Sticking to the essentials

I’m often overwhelmed by stuff. As a recent college graduate, I can recall moving from my dorm to a house and then from a house to an apartment throughout the years. The memory of the stress it brought brings on floods of anxiety as I write this. While I am young and I do not own many things, I still feel like I have excess. 

I know that there is a possibility of amassing more stuff in my life, as I get older. A new home, hobby or having a family can make that necessary, but I hope to keep it to a limit. People of all ages saw the devastation that the recent recession caused in many forms. Personally, I keep those examples as a reminder. While I know the importance of supporting businesses by buying things that I need, I am aware that need and want are two different things. 

I would be lying if I said that I never went out and bought unnecessary items. Who doesn’t like to treat themselves now and then? However, I don’t need the most expensive item on the menu. I don’t need a new outfit when I have plenty of clothes to wear at home. My apartment doesn’t need brand new furnishings. Those are all things that I might want at times, but can definitely live without. I think it’s important to be aware that there are other people who live with much less than I do. When I step back and look at my life, yes, I have stuff, but I also have a home, a job, an education, and most importantly, family and friends. Too much stuff can get in the way of all of those things that really matter. 

Nothing in life is guaranteed. Given the choice between spending time with material items or with family and friends, I like to believe that most people would choose family and friends. With less stuff comes less worrying about stuff and more time spent at ease with what is most important.