I was sorting out stuff to donate in my parents’ house when I came across a never-worn baseball cap, an exact copy of the one I’ve been wearing for the past 5 years.
I also found an (almost) identical copy of my current summer slides. The newer one I got in Germany on vacation two years ago and the old one I got 9 years ago on a school exchange to Germany.
Seeing the two sets of old and new things together made me feel very fond and thankful. In them, I saw my younger self, eager to travel and wanting to be someone who was interesting. If she could come to the present-future she would be proud of who I’ve become. The steps I’ve taken and days that passed have left their mark on me and my items.
Some marks I can directly identify – a chunk of the sole lost to a stumble. Others have worn in bit and bit over time – the sun-bleached light blue of my Queen’s hat. I feel alive and growing when I look at them. Just as they have changed and aged, so have I, but both versions are fine as they are.
I’ve started to notice the things I’ve had for a long time and think about all the adventures they’ve witnessed with me. I try not to be too sappy online but isn’t it a great thought that you’re imbuing them with a little bit of your spirit and soul until they have a life of their own?
As a fun exercise, look at items that you’ve had for a few years and think about yourself back when that item was new. Would your past self be happy with the person you’ve become?