What I learned from getting rid of 99% of my stuff | Eagranie Yuh | TEDxHobart

Summary

In this inspiring talk, Erani shares her transformative experience of moving halfway across the world with just one suitcase, shedding 99% of her possessions. She reflects on how physical items often tie us to past identities, and how letting go of them can provide psychological freedom. Through this process, she confronted questions of identity and learned the liberating power of decluttering, both materially and emotionally. Erani encourages the audience to consider their own 'suitcase'—what to keep, what to let go of, and how to embrace change as part of personal growth.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Moving internationally with just one suitcase is a liberating experience that forces you to rethink what is essential.
• ✂️ Letting go of 99% of physical possessions can help free you from old identities and create space for new growth.
• 🧳 The process of deciding what to keep and what to discard clarifies what you truly need in life to move forward.
• 📝 Psychological attachment to physical objects, such as papers or old belongings, can hold you back from progressing in life.
• 🎓 We often hold onto items (like university textbooks or memorabilia) as symbols of belonging, credibility, or growth, though they may no longer serve us.
• 📅 Grieving old identities is part of the process when letting go of long-held items, and it can take time to adjust emotionally.
• 💡 Every item we discard frees up energy to focus on answering the deeper question of 'Who am I now?'
• 🏡 Minimalism, in this case, was a way of reconciling with past identities and finding clarity for future aspirations.
• 🛫 Shifting between places and identities can make you feel suspended between stories, creating a sense of possibility and new beginnings.
• 🧠 Our identities are always evolving, and regularly evaluating physical possessions can help align with our current selves and aspirations.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the speaker's experience?

The central theme is the speaker's journey of letting go of 99% of their physical possessions during a move and how this process helped them redefine their identity and move forward in life.

Why does the speaker believe our psychological state is connected to our physical possessions?

The speaker believes that physical possessions can hold us back psychologically, as they are often tied to past identities. Letting go of these possessions can help us feel liberated and allow us to grow into new versions of ourselves.

How did the speaker feel about getting rid of their old things?

The speaker initially found it difficult and took time to grieve, but ultimately found it freeing and liberating. Letting go of their possessions allowed them to cut ties with old versions of themselves and focus on who they are now.

What did the speaker struggle with when it came to letting go?

The speaker struggled particularly with letting go of paper, such as conference notes and published articles, which represented their past identity as a journalist.

Why does the speaker describe some possessions as 'Talismans'?

The speaker refers to certain possessions, like conference notes or event programs, as 'Talismans' because they carry emotional significance, representing feelings of belonging, credibility, or personal growth.

What did the speaker learn about their identity after letting go of 99% of their possessions?

The speaker learned that their identity was not tied to their physical possessions. Even after getting rid of the things that once made them feel like they belonged or were credible, those feelings remained. This allowed them to focus on who they are now.

What role did grief play in the speaker’s process of letting go?

Grief played a significant role, as the speaker had to mourn the loss of their old identity, particularly as a journalist, before they could move forward and embrace their current self.

How did the speaker’s perspective on possessions change over time?

Initially, the speaker felt emotionally tied to their possessions, but over time, they began to see them simply as 'stuff.' Once they let go, they realized that these items were not essential to who they were and felt liberated.

What question did the speaker struggle with after letting go of their possessions?

The speaker struggled with the question, 'Who am I now?' after letting go of their identity as a journalist. This question lingered as they navigated the transition to a new phase of their life.

What advice does the speaker give to the audience at the end of the talk?

The speaker encourages the audience to think about their own 'hypothetical suitcase' and consider what they would choose to keep and what they would let go of, reflecting on how their possessions align with their current identity.