Although I preach detachment and how life would be easier if we all attained a certain degree of detachment, I still find myself holding on to certain items. One of the most recent items I discovered was a bracelet that was gifted to me by a friend over a decade ago. I loved the bracelet so much and didn't want to let go of it even when it became too tight on my wrist.
I just turned seven and was having what seemed like the worst birthday of my life. None of my family members remembered that it was my birthday and I wasn't ready to tell them either. My childhood best friend who was born in the same month with me and her cousin(Andy) were the only people who remembered. We stayed in the parlour, chatting and playing games just like every other day.
Shadows of the evening started unfolding and I had already made up my mind that that was the worst day of my life. As my friends were about to depart, Andy dipped his hands in his pocket and brought out one of the most beautiful things my young eyes had ever seen. "Happy birthday wongi" he said. I was so happy.
Andy made my day with this gesture. I promised myself to wear the bracelet everyday and cherish it till whenever. Over the years, my wrist grew bigger and the once floppy bracelet became extremely tight. Still, I didn't want to let go of it. Rather, I put it in a little box and placed it in my wardrobe. Weeks turned to months, months turned to years and with time, I totally forgot about the bracelet.
Sometime last year, I got back in touch with Andy and as we were reminiscing about our childhood memories, he reminded me of that particular birthday and how happy I was when I saw the bracelet. I knew I still had the bracelet so I started rummaging.
After days of searching,I found it, took a few pictures of it and sent them to him. He couldn't believe that I still had the bracelet. Since I couldn't wear it anymore, I just placed it on my reading table. It soon became a centre of attraction. So many colours!.
One day, a younger friend of mine was brought to the house. I was to keep her company till her mom returned from the market. She found her way into my room and the bracelet was the first thing she picked up. I think we all know how this usually ends..
She wouldn't let me rest until I said she could keep the bracelet. I tried to explain to her that the bracelet was very old and the colours had started to fade but she didn't listen to a word I said. Soon enough, I gave in and allowed her to keep it. The joy on her face matched the joy I felt when I got the bracelet initially. I was happy that I could at least make another person happy. She granted me one last wish; a befitting photoshoot for the bracelet before she took it away.
I do not know if my little friend would cherish the bracelet as much as I did but I'm certain that it would keep her happy till she gets a replacement, maybe.
It was really hard to part ways with that bracelet. I felt like I was giving out a very vital part of my childhood but I asked myself, what would a minimalist do? "Let go". I am not using it anymore so why not give it out and create space for more to come in? And at the same time make a person happy? This was the base of my decision. Detachment is a good trait afterall.
All images used belong to me except stated otherwise.