are you a slave to your things?

Impressionistic photograph of a flower just beginning to bloom.

     Recently I have been taking stock of the things that I own and the power of my relationship to them in my life.  Not too long ago I moved and downsized to basically one room that holds my things.  So in reality I don't have a lot, but what I have has meaning.

     I have never been one that hoards.  I know people that do and the power of their possessions over their lives is almost destructive.  If I haven't used something in a year it will get donated in hopes someone can and will use it.  Most of my things are necessities.  But I do have my indulgences and some items that hold meaning and memories.

     Visual memories are important to me and are usually in the form of something I can use. Like the coffee mug from a vacation my oldest, and then only, child and I took to the Oregon coast.  I still use it after 20 years.  She still uses her mug too.  

     Art work might fall under the label of indulgence, but it borders on necessity for me.  My art work helps to define who I am and the journey my life has taken.  Whether I create the piece myself or purchase it, art speaks the story of why I needed that piece in my life.  Some of my art work is functional in that I can wear it.

     As I take stock I realize that my things do not control me.  I am not a slave to the power of buying just to be buying something.  That is when we become slaves to our possessions.

     Where do you see yourself? Are you up to your neck in things that you don't really need?  Do your things give you joy when you see them or use them?

     Today I am sharing a photograph of one of my favorite things, a flower.  It is a simple thing, but it has the power to make me feel good when I see it.  It is worthy of being a possession for me.  How does it make you feel?