Wedding Rings, Slippers and Toothbrushes.

In this episode we are talking about our person's possessions.

I get asked a lot, ‘When should I clear out their stuff’?

This is something that adds a lot of confusion, upset and pressure onto us in our grieving journeys.

Others tell us we ‘should’ clear out, or move their stuff because it’s been too long.

However, as with everything in grief we have to remember that we are all different, and we should never feel pressured to do things a certain way or within a certain time period. 

I share my own story in this episode of what I chose to do with Simon's possessions, not because that’s the right way, just because that was what felt right for me.

What I've learned is that there’s only really one thing to consider when we are thinking about sorting through our person's belongings, and that is to ask ourselves whether it is serving a purpose or is it prolonging the pain?

If seeing the slippers by the door, the toothbrush in the bathroom, or their wedding ring on your finger is bringing you some comfort, and helps you feel connected to your person then that’s a positive thing. However, if every time you see this it adds to your pain, causes you greater sadness or feels like a stark reminder of their absence then maybe it is time to reconsider.