. Acquisition and Accumulation Addiction

I think that most of us are somewhat sick.  We love to acquire and we love to accumulate.  It somehow makes us feel worthwhile in a strange sort of way and seems to justify our existence.

So I am going to encourage you to reverse this trend in a small way.  Think about ways you can reduce the acquisition and accumulation addiction which is ever present as we prepare for the upcoming holidays.

1)  Warn everyone that you are going to go simple this year:  One gift per person in your immediate family (past what Santa may bring), a group gift for those at work, a very small gift for those friends and neighbors who come to the door to exchange holidays greetings, and a special, meaningful gift to that someone special in your life (not money, but time and a coupon of service).

2) Begin a list of items which might be appropriate and preferably in the line of tools versus trinkets.  Think preparation, emergencies, and maybe even storage.  Buy slippers for cold mornings when the heater might not work for your family, small LED flashlights for employees at work to see when the electricity goes out, and a box of wooden matches in a sealed clear plastic jar for neighbors and nearby friends for local emergencies.  Give your spouse or best friend a coupon for 10 free “put away your wash” or “fix your favorite dinner” or “wash the truck”.

3)  Look for ways to stay away from the store, stay away from spending money, and stay away from acquisition and accumulation.  The more you set the precedence, the example, the sooner others will join you.  Life is not about owning, it is about loving.  It is not about keeping, it is about giving.  Life is about everything and anything but acquiring and accumulation.  Give, give, give… this season will be better, your will be happier and everything will be simpler.

Find more helpful ideas in the House of Order Handbook.

One Response to “. Acquisition and Accumulation Addiction”

1. Marie Ricks says:

   November 17, 2010 at 4:51 pm

   So ironic that this was your message. This is exactly what I’ve been working on lately. It feels so great and so much more peaceful. Happy Holidays and thanks for a great message. ~Sylvia