Possession

Something I’m struggling with right now is possession of objects. There are only a few things in my life that really make me happy. There are obvious things I need for living in today’s society. Necessities. That’s a given. Those things are shelter to keep my warm or cool and safe, a bed and accessories to sleep well at night, items to keep me clean, items to prepare food, items for comfort, items for working, clothing, shoes, items for health and cleanliness and tools to get things done (kitchen item, garage items, etc). When you’re young and move from your parents, you need to establish these items and then, typically, you keep buying and adding. A bigger home, more furniture, more comfort. A nicer car with heated seats. An air fryer because the oven and microwave don’t cook items exactly how or as fast you want them. A larger yard for your dog or future kids to run around in. A swimming pool because it’s relaxing and cools you off.  A boat, for something to do on the weekends. A fire pit for Saturday night relaxing. And so on and so on. 

At what point are these things just too much? Is there ever an end to it? It seems we keep striving to buy stuff we don’t need, buying upgraded replacements for it when something breaks, and then we keep striving to buy more stuff and then what? You die with all your possessions? Do you win at that point? 

I think about all the stuff I have and it feels heavy. I don’t even own a car. But I have a closet full of things I barely use. A garage full of things that I barely use and when I do, it’s because I have to keep up my home from time to time. All this stuff weighs me down. Even thinking about my couch, which seats three but 95% of the time, it’s just me sitting on it, feels excessive. My set of plates and coffee cups feels excessive. If I ever have people over, I it’s never more than 3 other people yet I have about 10+ large plates, 10+ bowls, etc. I have at least 10 butter knives and I use one maybe once a week? Don’t get me started on all the towels, quilts and blankets I have stored in my house. 

I have a few items in my life that actually get me excited when I see them. I have about 3 framed Shepard Fairey prints that make happy when I see them (but I have several more adorning my walls that don’t). My snowboard (which is packed away in my closet) brings me happiness when I bring it down every season. My bikes (both my cruiser and my road bike) make me very happy nearly every time I open my garage. My Sonos speakers throughout the house.

I’ve been away from home for about 2 weeks now. I’m actively trying to envision what physical items I’m excited to see when I walk back into my house. I’m looking forward to being around my daughter but not necessarily around the things I possess. I’m looking forward to eating my own food. I’m looking forward to playing volleyball with my friends. I’m excited to bike around town again when traffic is low. I’m excited to see what fruit has grown on my various fruit trees. But otherwise, I can’t think of much else. Shouldn’t stuff give me joy? What’s the point otherwise?