I make a concerted effort to ensure every knick-knack in my environment triggers good feelings, not bad ones. I encourage you to do the same. Everything is energy. Energy matters.
I learned this valuable principle from Feng Shui a few years ago. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging items in your home to promote “chi” – positive energy. I discuss this in the chapter called “Clear the Clutter.” in my book.
My Knick-Knacks
Most knick-knacks I own have a pleasant memory attached to them. However, there are items I’ve had for years that I finally recognize trigger ill-feeling memories. Two perfect examples from my past are a small decorative cat plate and a beautiful cotton throw.
The Cat Plate
The cat plate, which hung in my kitchen for far too long, reminded me of a HUGE fight my husband and I had while visiting relatives in Arizona. It was one of the worst fights we ever had. And it occurred just before I purchased that plate. After 10 years, it STILL reminded me of that fight. So the plate went bye-bye.
The Cotton Throw
The cotton throw was a gift from my first love while in my late teens. Thirty years later, I went to visit him in the hospital. He was dying of an AIDS-related disease. During that visit, there were photos he wanted to see again. I promised to send them. But I let life get in the way and procrastinated. When I finally sent them, they arrived the morning after he died! The throw was a constant reminder of that unhappy ending. I donated the throw to Goodwill.
The Saxophone Cat Knick-Knack
Just recently I discovered another item, pictured above, that triggers unpleasant memories. It was a gift from a friend, who has since passed, for which I had a tumultuous, challenging relationship for decades. I finally ended the relationship in 2013. And what do I think about whenever my eyes lay on that knick-knack? Yep. So, it is being donated to Goodwill on my next visit.
If it the Knick-Knack doesn’t feel good – good riddance!
I invite you to look around your home and spot those items that harbor unpleasant memories. Then, seriously consider removing them from your environment. Maybe someone in your family would appreciate having that item. Perhaps a friend would be thrilled to take it off your hands. Maybe it is valuable, and you can sell it.
In Conclusion
I admit it isn’t always easy to release some knick-knacks from a significant era in your life. But if it was not a pleasant one…well, let someone else enjoy it. Keep your living quarters full of good chi – good energy.
