Many years ago, I tossed most of my old journals into the recycle bin except for two that a good friend convinced me to keep; one was entries that I was painfully required to write for 15 minutes daily during a year of living and working with Americorps in the Six Rivers National Forest of Northern California, and academic notes& drawings from arelated Fisheries class.
Inthat year my crew and I hiked hundreds of miles with heavy tools through mysticalredwood forests to cuttrail for scientists to do research and campers to enjoy the outdoors, andwaded through fast-flowing rivers in the rainwearing rubber pants to buildfish habitats and save the salmon. I was part of an eclectic crew of city misfits and college preppiesperforming themost challengingphysical labor of our lives. Itwas also the most rewarding experience of my life. Born and raised in the concrete jungle of Los Angeles, it was my introduction to beautiful rainforest and mothernature. It was a pivotal point in my life toward environmentalism and natural resource conservation.
I’m grateful thatmy friend convinced me to keep these two journals. I’m glad to have tossed all the others. I cannotrecall what was in them. Out of sight, out of mind.
Do you stow or throw away your journals immediately after they’re full of writing? Have your habits changed over the years?
Ready to do something about all those books of scribble? Here’s how:
Read through one old journal a week.
- If it’s full of entriesthat will do you no good, or is a reminder of a sad or bad part of your life, toss it in the recycle bin or have a bonfire/journal burning party. Who wants all that negativity storedso closely? Do away with it forever.
- Is it full of memories that make you happy?Doyou smile and laugh each time you glance through it? It’s a keeper!
- Is it a combo of trash and a few goodies? If so, tear out the goodie pages and toss the rest. Keep a folder of goodie pages, similar to how you wouldtear articles you want to read out of magazinesand recyclethe remaining 75% that isadvertising.
I wish you the best in successfully downsizing those space-hogging journals. Do this once every year or two, and you willfind yourself laughing, crying, or disgusted that you’ve wasted so much space, storage unit or moving feesto havethem hauled fromhouse to house. I hope you find yourself clutter free the way you should be.
Do you ever just want to burn your partner’s old journals?
Your personalthingsprobably mean a whole lot to you. That’s why as a professional organizer, I don’t push people to discard their stuff. In 98.5% of the cases, people know exactly what theyhave to do, and need someone kind who cares to simply be by their side and support them physically and emotionally through the process of decluttering. So with a kind heart, share this blog withyour partner, be patient, helpful,and keep the peace.
And now, take a lookat what I found in MY journals! They are some of my best memories…
Readyfor more? Call (510) 229-7321 today to schedule a complimentary estimate to get decluttered andorganized.Gift certificates are available.
