Material possessions

We live in a material world in SG. It’s a fact. It’s a modern urban city environment. Many things are manufactured and consumed. 

We chase after material possessions. 

However, after 50yrs, my view is slowly changing. 

No, I don’t mean I am now a monk, devoid of materialism.

More like, I think my desires are more selective, and considered. Instead of chasing something, which is simply the enjoyment of researching the item I want and then reaching the climax of owning it, my intent now is the lifespan of the ownership.

Let’s say a watch. Before owning it, I could spent countless hours watching YouTube, scouring forums for reviews and user experiences, salivating over hi-res photos of it, reading about the design motivations and so on. It was truly enjoyable process. Then when I pull the trigger to buy it, it was the climax. Guess what happens after that? Yeah, turn the sheets and go to bed after climax lol. The watch sits at home most of time collecting dust. It rarely occupies my mental bandwidth anymore. Occasionally I will wear it, but even while doing that, I hardly spend time to appreciate it intentionally. Yeah, no ownership joy and pride as I had fantasized before buying it. Then the stupid cycle repeats, not just watches, but other things. Cars, shoes, headphones, gadgets etc.

These leads to problems 

One, a lot of stuff. They take up physical space, they need to be serviced/cleaned, they also take up some mental space (at least I have to remember I have them in my possession and where they were stored right?). So there is a real cost.

Two, it escalates. I will always be yearning for the better and likely, more pricey version of what I already have (and barely uses or hardly appreciate anymore). This can costs too, especially if I act on it. Even if I don’t, the costs is time spent fantasizing, reading reviews, time lost that would be used more meaningfully

So, before I bring home the next possession, my reviews and thoughts of getting it includes now, how I will use it, store it, upkeep it, and also, what’s the exit plan like. For sure sometimes I will make mistake and bought something useless, so an exit plan must be there. Either sell or give away. Don’t accumulate. 

What about those already in my hands?

Take good care of them, use them, appreciate them. Sell or donate or give away if I don’t want them. Free up my own mind space and time.

Less is more. Don’t be a miser, but get things you like and can sustain. It’s also better for environment. Don’t buy and throw, it’s disgusting.