I know that sounds bizarre, but it really helped me break the cycle of collecting unneeded STUFF! For Insurance purposes, I spent about a month itemizing all the crap I had in my house. I had no idea how much crap I had, until I sat down and went through every room/closet mentally, and took notes. It was interesting to look back at the items I bought back first, they were simple basic things that I needed the most, and things that truly helped me deal with “stress.”
- Clothes
- Mtn Bike
- Boom box stereo
- Music
- Musical instruments
- Booze, lots of booze …
It felt like I was back in college again, I literally could fit everything I owned in my Jeep, as I was moved from hotel, to hotel, by the insurance company. Each time in the store and I saw things I used to have, I would pause, and question:
- do I really need that now?
- do I want to haul that stuff around when/if I move?
- is that what I should buy?
- is it the best buy for my money?
- should I wait till the house is built back before buying it
It seemed I had developed a type of panic attack or phobia when buying stuff back. Before it was over with, I started to hate to go shopping, because I was always having to make all these decisions. On top of that, it was not easy getting reimbursed for my lost belongings. Fighting with the insurance company to pay me what they owed, literally became a full time job, so this made me even more wary of purchasing items. (which I suspect, was the Insurance company’s goal)
years after the fire, I still find myself asking these questions when considering a purchase.
I found what I really needed was a creative outlet, a new hobby to take my mind off things. Creative expression became a much more powerful tool to make me feel good about myself. I no longer felt the need to impress people with things I purchased. How silly that old satisfaction seems today. Note, to other bachelors out there, the “quality” of women I have met/impressed with my creativity, instead of purchases, is WAY better too. 🙂
15+ years later …
- Possessions released, and never returned
- Friends evolved into family
- Rage channeled into art
- Unknowns accepted
- Control released
- Love strengthened
- Urgency noted
- Passion magnified
- Humility respected
- Grateful senses expanded
- Spirit… cleansed …
Create it, and set yourself freeeeee …
Gregor