EVERYTHING THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD

Take a look around your house. Quickly, in 30 seconds tell me what you see in your first glance. Now close your eyes and tell me what you remember. How many of those possessions really need to be there, how many are so important you would miss them if they were gone.. Today while listening to the radio I heard an advertisement which asked "Why leave your most prized possessions in the hands of others?"-- they were talking about furniture movers. Now my first reaction was what’s wrong with this thought? Why would I think my furniture was included in my most prized possessions. Perhaps other people may feel their household goods are their most valuable possessions, but I don’t. To me, the intangible things in life are more prized than any furniture anywhere. Some of my most prized possessions I carry within my heart.

Have you looked around your house recently? Peered into closets and corners and realized how many possessions are stuffed inside. Toys overflow in children’s bedrooms and family rooms. Living rooms are complete with comfy couches and big lazy-boy chairs, often facing gigantic TV’s with complete surround sound and various styles of stereo speakers. Bedrooms are filled with bedroom suites, stuffed toys, boom boxes, CD’s and clothes galore. The dining room and kitchen eating area are complete with hutches and china cabinets containing large sets of good china (rarely used for meals). Linen closets contain numerous sets of towels, crisp sheets and mountains of blankets. Coats, boots and shoes fill each closet. Hockey bags, golf tees, tennis rackets and ski’s are stuffed under stair wells; sports equipment pulled out depending on the season. Yes, most of us own duplicates of these articles. So much!!

Saturdays are my usual cleaning days, and it is then that I realize how much can gather in one household. How do all of these articles actually appear within these walls?? Sometimes I think there must be a small elf depositing articles in the middle of the night, scurrying from store to store collecting odds and ends to leave in closets. Perhaps there is an entire army of these elves and leprechauns.--- surprising all of us with a multitude of possessions in corners and closets. Where the heck is Martha Stewart when we need her-- her organizational skills and matter of fact attitude towards clutter is just what is needed.

Recently I have been learning about Feng Shui. The age old principles from the far east have principles which can be applied to any household or lifestyle. The practice is based on positive and negative energy and the objective is to increase harmony within your life. Reducing clutter is a major aspect. In my opinion, this is a worthy goal to strive for.

Why do we hang on to so many things? Too often many of these articles end up as excess baggage rather than prized possessions. They may be reminders of past events, articles that somehow represent past dreams or goals. Or they could be articles which once belonged to a family member that has passed on, often a person has a difficult time relinquishing these items. Memories linger. Not all items have to be given away, some are attached to heart strings-- focus on those and get rid of the other. I have come to the realization that some of those memories apply only to myself, my children don’t need to inherit every piece of memorabilia. Thus as I clean forgotten corners, and as I’m able to let go and relinquish items I feel a sense of lightness. It feels good to donate these items to goodwill or charity, knowing some one will be able to reuse my discards.

Did you know only 20 % of the items in your household are actually used? That leaves 80 % as useless clutter-- perhaps not useless, but unused is a better term. Definitely extra baggage.

As I sit and write today I look around and take stock of objects surrounding me. I look out the window at the view of houses and shiny new vehicles. I see possessions. I see prosperity in every direction. But now I have to ask; "Is this really the kind of prosperity I’ve been looking for?" Are these the kind of golden objects I wish for my legacy.

I have put together a list of items I wish to carry with me. Items I wish to pass on to the next generation, items that will glitter in any type of weather. And no it’s not gold, nor jewelry. Not fine china or priceless heirlooms. All of these can be transported from place to place, easily dusted and often shared. In fact a great deal of joy and appreciation can be displayed when these are brought out for all to share. Here is my list of worthy possessions:

-family

-honesty

-loyalty

-strength of character

-enthusiasm

-contentment

-peace of mind

-trust

-friendship

-love

-serenity

What will be in your list when you write it? What kind of baggage do you wish to carry?

All contents of this article are copyright by B Fraser. Producing any part of this article without written consent is prohibited.

Copyright 2005

Comments, concerns or feedback can be directed to b-fraser@telus.net