Döstädning

Döstädning, is a concept I have only recently discovered. It is often referred to as Swedish death cleaning and involves decluttering and organizing one’s belongings as a proactive and thoughtful process to reduce the burden on loved ones after one’s death.

The idea is to gradually simplify possessions over time, keeping only what is meaningful and necessary, while discarding or passing on items that may not hold personal value or significance to others. It’s both a practical and reflective approach to tidying up with consideration for one’s legacy and those left behind.

And so a few years ago I began this process in our own home. Since retiring I’ve had the time to wade through and process the mountain of cherished possessions, ideals, and life experiences that we’ ha’ve inherited from our elders to better understand each individual and peice together their story. I have moved beyond possesions to processing thoughts, resolving feelings and answer questions that linger, trying to make sense of my history and the events that have led me to where I am today.

This has truly been a journey of discovery. With each gap filled I feel more whole and more connected. I’m excited to see the work that finally emergerges as a result of this exercise.