Losing a loved one is one of life’s hardest moments. Sadly, with the loss comes weight of grief that can be overwhelming.

Often times, when we face such a loss, we find ourselves grasping for anything that feels close to the person we lost — especially their relics.

It’s only human to hold on, but the truth is that not every belonging of the deceased provides comfort.

Some things that they left behind, like that folded sweater, the book with their notes in the margins, or their favorite mug can quietly keep our grief and pain alive and make it harder to move on.

Here are four relics you may consider letting go, not in order to forget, but to make space for the healing process to begin.

Reminders of painful moments

No matter how hard we try too keep every memory alive, we are very well aware that not every memory is a happy one.

Pill bottles, medications, a blanket they used during the sleepless nights, or even a walker they relied on during their last days can be reminders of the painful moments of the life of the person we lost, so it may be for the best to take them out of your home.

Unfinished projects

The things our loved ones worked on, whatever it might be, can constantly raise the question of “what could have been in they were still alive.” Having those unfinished projects close could weigh you down and keep you trapped in sadness.

Instead of holding onto them, gift them to someone who can complete them and give them a new purpose.

Clothing

The clothes our loved one once wore are likely to still have that familiar scent that we miss so much. And no matter how comforting that feels, the truth is that keeping the clothes of the person who died can prevent us from accepting the reality of their absence.

Favorite Items

While the favorite items of a loved one who is no longer around are treasured possessions, they can also add an additional burden to the healing process.

Keeping one or two relics to remember the deceased is perfectly fine, but hoarding their belongings can lead to overwhelming psychological distress.

We shouldn’t forget that the most precious gifts from those we lose are the moments and love we carry forward.

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