One of the mantras of this recession has been “do more with less.” Of course, it’s about stretching every last cent. It’s about clipping coupons, finding bargains and cutting costs.
However, the wisdom of this philosophy goes much deeper.
Have you ever met something that is a hoarder? They still have their notebooks from middle school, an album that they haven’t listened to in years, or books that they’ve already dog-eared and digested. My sister is a hoarder. Fortunately, it doesn’t seem to be a genetic condition.
To varying degrees, we all bog ourselves down with physical stuff (most of which is truly unnecessary crap).
And then their are the psychological hoarders. They hold on to and compartmentalize every word, situation and circumstance that they encounter. My mom is a psychological hoarder. Rest assured that anything you say today will be used against you in the near and distant future. This condition is also not genetic.
To varying degrees, we all hold the past captive and use it to haunt the present moment.
At any rate, it seems that all of our crap – both physical and psychological – serves only to limit us and drag us down. Sure, we need some stuff, like the clothes on our backs and the food in our bellies. I’ve managed to fit everything I need into two suitcases. And sure, the past is helpful when we learn and grow from our experiences. But it’s time to let go of the other stuff.
A plane needs to be light to fly, and so do you.
You know when you go to the mall and your friend shows up with a backpack? And then you all have to take turns carrying it because it’s too heavy. It’s like that. Don’t be the ass with the baggage, be it physical or physiological.
Make the decision to let go and enjoy the freedom of less. And in your freedom, do more. Do more with less. Suze Orman would be proud.
May 24, 2009 at 5:59 pm
i agree completely
May 24, 2009 at 6:05 pm
‘My mom is a psychological hoarder. Rest assured that anything you say today will be used against you in the near and distant future. ‘
My mom too!
heey,I found and follow you on twitter ^^
May 24, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Absolutely! I get in purging moods every few months, go through all of my stuff and start getting rid of things left and right. It is the best feeling ever to get rid of a bunch of crap. I think I’ll be further paring down my possessions in preparation for moving. Feels great!
May 24, 2009 at 7:02 pm
In the same sense it limits our ability to branch out and discover new things, psychological hoarders seem to become narrow minded by there many thoughts or experiences either good or bad, like a clogged artery constantly corroded until it is locked in by its own demise.
May 24, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Damn…I need to have a psychological “yard sale”…get rid of some of this crap…lol
Ciao!
May 25, 2009 at 8:49 am
psychological “yard sale”
I like that Jared!
We most likely ALL need to hold one.
May 25, 2009 at 10:08 am
The best (and cheapest) “psychological yard sale” I know of is called “The Landmark Forum.” Check it out at http://www.landmarkeducation.com.
May 25, 2009 at 10:49 pm
I’ll second this sentiment. The Forum was the greatest gift I ever gave myself and was, for me, an emotional yard sale. These days I’m living a life I love and living it powerfully.
May 24, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Carlos Castenedas’ mentor called this “erasing personal history” — getting rid of all your psychological baggage so you can grow and evolve. I dId a lot of this many years ago when I had to make some major changes in my life, and I have done it to a lesser extent a few times since. But I have found a few things that I like to keep, landmarks in my life that are a part of my individuality.
May 24, 2009 at 9:49 pm
hoarding physical things… I HAVE inherited this condition “genetically”… But everytime I go home and see the clutter in my parents house, I am inspired to acquire less STUFF. They have a VAST collection of books (especially cookbooks) that they never use. I think part of the reason is that they both grew up poor without any “stuff” and it feels good to them to be able to have it now.
Sadly, economic growth is based largely on acquiring more and more stuff; replacing clothes when we already have plenty of perfectly good clothes; replacing our vehicle even when the one we have works just fine, etc… Unfortunately, our current economic success model is also based on a growing population of people to buy ever-growing amounts of STUFF. I don’t want an “economic recovery” that just brings back the never ending ratrace to acquire MORE. I think we should be encouraging ZERO POPULATION GROWTH for the sake of the environment.
May 24, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I liked your advice of getting rid of not only physical things that you don’t need, but psychological things.
May 24, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I’m not a fan of stuff as well (it’s food that does most of the damage because I love eating and cooking good food) but sometimes it makes me worry that, at least in the reality of the world we live in, not living for the want of stuff gets you left behind* I know I shouldn’t really care but I do. I am set up to be a miser. lol
*(as per the reality of the world we live in)
May 24, 2009 at 10:46 pm
i am a total hoarder, in both respects.
noticed that just now. thanks dave
oh and yay for suze orman. i thought she was just some overly tanned lady from financial those commericials i saw. now i read up on her and she’s cool x] nice philosophy there.
May 24, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Simple thought: Keep life simple over extending yourself, physically, emotionally, or financially and sooner or later the “rubber band” is going to snap you back into the here and now.
Long winded one: I have to say I am unique when it comes to money and stuff vs that of my family. I use stuff until it won’t work anymore and try my best to take care of it to make it last. I have been given a hard time because I have no sense in style when it comes to clothing. But.. When dealing with money I buy what I need. Now that I am laid off I can “survive with limited worry” during this time off. Even though the economy still keep’s me aware that my unemployment/savings/investments will last only so long (about 2yrs 7 months). I get kind of concerned when my brothers, sisters, and even once in a great while my parents ask me what I would do. I live by this; Use what I need to save the rest for the future or to lend/give to friends, family, & charity. I have no desire to be bankrupt in any way shape or form…
Thanks =-)
May 25, 2009 at 1:09 am
Meditate and things fall away..
May 25, 2009 at 5:12 am
some things you say just come back to haunt you man.
I can’t see how you can preach this do-more-with-less stuff when only a week ago you were whinging about the lock. to your temporary bathroom.
May 25, 2009 at 5:40 am
agree agree agree!
May 25, 2009 at 6:28 am
davey,
Preach it brother! I agree with you and you are right on.
May 25, 2009 at 5:33 pm
not entirely – some items that hold memories
can be very important to you as you get older.
*
Some things lost can never be recovered.
Your perception is based in part on your age and
your circumstance.
*
It is based on how many important people have
been taken out of your life.
Imagine you are 60 and your children have become
independent and left home.
Pictures of them as they grew would be very
important to you.
*
Past lovers who you grew up with and learned a lot
from could be vital as well.
When you are old and wrinkly all you may have will
be memories.
If you threw them all away wrecklessly the you will
just have regrets.
May 25, 2009 at 6:31 am
When I sold my house in 2002 I moved 4 times since last year. I now have a place I’m staying at for good. With all the moves I got rid of more and more with each time. I ditched enough to fill a house. Now it’s so much easier because when I want something I will usually know where it’s at and I no longer have to search and search for it. Having near 2000 DVD’s in different spots that’s where I have a problem looking for a title. I may put it in a catagory of DVD’s but then when I go there it’s in another place. I love not being tied down by possesions.
May 25, 2009 at 8:00 am
One of my oldest friends just had a fire. He’s fine, but all his stuff is gone except for his clothes.
Now THAT’s lightening the load for ya!
Some would say, “How terrible!”
I think it’s wonderful. A chance to start over again and get rid of the excess baggage we all drag around with us. It is never pleasant when a fire destroys someone’s house, belongings, etc. But when it happens it is amazing how soon the person starts accumulating more stuff again. We are pack rats. I just finished a road trip along the East Coast from Florida to Montreal Canada. I was amazed to see the behemoths rolling along Highway 95…Mega-supersized RV motor homes trailing a car behind, with a boat on the roof. Traveling mansions, and they are everywhere! And somehow we are supposed to be in a recession?
If you want to make easy money, get an old warehouse, fit it out with storage bins, the larger the better, and rent out the space for the excess storage of people’s crap. When the garage gets too full, you need storage for the overflow, right?. A definite growth industry!
Be well,
May 25, 2009 at 8:14 am
minimal clutter-free living-physical and psychological is the state we all should be in.viewing DW-talky blogs you see DWs place.and its clutter free tastefully appointed.i like DWs sense of style.im living as clutter free as possible as im probably in the last residence for duration of my life.although suburbia is close to the city-its 50km from the gay-village or boystown.with the internet-its possible to view classifieds on-line rather clutter-junk with newspapers all over the place.last sunday i purchased The Detroit News-Free Press-thats rare-i usually read it on-line.if you dont want to acquire junk-avoid Wal-Mart as much as possible-shop Macys or Bloomingdales-The Bay etc etc.but being unemployed-its one great time to remove clutter from your life.some good news-after being unemployed since mid-december-looks positive that i will be called back to work-in one weeks time.oh-happy day.just in time to go on Holiday-to visit Toronto-my favourite city.DW-do you have room for just one more?
May 25, 2009 at 9:04 am
I arrived here in Tampico, Mexico, 21 years ago with a Blazer full of stuff. I have accumulated a lot since then. Now i soon will be moving to Mexico City and I will have to trim it all down to the bare minimum, less than what I had when I arrived here. I think it will be the same as Davey’s two suitcases. It will be hard, but I will have to do it, I used to do it all the time cause I moved around like a gypsy. So it’s going to be different doing it again now older, but I’ll manage,i better get started soon. It will probably take me weeks.
May 25, 2009 at 9:19 am
Hey Davey,
I am learning, from you! Just as the student learns from the Master; so I am learning from Davey Wavey, and who would have thought at 52, I could learn new things?!
I love you Davey!
joey
May 25, 2009 at 9:52 am
Twice a year I go thru all my stuff and, if I haven’t used it recently or plan to in the immediate future, donate it to our church Rummage sale. Why hold on to things you will never use? By the way, I would encourage everyone to start going to rummage/sidewalk/garage sales. The bargains are unbelieveable. Many things in my home like lamps, silk flowers and pictuers are from there. I always get compliments from friends who stop by. Getting a bargain (as long as you really needed it) is a good feeling.
May 25, 2009 at 10:08 am
I’m a hoarder [blush] but only the good stuff. I promise. I pinky swear! I only keep the stuff that still fits me, the stuff that brings a smile to my face, and i plan on keeping as many pictures of my dad [which is few and far between that i can ever find one] who might not be with me much longer. but i’m the type of person to celebrate ones life, not mourn a death.
yeah i cry from time to time about the fact that my dad will be gone, but omg did we do sooooo much fun stuff!!!
Hey!!! Davey Wavey! =] this might be personal to you, this might not, either way, i’d like to know your opinion.
are you like the irish and do you celebrate the full, beautiful life someone lived at their funeral and beyond?
…or are you a mourner who is sad about the love in your life you’ve lost, whether it’s a love that’s deep for family, friends, and pets, etc…, or just a love for someone in general…
or…. does it depend on the situation, and in your opinion if you go back and fourth from one emotion to the other for different people, do you think that means you love one person more? [i don't, but i've got stupid argumentative friends, and i was just curious as you your opinion bc you might teach me something new =)]
well. i hope this made sense, i’m not used to being up this early. =]
xLaurenMarie
May 25, 2009 at 11:34 am
that is so true Davey!
May 25, 2009 at 5:25 pm
not entirely.
May 25, 2009 at 5:24 pm
There is a place for remorse.
I believe that each one of us …
GREAT OR small will have to give
an account of himself, his life to God.
**
As a Christian I believe we have a great friend we can trust called Jesus.
Accepting forgiveness for past mistakes and wrongs is not easy.
That applies to forgiveness from Jesus, friends, lovers. workmates or whoever.
Neither is forgiving always easy.
**
But whatever is involved, small or serious, there must surely be an apology and an intention to avoid hurting people in future.
**
So no Davey, sometimes it is important to hold on to that baggage to help remind ourselves not to be selfish or hurt people in future.
May 25, 2009 at 11:47 pm
I submit that for people who believe as you do, the process of seeking and receiving forgiveness is that mental yard sale. Wiping the slate clean of past ‘wrongs’ is the same as letting go of the past and the baggage. As a comitted Christian, I have a hard tiem believing christ would want us to carry around our baggage in perpetuity. In fact, I think if he were here he would probably tell us to be more gentle with ourselves. The church has institutionalized guilt and shame as instruments of control. It’s been going on for so long they don’t even realize it. They just think this is the way it was supposed to be. We are human. Strive as we may, we will never completely avoid hurting other people. We all have very different intentions, expectations and needs and generally we are hurt when we perceive that other people are not aligned with our goals. I also counter that an apology is not necessary for forgiveness. Loving one’s neighbour as oneself implies forgiveness regardless of the transgressor’s desire for reconcilliation. Your forgiving someone is more an act to free yourself than it is to free them. And you don’t do it because they are trying to make things right – you do it because you want to make things right. But most people out there want to hold on to anger and guilt and shame and all those other emotions that anchor us directly to the past so that we can never move on. Those things are so much more comfortable than a completely free and clear future. C’est la vie. That’s everyone’s right. And it makes sense. The subconscious loves to keep us in a state of beautiful mediocrity. It protects us from harm and it protects os from the thrill of being truly extraordinary and living out our full potentials. If I had to guess, I think Christ would have us all living without the baggage that keeps us in a state of anger and sadness.
May 26, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Do you remember in Star Trek where Spock did a mind grip tick
by saying “remember”.
We don’t do bad things just for the sake of it.
We do it because its fun.
What we need to remeber is that when we are having a
great time “being bad” we affect other people.
**
I was not into drugs thankfully – a friend who was is dead.
I was not into unprotected sex…. again some friends who were are dead.
I hated poppers – an asthmatic friends who was is dead.
Casual sex could be fun though – but rarely up to expectations.
… This is not a confessional or the place for sex talk.
I have not been a hermit.
**
I loved aspects of my old life and changing isn’t easy.
I don’t “remember” for the sake of self mortification.
I remeber because it all led me into a lot of sadness for
myself and my ex. (it also affected other people).
It would be easy to slide back – just as it is for recovering alcoholics.
I have no delusions about myslef…
I do try to look forward and rejoice in the chance of a new and better life
that I have been given.
Be happy
May 25, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Nicely said, simplicity is bliss
May 26, 2009 at 1:56 pm
David,
Do more with less. I agree with you. It’s certainly a possible thing but it’s hard to get rid of lots of things and even sometimes of bad habits. Adopt a “zen attitude” about that and let go seems to be the best way to free the mind and lighten the soul to enjoy with more simplicity life.
bye,
May 27, 2009 at 6:12 am
Grammar. =] Just saying.