I love to shop and I'll admit it. I call it "seeing pretty things". Where I love there aren't a lot of shops and the ones that are here have mostly cointry decorations which are not my style. So when I get to a big city or to visit with my sisters I love to visit my favorite stores just to see what' snow. I can always find those one or two unique things that will fit in perfectly in my home. In fact ninty nine percent of the things I own came from out of town.
But lately I've found myself with a feeling of contentment. Maybe it started when I began to rid myself of outdated and no longer wanted items from my attic Nd basement. It felt good to make space and not worry about that "stuff"anymore.
Then I adopted a new philosophy called...love what you have, use what you have. Instead of buying more I tried to use what I have in different ways. I realized that I have so many placemats, napkins, napkin rings, plates and dishes that the combinations could go on forever. I didn't need any more even though I've seen cute ones in the stores.
I'm just happy to have what I have. And have less. It's a new concept for me. I know there are many others who have reached this place long before I did. How about you? Are you on the collecting side of life or the ridding side?
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Definitely on the ridding side, Peggy! I've just winnowed down my National Geographic and map collections, a slow process. I'm amazed at all the stuff I have accumulated. Each thing I get rid of does make me feel lighter, but I can only handle so much at once! I'm planning to pass on some heirlooms well before I pass on. I'm not much of a shopper, but I can get in serious trouble in a book store! Good luck with the new place you are in!
ReplyDeleteI never was a collector. Or a goer-to-garage-sales.
ReplyDeleteWe rather struggled, early on. He working hours and hours, 7 days a week, running our corner drug store. Growing family, small house, etc. Limited income.
I didn't work outside the home, but I took care of the finances, and did NOT over spend.
The habit stuck. :-)
My husband always says, that we wouldn't be as comfortable as we are today, if I had not been a don't-spend-person. :-)
Being self-employed, there was NEVER any pension plan. We had to provide for our own retirement cushion.
So..... Yes, I am way ahead, in this "game."
And have never been able to "get-my-head-around" all the bloggers, who use "retail therapy"... Or are always shopping... Either at thrift stores, or fancy stores. -shakes my head, in disbelief-
Thank you!!!! For posting on this topic! And allowing me, my say!!!!
Hugs,
Tessa~
LOL.
ReplyDeletewell... knowing you've read the cozy minimalist and now back to my peanut on the table . . .
i think you know where i stand on this subject! i love simplicity. and nothing in excess.
the funny thing is . . . i never did enjoy browsing and shopping endlessly as entertainment. i grew up moving from place to place as my dad transferred each year. LESS is MORE was our family motto. LOLOL. believe me. when you move it. LESS is better!
i have enough to feel very cozy and comfortable. but more than that and i look upon it as unnecessary excess.
but . . . as I've heard you say many times before . . . to each his own! some people simply have to "thrift" buy. they find it too enjoyable to give up i guess. and for them . . . it might be therapy of a sort . . . always searching. whatever works!