Stuff

I was working on my paper this past Thursday night when I felt the need to just get out of the house for a minute. I went to the local thrift shops and just spent some time browsing. I have always loved thrift shops. I have found expensive items in good condition for a very small price. I have also found fun, wacky clothes to wear that I could individualize- something different than the newest thing from the Limited.

Well, it has been forever since I have been in a thrift store. What I realized noticed was all of the stuff. I mean, just stuff! Clothes, household goods, decorative items, you name it. Someone paid full price for this stuff, and then gave it away. I found some stuff in there for a buck or two that I have in my own home, but it cost me more than a buck or two. I just continued to look around, amazed at all of the treasures.

But, it is really all just stuff. I felt kind of sad when I realized that we accumulate so many things we give them away, and them replace them with more things. As humans, we have a need to personalize, so I think it is okay that we decorate and make our homes kind places for us to live. But, at some point we really might just be stacking up more stuff.

You guys know I am a little bah humbug about Christmas. Finding the right gifts...the pressure... If we would only just surprise and do for our family members throughout the year, you know? Help them get the things that they need when they actually need it. And even surprise them- let them know you were thinking of them. Instead, a lot of times we end of giving stuff and trinkets. It may be great stuff for a while, but then it ends up in the thrift store as discarded stuff to make room for more stuff.

So, I am trying to halt the stuff. I am trying to not buy things. I am trying to pay more attention to my wants and think long term about purchases. And, maybe if I need to buy a little stuff for the moment, I can go shop at the thrift store and add a thing or two to my collection for a fraction of the cost.