Greetings Reader!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend. The unofficial start of summer has officially arrived, and I feel like I was left behind back in March. Is it just me or does time pass more quickly as you get older? Like trying to hold onto sand as it passes through your fingers. The tighter you try to hold onto it, the quicker it trickles through your grasp.

I was reminded of this this past weekend as I decided to do some organizing. As I dug into boxes, bags, and folders, I came across birthday cards, notes, my college admissions letters, LBI beach badges, and more. As I sifted through, I was thinking to myself, "Heather, why in the heck did you keep half of the things you did?" "What in the world were you planning on doing with the *NSYNC concert ticket stub, the mini golf score card circa 2002, or all the chotchkes?" It was a trip down memory lane, for sure, and one I didn't realize how much I needed.

As read cards from my Mom, sister, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents who are no longer with me, it meant so much to me that they thought of me, sharing how proud they were of me, their hopes and dreams for me, or a story from years past. I held onto every shred of memorabilia from growing up. I thought that keeping these things and holding onto them helped me to keep all of the amazing memories and moments attached to them, alive. But I realized that not everything needed to be kept. The memory you've attached to the item might fade, but it never truly goes away.

It's ok to let go. It's ok to get rid of the framed picture that Aunt Margaret gave to you for Christmas that you put up once per year *just in case* she comes over. It's ok to detach yourself from things that once had meaning to you but no longer serve a purpose. Instead, discover how to attach experiences to memories, words to feelings, and actions to love. If you've been meaning to call or text a friend that you haven't spoken to, do it. Tell someone how you feel. Plan a hike or walk with a friend. Just show up for someone who needs you right now, no questions asked. Sit and talk with your grandparents. Grab a coffee for your mom because you know it would be the mid-day pick-me-up she needs (medium coffee, extra light with cream, no sugar =) )

So if you're still holding on that mixed tape that no longer plays, add the song to your iTunes or Spotify playlist, throw it away, and create new memories with some of your favorite hits.

Heather Shasa

Registered Dietitian and Heart Health Coach

RDN@weldingwellness.com

​www.weldingwellness.com​

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P.S. Looking to connect with fellow heart warriors, ask questions, and learn some heart-healthy tips and tricks? Then, I'd love for you to join my FREE Facebook Group: Thriving with Heart Disease