It's funny, I'm currently reading a book my father gave me years ago (but shhh! don't tell him that) and it's really hitting home with me. It is Dave Ramsey's book - Financial Peace - Restoring Financial Hope to You and Your Family. I am almost finished with the book but I'm referencing back at the beginning where Dave Ramsey defines "Stuffitis". He defines it as a deadly disease where the bearer has an insatiable desire for only "good stuff". He's pretty blunt in handling money and from his experiences I think it is very helpful. He is also religious, though doesn't make it a focus in the book but I think it is great that he relates money, whether it is spending or saving, to God and the Bible. I quote the book here, "Our forefathers may not have intended this, but they put a reminder on our currency to avoid "stuffitis" - "In God We Trust." Please notice it did not say "In Stuff" We Trust.
I don't like to admit that I get caught up in "stuffitis" but just like most people, I do. If I as much as go into a store and see new patterns or the latest trends or designs of something, especially house decor, I'm taken. I've been working on paring down our stuff and probably sound obsessive talking about constantly weeding through our things to donate, consign or outright sell... I lost my grandfather at the end of the year last year and it was truly an eye opening experience watching my parents and other family members have to go through all of my grandparents' belongings and sell off two cars, their house and everything that filled their home. It took half a year or more to get it all done and my grandparents were not by any means hoarders. It was a very emotional thing on top of a lot of work.
Saving money and not spending is a wonderful thing and I try to go through things so I only have one of everything and set my limits on not bringing more into the house without getting rid of things but it is a little tough with children. It's something I'm working on to teach them though too. If the purchase is something useful, that is a little different, just trying not to do any impulse buying. It is hard though because I LOVE pretty things and there are so many pretty things in stores. I just have to keep it in check and remember it is just stuff! :)
My current motto is - Say No To Stuff and Yes To Life. I am at a point in life where I would rather have life experiences and do things rather than have to keep organizing things we own or have to deal with useless possessions. It doesn't mean I don't want to continue decorating my house or changing things up but I have to set limits. Shopping just to shop used to be a hobby and I'm trying not to let it be anymore. It is hard though. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy to shop, I just don't want it to get the best of me. Maybe if I keep reminding myself of this, it will sink in eventually. LOL! Does anyone else go through this? I hope you have a wonderful weekend and get to do something FUN!
