Holding On: What Our Possessions Say About Us

Exploring the emotional and symbolic weight of our belongings.

Possessions carry a certain energy, a resonance that anchor us to moments in time.

The artifacts we collect and hold onto throughout our lives are not just objects. They are symbols of experiences, exchanges of energy, and chapters of meaning that continue to live through what we own. Some carry the weight of difficulty; others hold joy.

In the end, all reflect moments that mattered enough for us to keep.

When we hold on to these items, we are also holding on to the relationships, emotions, and lessons that shaped us in that season of life.

Our possessions can become tangible anchors to people, places, and times that were meaningful. We often keep possessions because they connect us to someone we love or have loved, or because we fear that letting them go will mean losing the memory or significance of that person.

Holding them, we are holding on to parts of our personal history.

Possessions & Our Identity

Each object is a quiet marker of a crossroad, a reminder of a turning point that resonated with us. By moving these items from one chapter of life to another, we signal, consciously or unconsciously, that these memories or pieces of identity still belong in the unfolding story of our lives.

And yet, who you are today is not the same as the person who first held these objects.

Those earlier versions of you may have been shaped or comforted by them, but they have since passed, replaced by the evolving self you continue to become. The path ahead invites you to create new, richer experiences, ones that can only come from making intentional choices about the life you want to lead and clarifying the values that guide you today.

Possessions as a Distraction

Like technology, possessions have the power to distract us from what matters most in the present. They pull us back into memories and emotions, sometimes at the expense of recognizing opportunities that currently exist around us.

When we set certain possessions aside, out of sight in our daily lives, we create space to re-center ourselves in the present. This shift allows us to navigate through what is happening now, move forward with certainty, and invest our newfound energy with a realigned self.

Jack's Personal Story

When I was preparing my move back to California from New York City, I faced the difficult task of letting go of furniture and personal items I had owned for years. The memories these objects carried had once brought me joy, but in the midst of packing and facing an uncertain future, they became a burden. I needed to focus on the journey ahead, not on the artifacts of the past.

This process forced me to clarify my values. I made deliberate choices about what to keep, organizing the items that mattered most in a way that preserved their significance but did not influence my daily life. Artwork, documents, and small keepsakes were carefully stored away. By creating this distance, I freed up mental and physical space to focus on the present, allowing me to move forward with clarity and intention.

Since then, I’ve noticed a profound difference in how I approach my day-to-day. Without the constant pull of clutter, I feel more centered, grounded, and aligned with my goals. My attention is freed to engage fully in the present, rather than being tethered to the past.

Reflection & Exercise

Take a look around your space. Ask yourself:

• What do my possessions say about me?

• What memories do my items hold?

• What story would they tell if they could speak?

• Who would I be without them?

Consider going through your items and identifying which you have seen, touched, or used in the past year. If you have not needed, thought of, or crossed paths with these items, consider putting it aside by either storing it away (if it holds significant value) or letting it go.

For possessions that hold deeper meaning, store them thoughtfully in a box, out of immediate sight. They do not have to be discarded, but placing them somewhere that frees your space of clutter is the first step to becoming more intentional. This creates room in your space and mind for immediate levity and focus, allowing the values and priorities that matter most today to guide your choices.

The Power of Intention

Our possessions are not inherently good or bad. They are reflections of who we were and what mattered to us.

The key is awareness. By intentionally choosing how we interact with them, we can honor the past without letting it overshadow the present. We can carry forward lessons and memories while still creating space to focus on what matters now.

What we intentionally keep, store, or release shapes the way we navigate the present. Our spaces become a mirror of our priorities, and through that clarity, we step into life more fully engaged.

➤ About GlideView Collective

GlideView is a personal transformation company that helps people who are going through a major life transition to design the next decade of their lives with clarity and purpose. Our flagship 10-Year Visionnaire Program is an eight-week guided small-group experience for individuals who are motivated by personal growth. Through facilitated sessions, intentional reflection, and deliberate planning, participants craft an audacious and meaningful 10-year vision with the support of a like-hearted community.

GlideView programs empower individuals by providing content that increases self-awareness and uncovers internal resources, enabling them to thrive naturally and take progressive action as they navigate this pivotal stage of life.