Can’t Let Go | The Minimalists Ep. 450

The Minimalists talk about what to do when you can’t let go.

Discussed in this episode:

Intro (00:00)

What can I do if my family won’t allow me to let go of certain sentimental things? (2:04)

What’s one thing that other people won’t allow you to let go of? (19:23)

Listener tip: A response to Gratitude Clutter. (36:48)

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[bridginglanguageservices]

I received a bag of nice clothes from a friend
I selected the ones I really liked to keep
Later on I asked her: Is it okay if I donate the clothes that I didn’t like?
Her answer was such a relief! She said, the moment I gave you the clothes, they are yours
You keep what you like and you do with the rest as you please 😊

[emc]

Why not just tell the truth? I love YOU, Dad. I love that you enjoy YOUR passion, art collecting. I do not collect art. My passion is photography of my family to display on my walls. Shall I return YOUR collection to YOU for your storage? No? Then who do you know that I can give the collection to instead? No one? OK, Dad, I will return YOUR collection to you then soon. I love YOU, Dad.

[ArleneAdkinsZell]

I am in the opposite situation, I want to get rid of my art, but my children keep pressuring me to keep it for them when I pass, I finally got fed up with it and last week I told them to get it by Aug 1 or it is gone.

[LSChestersMom]

Big fan of letting go. I carry things precious to me in my heart and soul :)

[mariamarc]

one of the sessions that made me reflect on my personal life the most. thank you!

[catherineslittlelife]

I actually had a similar issue with my dad. He had a lot of memoribilia and tapestries from germany he bought while he was in the military many years ago. It was probably worth a little bit, but i didn't want to keep it. It was sitting in a box just rotting away. I took pictures of them and donated them.
My dad is still alive and has no idea i dont have them. I just tell him they're in storage. I show him the pictures i have of them on my phone. He doesn't push the issue for me to "go get them out of storage."
Maybe one day, ill mention i dont have them but on the grand scale of things... I'm his kid so to hate me over getting rid of physical possessions seems wild. If thats how it turns out then ill be one less toxic family member.

[HazelPierreManuelDurufle]

Minimalism doesn't have to mean getting rid of everything. The caller clearly attaches value to the artworks even if he doesn't want them on his walls. Tastes can change over time. Why not just store the art. I'd be willing to bet that one day he'll be glad he didn't get rid of it.

[Ahlrrose]

Story time: My MIL is obsessed with jean jackets (its not my thing) but she gifted me one anyway. It was bulky and didnt fit right. My mom is going through a self-confidence stage (with a large lump on her neck.) I lent it to my mom "indefinitely", it looked so good on her and it cured her lack of confidence. She wears it ALL the time. This right here brings me joy. I ended up finding a jean jacket that fits me just right and something i dont mind myself wear 2x a year. My MIL wont know the difference on whether its the same jacket. Win win all around.

[itschamamama]

A message to fellow parents: No one likes to be/feel forced or pressured into things. Honor and respect the fact that your kids may not like what you like. Treat them the way you'd like to be treated. ❤

[Janneli]

I’ve always lived minimal but when my mum past these last few months wow I couldn’t help keep her dressing gown the last cups we both drank out together her hair rollers personal jewellery I feel I need to keep her near me for now and yes she worked hard and had so little and that kills me the most for now i will keep these things nothing can separate me for now 🤝

[Kris-pwgp]

The caller said he acquired a lot of artwork from his father. Maybe his father asked him if he wanted it and he said yes because he thought that's what his father wanted. Why doesn't he choose a couple of his most favorite pieces to keep and talk to his father. He could tell his father that while he wants to honor him, he just doesn't have the space to keep them and make them special. Maybe I missed something but he might be surprised by his father's response if he was just honest with him. Thanks for another great podcast (miss seeing you guys while you are doing the podcast though)...lol

[mbaylee]

If the artwork is so valuable to his Dad, then why did his Dad get rid of it and not hold on to it until his dying days? I’ve had to ask myself that about things I’ve gotten that were family “heirlooms”.

[pasitheathanatosasmr]

If anyone wants to save this script like I do❤

Someone says you can’t or shouldn’t eat something…

Awh man this is my favorite brother, the vanilla celebration cheesecake, Mm!

Aren’t you afraid you’re gonna gain all the weight back?

Nah man not really man, my game is too strong brother. I got so many good habits in place now.

I just care about you so much.

Awh thanks man! I care about you too brother!🥰

[RJ-ekov]

Don’t laugh but I just threw away an old box of “Aunt Jemima pancake mix and syrup because it reminded me of my childhood. I eat healthy and it was for special occasions only and had the old picture on the box.

[sparklysea]

Why doesn’t the father keep the art as his own house? That way he gets to enjoy it his whole life since he purchased it, and maybe he will stop buying when he runs out of space.

[she-ra]

I cut down on social media. A very influential Facebook friend died suddenly 3 months ago. I'm having trouble letting go of this 😢

[LP-tuli]

Was there ever a goodbye episode for Ryan? I missed it

[HosCreates]

Letting go of a job is tricky because bills need to be paid and you need a roof over the head and food in your belly and to provide that for your family. Rage apply for a new job, get a new job and then let go.

[talatmansoor]

Hello i am from Pakistan my story is that my husband won’t let me throw any empty bottle box and one more thing he put so many things in very small place any suggestions kindly reply thank you

[Suki]

Good morning, Minimalists! ☀️ Let’s make it a good week. 🤗