Attitudes and Stuff

[Stargazer]

Over the years, I have never been one to hang onto things.  Always willing to loan things out, give something away to someone who may need it more than I.  So downsizing and purging wasn't too terribly difficult for me.  (Do you hear this coming?)

BUT...  Now that I am down to only things that I use and need, I find myself being less generous.  If I loan something to someone, I make it very clear that I want it back in a short time and I KNOW where it is, who has it.  I put my name on things (kitchen utensils used at a group meal, for instance).  Recently I loaned a phone cable to my sister and put a piece of tape around it with my name on it.  It's the only one I have!  And I told her that "before you leave, be sure I get this back!"

It's interesting how my attitude towards stuff has changed.  Nothing in itself has much monetary value and can be replaced (may take some effort but can be done) but it seems the less I have, the more important it is.

Just an observation.  Or am I becoming a selfish old hag?

 

[bullfrog]

Makes you realize the old saying about giving someone the shirt off your back may actually be about yourself! Seems to me everything will be donated to someone when I pass anyway so why not get the enjoyment out of sharing it now.

 

[Putts]

When you have a bunch of stuff....it's just stuff.

When you've whittled it all down to just the things you need, it's your survival equipment.

You're managing your preparedness...not being selfish. IMO.

 

[Wabbit]

Great post\observation and I think Putts nailed the answer. I have found the same thing you described with myself also.

When you have a bunch of stuff....it's just stuff.

When you've whittled it all down to just the things you need, it's your survival equipment.

You're managing your preparedness...not being selfish. IMO.

Completely agree.

 

[TrainChaser]

Putts & Wabbit are correct. When you have a lot of 'stuff', you can afford to lose some of it occasionally. But you've got it pared down to what you NEED. When it's all you've got, NOW it's important.

 

[Ticklebellly]

I induct a lot of volunteers into a community centre program. I always emphasise that they must always take care of themselves, first. A happy, whole, comfortable-in-their-own skin person, has capacity to help others. Others will often take all you give without consideration of the effect on you. Nothing selfish about looking after yourself.

 

[DuneElliot]

I am much the same way. I have very little so what I have costs money out of my pocket to replace now and I can't always do without it.

 

[Zil]

So, I have one "nice" shirt and one every day shirt. i will not give or loan them.