In episode 117 of the Life Writers Vlog, I flip a classic writing prompt on its head.
Instead of asking, “What would you save in a fire?” I challenge you to consider, “What would you leave behind?”
A while back, in making my list of what I’d grab, I realized I didn’t include my husband on my save list—just my laptop and a few other treasures! I justified my oversight by telling myself he would have already left the burning house.
Start by making a quick three-minute list of items you’d leave behind if the proverbial fire engulfed our homes. Then, write about one or several of those items and why those things aren’t worth saving.
Share your story in the comments section below. I’d love to read what insights you discover about what truly matters.
What would I leave behind if my house was on fire?
This prompt led me to light a fire under my need to digitize a lot of irreplaceable memorabilia. I’ve been neglecting that task.Ultimatly, I would leave behind all but the living things in my home.
The more I thought about what the result of loosing all belongings in a fire might feel like. I would have to start over and that would mean leaving behind:
– my emotional attachment to things
– my old goals (time to make new ones)
– my old life
As is usually said, the most important thing is life. I enjoy scrapbooking, so I would make every effort not to leave those albums behind–even if I threw them out the window or they were wet. I would then grab my computer and my important jewelry passed down from family. There is so much I wouldn’t bring so thought it important to list the things I would take with me.
The item I would not be upset to lose would be my standing jewelry box. I never invested much money in diamonds or gold so most of the pieces were nice costume jewelry I wore during my years of employment. The box stands forty inches and has seven drawers filled with necklaces, pins, earrings etc. Being retired I seldom wear these items anymore, so the box just stands in my bedroom largely unnoticed. I don’t even know what’s in there now it’s been so long since I perused its contents.
First, did you plan this? Or is it coincidental with whutz happnin’ in California right now.
Second, I’m sure Little Man would be barking away. I’d be grabbing my phone, dialing 911, and screaming, “Peg, get your effin’ ass up and out of the house!” She’d be a tad dazed. But I’d get her out to the lawn. Since I’m answering this on the coldest night of the year–it’s 35 right now–I’m sure I’d be hearing allotta bitchin’.
Damn! My toes are cold.
I would leave behind material possessions and papers. Hoping that the “fireproof safe” is just that and knowing that many treasured items (like family photos are stored virtually in some cloud), my priority would be life.
I’d leave behind my collection of Rolex’s and original Van Gough paintings. I’m sure my insurance will compensate me.
This topic is genuinely thought-provoking. A flip side thinking. As a child, I was forced into hiding from the age of seven years until I turned twelve. My mother had gotten me a box similar to a suitcase with four drawers. It stood probably about forty-two inches high, twelve inches wide, and twelve inches deep. It was maroon with four clear plastic handles. I kept everything I owned in those four boxes. For a fast getaway whenever we had to flee. Seventy-some years later, and after living on a sailboat for five years, I still keep all important papers in… Read more »
Holly, your term “body-box” or body suitcase is very thought provoking. We do carry our values as valuables inside us. Thanks for sharing your ideas on the topic along with your memories from childhood.