Holding onto broken promises
Written March 8, 2023
Day 15 of 40 in a 45-day period: I’ve had this watch for well over a decade and it has decided to freeze time, right before the clock strikes 12. I continue wearing it because it is never a good day if I forget to wear my watch. Common sense says to replace it, but I am picky when it comes to watches and I love this one.
I’ve caught myself holding onto things long past their prime and always with a “valid” reason.
The beautiful yet impractical dress, waiting for that special occasion and of course, the shoes that would match perfectly. I continue to hold out hope that the one earring that is missing its pair will magically be reunited with its match. There are books gathering dust on my shelf because what if I look for it in 10 years and no longer have it? The kids’ art - there is so much art and I do not want to be responsible for the wrath when it is found in the recycling.
I can’t bear to part with all the things because they hold the promise of possibility and the persistent question, what if? But what if by holding onto what if, we’re robbing ourselves of the opportunity to consider the alternative? Imagine what could happen if I sold that impractical dress and used the money for something I would wear and love. If I donated the shoes that make my calves cramp up and instead embrace walking without a grimace. What if I risked letting go of the lone earring, and donated books and utilized my library more? Maybe I could have pictures of the art and hold onto the memories rather than the paper.
Often (not all the time, but often), women are the holders of all the things. We hold onto the lists, the to dos, the need to RSVP to the birthday party, the kids’ snacks, the appointments, family birthdays/anniversaries/events … on and on we go. What if in honor of International Women’s Day today, we let go of some of the hold ons and embraced letting go to find something new?
What if we released what isn’t working any longer because being frozen in time isn’t for us? Imagine what a world that would be.