures did you uncover? Was there anything particularly difficult to let go of? What did you choose to do with the items you wished to retain?
P.S. Where did you grow up, and what’s the age difference between your children?
(Top photo of Gisela Gueiros’s apartment by Alpha Smoot, styling by Kate Jordan.)
Title: The Significance of Clearing Out Your Childhood Bedroom
Introduction
The childhood bedroom serves as a haven of recollections, a place where many of us spent pivotal years evolving, learning, and envisioning the future. However, as we move into adulthood, the necessity of clearing out this space becomes increasingly crucial. This task transcends mere organization; it is a significant stride in personal growth and emotional health.
Emotional Closure
Clearing out your childhood bedroom provides a distinct chance for emotional resolution. As you sort through toys, books, and memorabilia from your past, you engage in a reflective process that lets you acknowledge and value your history. This can be a cleansing experience, aiding you in releasing any remaining attachments and finding peace with your personal narrative.
Decluttering and Organization
A disorganized space often leads to a muddled mind. By tidying up and organizing your childhood bedroom, you cultivate a calmer and more practical environment. This task can also enhance your organizational abilities, essential for navigating the complexities of adult life. Furthermore, a neat room can act as a blank slate for fresh memories and experiences.
Rediscovering Forgotten Treasures
During the process of clearing out your childhood bedroom, you may uncover long-lost treasures—old photographs, letters, or mementos that carry emotional significance. These pieces can offer a sense of continuity and connection to your origins, reminding you of the path you have traveled and the person you have evolved into.
Creating Space for New Beginnings
Clearing out your childhood bedroom symbolizes making space for new beginnings. As you rid yourself of items that no longer benefit you, you create room for new experiences and opportunities. This act of letting go is vital for personal growth, enabling you to accept change and proceed confidently.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Engaging family members in the journey of cleaning out your childhood bedroom can reinforce familial connections. Sharing stories and reminiscences tied to various objects can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s experiences. This collaborative undertaking can also provide support and encouragement as you navigate this emotional transition.
Conclusion
Clearing out your childhood bedroom is more than just a physical chore; it is a vital rite of passage that encourages personal growth and emotional health. By undertaking this process, you can find closure, rediscover forgotten treasures, and make room for new beginnings. Ultimately, this act of letting go is a powerful movement toward embracing the future with an open heart and mind.
