choosing memories over things
As I go through my things, selling everything I once bought and setting aside only a small carry-on bag for my flight to Asia, I reflected on material items and gifts.
No, I don't like gifts. Or rather the physical version of them. Few material items make me happy. My guitar did. And even then, I accepted that I'd find another one that I'll cherish even more.
So to all gift givers, this is how I see it:
- instead of a physical copy of a book, gift a digital version
- instead of a gift card, bring me to a coffee shop and buy me a coffee
- instead of clothes, invite me to an art gallery
- instead of another tech gadget, buy an annual subscription to an app you think I'll love
- instead of a subscription (I really don't need another app on my phone), invite me to a concert
- cook a dinner for me
- gift decaf tea. gift chocolate. buy things that expire
- if you don't want to spend time with me, don't buy me anything
I'm donating all my books to a local library, scanning and shredding paper mail, taking photos of printed pictures, and bringing all my clothes to a thrift store.
Things are things. Don't be pulled down by the weight of your possessions. Choose memories over stuff, and you'll free your mind.