Thread by @pjf

I've got ADHD, which means I don't trust my brain to retain state. I've also got Bipolar II, which comes with depressive episodes.

These probably impact how I view and relate to possessions.

1/

For me, many possessions are a form of memory storage. They're a reminder of something that happened, and what it felt like at that time.

Not all have good memories associated with them, but saying goodbye to those possessions feels like saying goodbye to those memories. 2/

I frequently find myself with friends telling stories about the times we've had and which I'd completely forgotten.

I'll have folks talk about one of my achievements, and I'll be surprised to remember that yes, I did that thing. 3/

Possessions aren't just ways for me to keep those memories, but also a way to remind me of facets of myself.

When I'm depressed, I'm incapable of imagining what it's like to feel or be anything else.

Possessions are *physical evidence* that I've not always been this way. 4/

I have two exceptionally ordinary mugs. They're the mugs I remember my parents using when I was a child. They're full of memories (and sometimes tea).

I have a memory box at home. I don't remember what's in it, but when opened I can tell stories about everything inside it. 5/

Saying goodbye to possessions can very much feel like saying goodbye to a part of myself. Sometimes that's easy, but sometimes it's terribly, terribly hard. I worry about losing too many pieces of myself. I worry about forgetting who I am. 6/

Some of you will read this and want to give advice. I'd prefer you didn't.

I've memory maps, personal wikis, and albums full of memories, plus a great psychiatrist whom I work with very well.

I can and do declutter when needed. But I want to share how I experience that.

FIN.