OK, a few posts ago, I had some thinking to do on this, from Mich's blog:
On this Full Moon it is important to recognize the fundamental relationship between gratefulness and non-attachment. Use this Full Moon to look at what you cling to and your fear of letting it go. Do you spend most of your time grabbing and craving for more things; trying to fill your inner emptiness with a multitude of possessions? We come here with nothing and leave with nothing. Why then do we hold so tight to things that will not last? This is a great time to ask, "What can I freely give away? What can I share?"
I do. I spend. Why do I feel the need to get things that are not needed but I love. Why do I feel the need, for example, to buy every back issue of some magazine I like?If a book interests me in the slightest, I buy it. I probably have enough books to read for the next 5 years without having to buy another one. Why do I crave more things?!?!?!? THIS HAS TO STOP. Fo awhile we will be living on my paycheck only. No big deal except that I am trying to pay off a debt. Why do I feel like my life would be better if I was richer? Especially, when I really want to get everything paid off and be more self sufficient. Live off the land.
I have been like this since high school. I did finally move away from the "catching up with the Jones'" Thanks to the prior relationship, who had to have the best of everything at my expense,,, literally $$$, and that is my fault. I worked two jobs to make sure I could pay all the bills so we could have and have and have, the lifestyle he liked. I paid all the household bills while he spent him money on a BRAND new Harley, a BRAND new boat, a second home, BRAND new cars.
I am seeking guidance by posting this and venting. Thanks for listening.
I think this is something we all grapple with to some degree, Kim. I am learning that the more accepting of ourselves that we are, the less we "need" things to validate our worthiness. Love yourself / your spirit, truly and deeply. This will fill you up like no other thing will, certainly not shopping therapy.
ReplyDeleteThere's the rule, too. Before you buy something, ask yourself truthfully: Do I NEED this now? If not, then wait. See if you still need it in two weeks. Chances are you may have moved on from it already.
Cyber hugs!
Think about what you would take on your way out the door if the place was on fire. My list is short: anything with a beating heart. The rest is just...stuff.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Clare...we will be remembered by our good works and how we loved and cared for, and give to others not for our 'stuff' or our cool houses or cars or furniture. Our culture is so saturated with self-worth and status through consumerism it is a mind set. I grapple with it too hon......the guilt of overspending...the asking a question if that item or purchase will really improve life and if it is out of geniune need or just another want is good to do. If I do this I walk out of the stores happier and with more mony in my pocket. But it is a daily struggle and retraining of my brain. Good luck hon! We are here for ya!
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