Lost, Found, and Let Go

There’s a certain thrill to finding something you had forgotten you even had, or didn’t realize you still had. A bit like being on a successful treasure hunt without ever realizing you were on one in the first place. Good memories can come rushing back within seconds. But how should I feel about finding something I didn’t know I had? If, upon finding this long-forgotten object, my reaction is, “Oh, I love this (whatever it is)!” then more reflection is likely warranted. Do I really love it? Is it meaningful to me? It was in a box for the last seven years and I didn’t even know I had it. This seems to signal a disconnect between my actions and my thoughts. Between the idea of something and the reality of that thing, it’s place in my life.

To a certain extent, I want to be lenient with myself. I don’t think it’s realistic for me to constantly remember every possession I have at all times, and so there are bound to be those surprise finds that feel exciting. I don’t want to lie to myself though, and if I feel like I love this thing I just found, or that it’s important to me, then it should probably play a more prominent role in my life. It should probably not be forgotten about for years at a time, or hidden away in a box. If it’s something I value, then I want to make sure that I’m not neglecting it. If, once past my initial excitement, I realize it’s not something I really need or want, then I think the best course of action is to get rid of it. After all, how much will I really miss it if I didn’t even know I had it in the first place?