Objects with Future sentimental value may be a box of craft supplies for when you’ll finally start learning how to paint, a collection of books about architecture you will definitely study at some point, or a set of kettlebells for when you will exercise at home — someday. Letting go of these feels like letting go of a dream.1
Most of my hobby equipment and plans falls into the idea of Future sentimental value. Holding onto a future dream almost as if it had already happened (been committed to). A substantial amount of my life sits here. All those books to read, movies and TV shows to watch, Warhammer models to paint, photos to take.
I hold on because I believe my Future self will be grateful. In reality, it creates a pressure I won’t need. Better to let go now, than to hold on and have to let go later.
Footnotes
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Le Cunff (2023), The Art and Science of Letting Go, https://newsletter.nesslabs.com/posts/ness-labs-the-art-and-science-of-letting-go ↩