I was listening to the radio on my way home from work and a reporter was interviewing an IKEA executive who was discussing how we – as a society – have reached “peak stuff“. Meaning, we all have more than we need.
I found it funny that an executive at one of the largest retail companies in the world (who regularly fills our lives with “stuff”) would be citing such a fact. Perhaps it was another covert PR move on their part – but it got me thinking.
It could be me getting older – but I really don't want more stuff (crap). I feel like I reached “peak stuff” years ago. And, I assume – if you are reading this – you're more concerned with thriftiness than spending more money on stuff you don't need.
In 2015, two special people I know lost their fight with cancer. They were regular folks who didn't have a lot – but were very much concerned about others. Relationships were their investments.
Their last days weren't filled with trying to get more and more stuff – but in actuality – about giving all they had, away.
Months before he passed, my uncle sent me a package of memorabilia he had saved over the years. A big sports fan, there were baseball cards, newspaper clippings and other things important to him.
Also in the package were photos of my family and years of greetings cards that I had made and sent to he and his wife every Christmas. It was touching he saved them for so many years.
I knew family and friends were what mattered most to him. Not possessions.
I hope to end the year owning a lot less, but having much more.
How about you?
4 Comments
I use a hotmail account; but have my mail directed to Incredimail, because I like using the emoticons. It has been working great for a number of months; but all of a sudden, I am not able to send e-mails to multiple people using the “BCC”. Can you help me to understand what I have to do in order to get this function working again?
I’ve started getting rid of stuff and downsizing over the past couple of years. It is really amazing how liberating it can be to de-clutter your life!
I’m with ya!