Synapses
When I was six I had this dream that spiders were going to start my house on fire if I didn’t give them food. One day, I forgot or got home late, and upon opening the door to the basement, I saw that it was somehow engulfed in flames without warning. This led to my irrational fear that my house would catch fire instead of being afraid of spiders. At an older age I asked myself why I was so afraid. I realized that I was that afraid of losing my clothes, blankies, dollies, etc. Replaceable items, material goods had me sleeping on my parents’ floor for months. Pathetic. But that shows how much of a problem consumerism can be at such a young age. I wasn’t even the one taking care of my stuff then! it’s even more of an investment when you need to maintain things such as cleaning and fixing them.
As I’ve grown, I’ve developed values, learned how things are made, how money works, and about quality versus quantity amongst other life lessons. Now that I shop cheap and own less impractical items, fires, fixes, and maintenance has become more time-efficient. Everything has a permanent spot, like a seating chart, and cleaning is pretty zippy when I only have to move a few things out of my way. The biggest change I’ve seen is in my wardrobe, however. I love everything I own and it excites me in the morning deciding what I want to wear. I know who I aim, I’m in control of what I want, and I know what I need. This gives me the confidence I need every day to look good every day. All of my belongings have an energy, a memory, something satisfying; nothing is blah or unintentionally purchased. When I interact with that energy, it reminds me of how I am. Some examples are that I own quite a few fleece blankets (I love to snuggle, I’m usually col, and I love movies), I often buy seafoam green/aqua blue items (I love water: the ocean, lakes, swimming), and I have plenty of sweatpants (I’m stubborn about my freedom; I like being able to do as I please without restriction…plus they’re warm).
People collect things, I get it. I used to collect all sorts of things (as a kid). But only if it plays a part in who you are, if it makes you happy is it worth keeping in your life. “Garbage in, garbage out.” I read that in a book with a different context but it applies in many situations. If you eat junk food, you’ll feel junky. If you hang around dishonest or disrespectful people, you’ll become dishonest and disrespectful. If you think negatively, your words will be negative. If you surround yourself with garbage (physical, mental, or emotional), you’re going to regurgitate garbage back into the world which simply makes life harder on yourself. The truth is, the world isn’t going to give you a break; it’s not going to give you a day off; at least three things go “wrong” or not as planned in a day’s time. It’s all about about attitude towards life. Having a little control — and I’m talking maybe a shoelace — on the world we surround ourselves in is enough to make a difference, not just for yourself but potentially the people around you. Just think…cleaning your kitchen could lead to making someone else’s day.
