I would have to say that I have always led a very simple life. My Dad was a coal miner and we lived in a little village outside of Drumheller. We had a small house, a large yard and garden, and my Dad provided for us as best he could. We had no extravagances nor even some simple amenities like hot water, indoor plumbing, or a telephone. Despite our simple existence, we were happy and our wants were quite minimal. I have maintained that initial experience most of my adult life.
When I finished university and got a job my small-town values did not allow me to enter the race for the Almighty Dollar. I was comfortable, bought a house, provided for my family, enjoyed some travel opportunities and life was good. I have never aspired to a 3000 sqft house, with a three-car garage, a swimming pool and the latest model luxury car.
In today's world, many people seem to judge the degree of success of others by the size and number of their toys. The more luxuries you possess, the more successful you are. At least that seems to be the theory. I do not ascribe to it and never will.
The more possessions we accrue, the more complex our life becomes. Possessions require maintenance, care and safety insurances. Houses and cars all require electronic burglar protection. Home contents must be itemized and insured. New cars must have special undercoating, extra shine protection and scotch-guarded seats. Many homes have barred windows and a front doorbell camera that can be viewed anywhere in the world from the owner's smartphone. Possessions and their safeguarding can add significant stress and pressure to life.
When other people were installing home alarm systems I advocated for a sign at the back door that stated that we only possessed a 21-inch television, no stereo system and no jewellery or cash box. I though that would be a far more appropriate defence. I recently saw a door mat that read, "They have better stuff next door!" That says it all!
Possessions can indeed become an albatross around one's neck. My parents were given an ostrich egg as a wedding gift by my mother's sailor cousin many decades ago. It was a choice between the egg or a monkey. The monkey would have eventually died but the egg was carried on from place to place as my parents moved homes. I eventually inherited the blasted thing, also carefully packing and moving it province to province until at last I managed to talk a friend into taking custody of it shortly before our move out west. He claims that while it proved interesting at show & tell at his children's school it took up space in their cupboard and added nothing to their family's life, but like my parents and I was reluctant to just toss it. That egg must be near on 85 years old now.
ReplyDeleteWow! If only the egg could communicate, it has probably accumulated more wisdom in its 85 years than I have in 80!
ReplyDeleteIt's a minor point - but still valid. I have bars on my lower windows, and a security camera (front and back).
ReplyDeleteHowever, this goes more to what the world has become rather than saving my household contents. I am female and I live alone - this gives me comfort in knowing I have added security.