photo courtesy of procsilas
My birthday is right around the corner, and recently my BF asked me if there was anything in particular that I wanted. I thought for a minute, and I realized that I couldn’t name a single thing that I really want.
I have everything I need. I suppose I could ask for the latest cell phone or a newer MP3 player, but I don’t really need them. The things I have work just fine. Now I realize that he said “want” not “need”, but lately I’ve noticed that I don’t really “want” much in the way of material things. A girl can always ask for jewelry, but I already have more of that than I actually wear. Clothes I have in sufficient quantity and my home has little room for things unless they’re serving a function. In fact, I’ve found myself clearing out, giving away and otherwise reducing the amount of stuff that I have.
Buy, buy, buy!
I’ve never had a really out of control shopping habit, but in the past I have enjoyed trips to the mall just to pass the time, or a 20% off coupon-fuelled romp through Bed Bath and Beyond that would almost always net something for the house. Catalogs offer an endless buffet of new styles, new stuff, sales, and must-haves. Even the nutrition and fitness magazines that I read are filled with ads for fat loss products and nutritional supplements and spa getaways that I supposedly can’t live without!
What’s changed?
I credit my changing attitude toward debt and spending for this new lack of want in my life. Since I am newly committed to a life as free of debt as possible, I absolutely must live within my means. In order to do that, I’ve reduced my cable to basic only, stopped magazine subscriptions, and I stay out of the mall. I recycle catalogs without looking at them and get books from the library instead of the bookstore.
I’ve reduced my exposure to the message of “buy more, buy now” that’s so much a part of our culture, and I realize that I don’t miss these things. (Okay, I miss BBC America.) Even more interesting, my kids don’t miss them either. I’d rather have an evening with my BF at a free or inexpensive community event, a visit to the pool on a Sunday afternoon with the kids, or a cookout with my family than another thing that will end up in a drawer, closet or corner collecting dust.
Can I keep it up? Time will tell, but since freedom from debt is one of the building blocks of my good life, I think I’ve got a pretty good shot at it. What do you think? What do you want?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article! You would be surprised what a little “Spring Cleaning” can do for your mind! Ridding yourself of your material possessions is a liberating experience. In the beginning you are hesitant about the things you get rid of, but eventually you come to a point where you realize you no longer require much in the way of Stuff beyond basics.
You have less clutter, less things to concern yourself over, less things to lose or have stolen…it creates peace of mind, something we could all use a little more of.
You’re absolutely right! The goal I have with editing my stuff is getting down to the things that I really wear/use/need, so that it’s easier and quicker to clean and also to FIND what I want when I want it. Imagine all the time I’ll save (eventually)!
What a great start to a new blog! I love a nice relaxing, non-consumer weekend. I too find that I want/need very little. Now I just need to simplify what I already have.
Thanks Kate! I’m glad you stopped by. Simplifying what I have is one of my goals as well – often easier said than done. I’m cleaning out closets right now…when I have the time. It’s easier to find what I want when there’s less of what I don’t want!