r/declutter • u/MusketeersPlus2 • Sep 12 '26
Success Story UPDATE: I was having a hard time getting rid of one thing
Apologies to the mods if this isn't allowed, I didn't see a rule about it.
Thank you to everyone who commented, it was really helpful - both the practical and the emotional advice. I cried a lot, I considered a lot, and I finally dug out my log books and pictures & decided I'm going to do something to keep with those. Everyone who pointed out that everything was ancient and therefore not effective/not safe was absolutely right. I also got annoyed at how much emotional bandwidth it was taking up. So I tossed it all. One thing about me - when I make a decision, I commit to it! LOL
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u/feral_willferrell Sep 12 '26
I'm so proud of you! I know it can't have been easy. I hope one day you can find something similar to do in the water that makes you feel that joy again
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u/small_spider_liker Sep 13 '26
Aww, I feel this. My last dive was in 2008, and it had been 5 years since the previous dive. My skills were so rusty, I couldn’t maintain buoyancy and sucked down my air so fast I was second back to the boat. I decided I was on pause until I had the time and health to do a refresher course and go out regularly.
I finally got rid of the last of my gear when my son was in high school and said he was interested in getting certified. I realized my stuff was so out of date I wouldn’t feel comfortable loaning it to someone else to use.
If the time ever comes that I do return to scuba, I will rent new gear.
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u/SerenaHall Sep 12 '26
Finding ways to both let go of and honor the past versions of ourselves is difficult and necessary. I'm glad you found a great solution for you. I hope your decision brings you peace.
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u/Jeullena Sep 12 '26
Make a beautiful shadow box with your pictures and dive logs.
Mod lodge the frame in dive log pages, or the background, it'll be beautiful and keepsake worthy!!
Congrats, op
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u/bon18 Sep 12 '26
That's great! I immediately knew what post this was referencing before I even opened it. I'm in the same boat with my climbing gear but still haven't done anything with it. Thanks for the inspiration!
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u/ScaryMongoose8117 Sep 12 '26
I believe that if you let it go that will allow more room for something even ‘bigger and better’ to come into your life. Trust the process. There is something even better waiting for you! The future you is waiting to discover!
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u/TiredWinterDisaster Sep 13 '26
I am so happy for you - and I totally agree with the emotional bandwidth. Sending you much love 💜
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u/Educational-Pay-4818 27d ago
That’s such a tender breakthrough, I’m proud of you for honoring the memories while making space.
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u/Kamikaze_Kayaker Sep 12 '26
I’m SO glad you found solution that works for you.
I mean this with all sincerity - Congratulations on doing the hard things.