Sara’s View of Life with Sara Troy, on air from June 17th

I had one hell of a weekend. Outside, the temperatures soared to 29 and 30 degrees, and inside, well, inside the double shed I hadn’t touched in a year, there was a mountain of stuff waiting for me. My daughter-in-law Jessica came over, looked me straight in the eye, and said, “We’re doing this.” Eight hours later, everything had been pulled out, sorted, and sifted through. For anyone who’s ever gone through old belongings, especially as we age, every item becomes a trip down memory lane.

It’s not just stuff. It’s the remnants of past lives and moments that tug on our hearts. Each object seemed to whisper a story—some joyful, others painful. Deciding what to keep and what to let go of wasn’t easy. Like my dad’s old smoking jacket—he passed when I was just eleven—and the idea of it ending up as a Halloween costume was too much. Letting go isn’t just about decluttering; it’s about honouring what once was.

Going through my old dinner party collection reminded me of another era—one filled with extravagant gatherings, antique plates from the 18th century, fine German porcelain, crystal glassware, and joyful chaos. I loved hosting these events, something passed down from my mother. While that chapter has ended, I realized it’s okay to mourn a lifestyle that once brought me so much joy. My current reality is more casual: smaller meals with friends, simpler gatherings, and different, but equally meaningful connections.

As we sorted through the shed, I found myself also sorting through memories of travels, of motherhood, of my twenties and thirties, of losses and rediscoveries. Letting go of items also meant releasing identities and expectations. Each decade brought with it a different version of me, and letting go meant embracing the now while honouring all that has been.

I live alone now for the first time in 43 years. And I love it. My children are nearby, I see my grandkids regularly, and this home is mine—a space filled with meaning, memories, and peace. Yet, there are still tears tucked away, still emotions that need space to breathe. I’m learning it’s okay to feel it all, to cry, to remember, and to carry the past gently as I walk into the future.

Sometimes, we let go because things no longer serve us. Other times, we keep them not out of clinging, but because they remind us of who we were and how far we’ve come. And there’s value in that. There’s some respect in that.

So yes, purge when needed. But also, hold close what warms your heart. Keep the memories that anchor you, the stories that shaped you, and the treasures that still make you smile. Because letting go isn’t about forgetting, it’s about making space for what still matters.

AMAZON

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