She Strengthens

Embracing Minimalism: Letting Go of the Past

When I made the bold decision to leave my spacious suburban home in New Jersey and move to a tiny apartment in New York City, I knew it would be a challenge. But what I didn’t realize was just how much it would force me to confront my tendency to hoard.

The Harsh Reality of Downsizing

As I packed up my belongings, I was faced with the daunting task of deciding what to keep and what to let go of. It wasn’t easy, especially when it came to items that held sentimental value. But with a mere 300 square feet to call my own, I had to be ruthless.

The First to Go: My Oversized Decorative Jewelry Tree

This beautiful, yet bulky, tree had served its purpose well, but it was taking up far too much space on my bedroom dresser. With only a few feet of walking space in our current bedroom, it was a luxury I couldn’t afford. I donated it to my sister, who was thrilled to give it a new home.

The Fluffy Bathrobe That Broke My Heart

Letting go of this cherry-red bathrobe was a tough one, but with our tiny closet space already bursting at the seams, it was a sacrifice I had to make. I had to prioritize functionality over sentimentality.

Super-Seasonal Footwear: A Thing of the Past

Gone are the days when I could afford to have multiple pairs of shoes for every occasion. Now, each pair has to be functional, stylish, and versatile enough to pair with an assortment of outfits. The ones that didn’t make the cut were either donated or tossed.

The Makeup Arsenal: A Graveyard of Unused Beauty Products

I used to have an entire shoebox filled with old products I barely ever used, but felt too guilty to toss. But with limited storage space, I had to be brutal. I gave away the few salvageable items and trashed the rest.

The Set of Roll Curlers: A Relic of the Past

Despite my dreams of everyday glamour, I’m just not patient enough to use these curlers. And with our tiny bathroom cabinet already stuffed to the brim, there was no room for them. I reluctantly tossed them.

The Eiffel Tower Wine Holder: A Gift Gone Wrong

This Christmas gift from my parents was sweet, but it would have felt immature in my adult apartment. I donated it to my younger sister, who appreciates it more than I ever could.

The Painting Supplies and Easel: A Hard Goodbye

This was one of the toughest items to let go of. I’ve always loved painting for fun, but with no floor space to accommodate the easel, and the risk of asphyxiating myself with turpentine, it was a luxury I couldn’t afford. I donated the supplies to someone who will appreciate them more.

Old Dance Paraphernalia: A Chapter Closed

As I went through my belongings, I was forced to confront the items I’d been holding onto for sentimental reasons. My dance costumes, trophies, and ribbons were a big part of my life for so long, but I knew I’d never need to look at them again. I donated them to my friend’s daughter, who will breathe new life into them.

The Collection of Baking Cookbooks: A Culinary Evolution

I used to bake a lot, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to diversify my cookbook collection. I swapped out cookie cookbooks for actual cookbooks, and now I can whip up real adult food for myself.

The Wedding Dress: A Cherished Memory

While it’s sad that I can’t display my wedding dress in my apartment, I’m grateful that my mom has enough space to store it. Maybe one day I’ll have room for it again, but for now, it’s safe in her care.

Lessons Learned

Letting go of these items was hard, but it’s taught me the value of minimalism. I’ve learned to prioritize what’s truly important and to cherish the memories, not the physical objects themselves. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll have the space to rediscover my love for painting, baking, and dancing. But for now, I’m content with the simplicity of my new life.