Resources for participants in the summer 2024 series
“Looking ahead is looking back.”
You are the result of all you have experienced in your life.
What “things” have accompanied you on your journey?
Which of these might you no longer need in order to remember … to reflect … to respond?
READ AND LEARN
Clutter is Good for You – “Today’s decluttering victim is tomorrow’s lost object, and lost objects are forever.” – New York Times guest essay by Robb Walker • December 29, 2022
Keepsakes and memories: Finding, in the clutter, a life well-lived – Rob Brody • Christian Science Monitor • October 4, 2022
The Psychology Of Sentimental Items And How To Let Go Of Them – Rosie Leizrowice • Huffington Post • March 17, 2018
Death and Decluttering: Beyond Swedish Death Cleaning – Corrie Goldfinger • TalkDeath.com • August 7, 2023
‘Death Cleaning’: A Reckoning With Clutter, Grief and Memories – letters selected from the more than 500 responses from readers to our request for personal stories about dealing with their own lifetime accumulation of possessions or that of a loved one.• New York Times • April 9, 2022
Why clutter has the power to break up your relationship – Ellen Scott •.Metro UK • January 25, 2019
Clutter affects anxiety and stress: here’s what to do – Minimalist Home • January 12, 2024
A Sensory Approach to Decluttering Sentimental Items – Emily McDermott • Simplify Magazine
The Stages of Grief and What to Expect – Kimberly Holland • HealthLine • May 17, 2023
GET INSPIRED
WATCH/LISTEN: “Turn, Turn, Turn” – Pete Seeger and Judy Collins • recorded in 1966 • based on Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
LISTEN: “Greenfields, Golden Sands” – Yussef/Cat Stevens • from “An Other Cup” • recorded 2006 • what do you really need?
WATCH: Amy Poehler talks about new series on The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning – NBC Today Show • April 26, 2023
WATCH: “The Funniest Drawer in the House” • British comedian Michael McIntyre
“If not now, then when? If not me, then who?”
Ready yourself …
to repurpose
to regift
to remember
to return
READ AND LEARN
It's hard to give up your childhood things. Here's how to honor them—and let go – National Public Radio • February 28, 2024
What My Mother’s Wardrobe Taught Me About Style and Grief After She Died – Lily Sullivan • Vogue • June 26, 2024
Tackle Your Clutter Battles: 5 Life-Changing Questions – Joshua Becker, Becoming Minimalist
7 Reasons to Empty a Space Before Decluttering – SlowMotionMama.com
Food For Your Soul: Giving vs. Lending – crunchybetty.com • December 19, 2017
Decluttering to Create Space for What Comes Next in My Life – Tiffany Guerzon • grownandflown.com • January 16, 2023
The Empty Space Dilemma • fromoverwhelmedtoorganizedblog.com • May 7, 2014
GET INSPIRED
WATCH/LISTEN: “Celebrate Me Home”– Kenny Loggins • live from the Grand Canyon 1992 • the words of this song speak volumes about what’s really important: family and friends
Two poems by U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins – “Forgetfulness” and “The Lanyard” – read aloud at White House Poetry Night • May 12, 2011 • the duration of memories
