I have a wonderful problem to have. I have more than I need.
As we have all been inundated over the weekend with deals of the century and can’t miss sales, I have been facing a topic that has been on my mind for several months. I am blessed to have it. However, I have more than I need.
My home is furnished. James and I laugh that my closet is the size of a tiny house. I own more designer purses than I actually use. My kitchen is stocked with food and the necessary (and unnecessary) appliances and my car is only a year old.
Am I spoiled? Have I been privileged? As with everything, that would depend upon perspective. I was not raised to always expect what I wanted. However, I was the only granddaughter on my Mother’s side of the family and reaped the rewards of this status. My family did teach me the value of waiting and wanting. I was always lucky enough that my Santa and birthday lists were always complete.
After my Dad’s death, we were fortunate enough to be financially comfortable and my Mom saw to it that we had everything that we needed. My brother and I were the teenagers who both received cars at 16 and neither of us had to work while we were in school. Although my brother and I were still taught to appreciate material items, I also realize that a pattern developed in regards to our wants. Items came more often and although we were missing our Dad, we didn’t have to miss out on other things.
Like many in the world, I know the power of how acquiring a new item can improve a bad moment or day. Hanging in my closet is the dress I purchased after multiple failed IUI treatments (I remember standing in front of that mirror thinking if I couldn’t be pregnant, at least I could look good), the Pottery Barn office chair came after the miscarriage (the office was meant to be the nursery), the beautiful green Coach purse and matching wallet was my purchase after my Mom’s death (truly one of my favorite purchase but certainly not needed) and there has likely been more than one shoe purchase that truly didn’t need to be made (but one can’t miss the sale).
My husband and I have worked for the things that we have. The formal dining room was purchased with my first paycheck from adjunct teaching and we’ve waited and researched items such as our tv’s and electronics. We hope to someday complete the landscaping in our back yard. Nonetheless, we have more than we need.
I was selective in what I acquired from my Mom’s and Nanny’s homes after their deaths. As our home was furnished, most of the items I chose were sentimental or smaller additions which added to a room. There were a few things I wasn’t ready to part with. Thus, I packed them up and placed them in storage. Many of those same boxes continue to sit where I placed them two years ago. They sit in the boxes because we have more than we need and they are not needed.
I regularly purge my life of items that are no longer used. I attempt to donate clothing out of my closet when I purchase something new and I’ve begun to go through my kitchen cabinets for items that simply sit and have no meaning or use. As I love to decorate, the problem has become my increased home decorating section in my storage closet. Some items I have been able to sale or donate but there are far more that I continue to hold onto because “Someday I might use it again.”
As I have always practiced gratitude, I do not feel guilty in regards to the position that I am in. However, I am beginning to approach the way that I live in a different manner. My home is not cluttered but I am have become aware of the abundance. In The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, Marie Kondo encourages her clients to look at every item and ask the question if it brings joy.
As I’ve begun to view my life with this consideration, it has helped me to let go of those items for “someday.”
My hope for myself as I prepare for 2016 is that I will fill my life with individuals and items which bring me joy. I have shoes that have been worn only once or twice and there are electronics that are no longer used. I’m certain there is a kitchen appliance or two that is rarely used. The feel good emotions of those purchases has passed.
It’s time I make changes. Don’t expect me to be moving into a tiny house or suddenly developing a capsule wardrobe (although I think both are admirable, I am being realistic about myself). Additionally, I do not feel I could take the challenge of not purchasing clothes for a whole year. However, I feel I can become more aware of what I am acquiring. If I have more than enough, I DO NOT need more. This is a topic I will return to in the coming month and I hope you will join the conversation.
So tell me, do you have more than you need?
Joining Emily’s Grateful Heart Monday as I’m grateful to be able to state I have more than I need.
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