Losing a loved one is a very painful experience, but life and death are immutable laws of nature that we must confront in our lives. When a loved one passes away, there are four relics that should never be left for our descendants.

1.   Clothing

Worn-out clothes are one of the relics that we often find difficult to let go. They carry the warmth and memories of those who have passed, almost as if they continue to exist around us. However, the remnants we keep can have a negative impact on us and our descendants.

First, worn-out clothes may carry the personal scent of the deceased, which can make it difficult for us to accept the reality of their absence. Second, being overly attached to the sorrow of losing a loved one can hinder our ability to process grief and heal effectively. Most importantly, keeping these items can disrupt our daily lives and even lead to overwhelming psychological distress.

2.   Favorite Items

The favorite items of the deceased may be their most treasured possessions, but we must remember that keeping these items can be an additional burden for us and our descendants. Favorite belongings often have deep emotional connections and memories associated with the deceased, which can make us overly dependent and sorrowful about their absence.

Additionally, these items can take up limited space and resources, preventing us from moving forward in life. While we might choose to keep one or two particularly precious items to remember the deceased, excessive accumulation can hinder our ability to accept and build a new life.

3.   Worn-Out Shoes

Worn-out shoes are often seen as significant possessions, as they bear witness to every step taken in the life journey of the deceased. However, keeping these worn shoes can come with additional risks and negative consequences. First, worn shoes can accumulate dirt and personal bacteria, posing a potential threat to our health. If we or our descendants accidentally wear these shoes, it could lead to skin infections or other health issues.

Second, keeping old shoes can prevent us from continuing our normal lives and pursuing new opportunities. By being too immersed in memories of the past, we may fail to adapt to the changes of reality and our own personal growth. Most importantly, the spirit and memories of those who have passed are not entrusted to objects but remain in our hearts. We should learn to release and cherish those invisible connections rather than relying on physical items to maintain them.

4.   Hats

A worn hat can carry symbolic meaning, reflecting the identity and personality of the deceased. However, keeping these hats can have psychological and emotional harm for us and our descendants.

First, the hats we have worn can trigger our thoughts and regrets about the deceased, deepening our pain and unresolved emotions.

Second, the hats we have worn can become a psychological burden, reminding us that we cannot truly face and accept the loss of the deceased. Instead of relying on objects to maintain an emotional connection, we should learn to remember the deceased positively, such as preserving photos, letters, and shared memories.