By Julie Cliff - Professional Organiser
Meet Captain Risky. He’s been sitting on our teen son Robbie’s desk for the past couple of years. Robbie recently cleared his desk while doing some maintenance on his computer and decided that Captain Risky no longer had a place.
My husband was quite puzzled by this and wondered why he wouldn’t want to return him to where he was. I thought it would be interesting to capture a teen’s perspective so I asked him a few questions as to why he was happy to let the item go. Here’s how a teen thinks about stuff they no longer want. Perhaps this teen’s logic could help you let go of items you longer need or want.
Acquired, not deliberately chosen
Captain Risky turned up to our house somehow over the past few years. At the time Robbie thought it was novel so he put it on his desk. It was not something he ever wanted or saved up for and deliberately purchased; he just acquired it.
Joy or misery?
We normally surround ourselves with things to keep us happy or remind us of something, but what is the point if it no longer brings the same joy or only brings you misery (Robbie’s words). Stand back and think, without any bias, do I really need this?
No longer seen
Robbie said ” If you are at the point where you don’t notice it, it’s obviously not necessary for you to still have it. Someone else might be able to use that blanket, someone else could use that teddy. Try and think if others could get better use out of it than you have.”
Outgrown
Robbie is now 14 and Captain Risky is not that cool. If Captain had tattoos, was dressed in black and had a black crow on his shoulder he may have more chance of hanging around for a bit longer. But Captain Risky has been outgrown.
Nothing is forever when you’re a teen
Robbie gives his room a good clear out once a month. He rearranges his furniture, prints out new photos or favourite album covers and starts with a clear slate. It seems changing your mind and the items that surround you is a teen’s prerogative.
No emotional attachment
The above factors show that Captain is not part of Robbie or a significant part of his life. It’s an object that was a bit of fun at the time, but there is no emotional attachment to the item so it’s time to say goodbye.
Next steps?
Try some teen logic to help you let go of items you longer need.
