We often save pieces of our lives before we realize they are telling a story—letters, jars, ticket stubs, recipes, pressed flowers, children’s drawings, or something that belonged to someone we love.

Look through one drawer, box, shelf, or cupboard. Choose one thing that makes you pause. Ask yourself: Who did this belong to? Why did I keep it? What part of my life does it hold?

You do not have to decide what to do with everything. Today, simply notice one thing worth keeping and write down the story before it slips away.