Sometimes, something that looks so ordinary can hold the most extraordinary significance.
Take this tarnished and chipped metal fish necklace. It’s been hanging on my office lamp for several years. I don’t remember when I first re-acquainted myself with it, but it was the necklace my grandmother often wore. I don’t think it had any special meaning to her. I’m guessing it was a fun piece of costume jewelry that she either bought for cheap or got as a gift and was probably “hip” to wear in Miami Beach during the ‘80s retiree scene. (Then again, my Grandma was by no means what someone might call “stylish,” so maybe not…)
And yet I like having it near me because it somehow makes me feel closer to her. It reminds me of her thick accent, the funny things she would say incorrectly as a Russian immigrant, and how she would cajole my grumpy, teenaged self to cheer up by singing the song “Smile” to me as I walked out the door.
Look around your room right now. Are there particular objects that have special meaning to you? That remind you of a special place or connect you to a certain person or time in your life?
It’s interesting to think about the role objects play in our lives, especially during this pandemic when we’re spending so much more time in our homes.
This recent New York Times article talks about objects as a way to remember the people we’ve lost and the things we hold on to. A new Netflix show called “Worn Stories” shares the stories of everyday people and how a particular article of clothing has been a catalyst in their lives.
And my colleague, Martie McNabb created “Show & Tales” several years ago as a way for people to gather and share stories around their meaningful objects and keep history alive while connecting with others. (With the pandemic, now anyone can participate in this exercise from anywhere, virtually.)
With the recent sudden passing of two feisty women (my dear client featured in a recent blogpost and the incredible mom of a friend), I’m constantly reminded just how important it is to continue to capture our stories.
If you’re struggling with where to begin, I hope you might be inspired by some of the ideas mentioned above. But mostly, I hope that by looking around at the objects in your home, something will catch your eye and remind you of a story to help you get started.