What Are You Saving This For?

Let’s chat about the stuff that fills our spaces. When you peek into your closets, shelves, or that random box tucked away in the attic, it’s time to ask yourself, “What am I saving this for?” 

We all have things we keep for different reasons. Maybe that power drill comes in handy once in a blue moon, or perhaps it’s holiday decorations that only pop up for a few weeks each year. Some items are more about nostalgia—like those photo albums filled with memories you enjoy flipping through now and then, but would rather not have scattered all over the house.

But then there are those items that just kind of... hang around. You’re not quite sure why you’re keeping them, but you’re not ready to say goodbye either. And that’s totally okay! The key is to understand the meaning behind them. Does that old item spark joy? Or does it represent a part of your history that you’d like to hold onto? You might want to dig a little deeper and think about whether storing it away is the best way to honor its significance.

Case in point:

I must confess I still have some of my old grad school textbooks lying around. Over the years, I’ve parted ways with most of them, but there’s one set of things I just can’t bring myself to toss out—the Rorschach inkblots and all the related materials. It’s funny because it’s been over 30 years since I last administered a Rorschach test, and let’s be real, I’m retired now with no plans to dive back into that world. So why do I still have this stuff?

When I really think about it, these items represent a piece of my identity that only I truly understand. Sure, other psychologists know about the Rorschach, but few have gone as deep into it as I have. It’s no easy feat; to confidently administer it, you have to practice a lot—like a lot, a lot.

My first job was all about psychiatric testing, and I was using that test every single day. Each response from a patient could lead to pivotal insights—like knowing when someone needed immediate help or diagnosing them correctly.

Now, just to be clear, I'm way out of practice—I wouldn’t even attempt it anymore, and I have no desire to pick it up again. But you know what? There’s a certain pride that comes with that experience, that knowledge tucked away in my memory. If I had to compare it to something, it’s like having my own personal Olympian gold medal that only I recognize—until now, that is! 

Every time I glance at that pink book on my shelf, it fills me with warmth and confidence. For me, that's definitely worth saving. So, as you sort through your own keepsakes, think about what really matters to you. Sometimes, it’s the memories, the experiences, or even just a little piece of who you are that deserves a space in your home—and in your heart.