I have had my Barbie case for about 40 years. For the last 20 years or so it has been just sitting in a closet.
Until recently, when I decided to gift it to a Barbie-loving child. I knew it was the right decision because she would really enjoy it. Yet part of me also hoped it wouldn’t get even more worn or worse, lost or discarded. Was my real hope that the Barbie case could live on even longer and bring joy to future generations? Or at least earn someone a small fortune at an antique store?
The reality is…I don’t know. And I had to become ok with that. How did I do that? By realizing that gifting my Barbie case would allow me to experience the joy of knowing someone might enjoy it. There is also the joy, freedom, and peace of mind that comes from accepting that it will be for however long they want it. After all, it’s their gift and their choice!
Ok, it’s “just” a Barbie case. But this bit of a dilemma is preparing me for the deeper reality that I will not be on this planet forever. I cannot take my things with me nor can I hope that others will want my things when I’m gone. This makes sense theoretically.
But when faced with decisions to gift material possessions away, why is their sadness? Maybe it’s grief. Grieving the loss of an enjoyable or carefree time of life. Or maybe it’s just part of reliving joyful memories. I’m not ever going to play with that Barbie case again but I sure do relish the memories of when I did. So I reminisced with my sister about the fun and weird ways we “played Barbies”, as we called it. Afterwards, I felt so grateful that one, I had those memories, and two, I can still remember them!
In the end, what I really want is that my family and friends remember my immense love for them. I wish them peace and joy beyond measure. If it comes in part from an old toy or piece of jewelry, then so be it. And if not, that’s ok too.
How are you becoming “ok” with leaving your material things behind?