Losing someone we love deeply can leave a lingering emptiness, and in our attempt to stay connected, we often cling to personal belongings—a watch, a favorite pillow, or a bottle of perfume—hoping they’ll keep the memory alive.
Yet sometimes, instead of offering comfort, these items can hold us back, keeping us tethered to sorrow. Certain objects in your home may be quietly prolonging your grief.
Frozen clocks: sentimental anchors or silent weights?
Do you own a watch or clock that stopped at the moment your loved one passed? While sentimental, it can carry an unseen emotional burden. A frozen timepiece can symbolize a life paused, and in turn, make your own life feel stuck.
Psychologists note that such objects can intensify grief, disrupt sleep, drain energy, and make moving forward feel impossible. Their mere presence can create a heavy, stagnant atmosphere in your home.
Tip: If the clock brings comfort, keep it. If it adds sorrow, it may be time to let it go, giving yourself permission to move forward.
Medical reminders: echoes of worry
Leftover medications, pill bottles, or old medical devices often linger “just in case.” Yet these items can evoke memories of illness, stress, and long nights of care. Even out of sight, they can weigh on your emotions.
Step toward peace: Safely discard them through a pharmacy or medical disposal service. Clearing the physical space can also free emotional space.
Clothing and bedding: comfort or grief trap?
Items like pajamas with their scent, a beloved pillow, or a favorite blanket can feel comforting. Yet they often hold the heavy energy of grief. What once offered solace can become a chain, pulling you back into sadness or insomnia.
Many cultures believe that clothing can absorb part of a person’s essence, subtly keeping the living bound to the departed.
Gentle approach: Keep one special piece that brings joy, but release the rest without guilt. If an item evokes pain, it’s likely time to say goodbye.
Biological keepsakes: love that lingers too tightly
A lock of hair, a baby tooth, or a worn personal item may feel deeply meaningful, but these fragments can tether us to the physical rather than the essence of the person. True healing comes from reconnecting with their spirit, not their belongings.
Tip: If letting go feels impossible, create a small ritual—light a candle, say a few words of gratitude, and release the item with love. Letting go doesn’t erase memory; it allows you freedom to live.
What to treasure
Not every keepsake weighs on the heart. Some can uplift and celebrate life:
A photo capturing their brightest smile
A heartfelt letter or card
Jewelry, a book, or an item that embodies joy
Keep items that radiate love and life, not those that chain you to grief. Choose connection, not captivity.