STUFF

Stuff why do we collect it, to keep memories, help restore them or just because the media bombards us with the message that we “have to have it!

In my process of downsizing over the past several years I’ve come to realize how much “STUFF” I’ve collected. Some of it I can’t even remember having and realizing I haven’t needed it for years. It can be hard sorting through your stuff bringing back memories both good and bad and even feeling guilty about getting rid of it. Was it a gift from a old friend or lover, was it something you purchased to remember an event and do we really need the stuff to trigger those memories. I guess in some cases we do and in some we may not want to.

When I look at all the stuff I have or have had I try to think about those who I may know or someone I may never know who could use it more and it is at that point that all this stuff becomes valuable again. I cannot give cash to the homeless person, or someone who has lost their home or jobs but I can give them clothing, or bedding or furniture or any number of items that I have to much of to help make their lives better, maybe not easier but a little better.

As I look around I begin to realize that at one point the stuff gave me something, enjoyment, satisfaction of ownership but realize that it all is short lived. The “new car” isn’t new for long, the computer games loose their challenge, the new cloths start to look like the old cloths and the only thing that truly last if your lucky is friendship, companionship and love.

Big business and advertising have us believe that one TV is not enough, that the phone we just purchased does not have all the bells and whistles of the other brands, our computers are out of date and our cars are too. That we need more of this and that and shouldn’t be satisfied with what we do have because there is always something better.

Well maybe it is time to say “enough is enough” and clean house, the memories will always be there if you are lucky so why not help someone else while helping yourself. They say that a cluttered home leads to a cluttered mind and I am starting to see that more and more as I relieve myself of stuff. The process has begun to free me up to enjoy the true things around me that really mean something, they talk about a cleansing of the body to make you feel better. Well a cleansing of the mind is a good place to start, remove the stuff to start a new chapter in your life.

You will be surprised how good it feels to take that car load of stuff to a local non-profit organization or homeless shelter knowing your stuff is helping create new memories for an unknown friend.

Until next time, remember you really don’t need that much stuff to be happy