How Much Is Too Much?

I have had a very busy last couple of weeks going through the items I own and getting rid of things that I no longer need or use. I hope I was able to inspire some of you by my last blog to get rid of items you no longer use or need.

How do we define clutter? Each of us has an idea about this and lots of us will agree or disagree on this. Some people will tell you they don't have clutter. Some people will even say I love to shop and who cares. We all have choices on what we want to own, what we are prepared to do to get it and how much we spend or can afford or not afford in some cases.

Some want the latest gadgets, designer handbags, shoes, books, DVD, the list goes on. Why do we feel the need to have and want so much stuff? Does our stuff reflect who we are?

This is an interesting topic to think about. Lets talk about the hunt, yes thats what I said the hunt. We are humans and in our DNA we have this hunting instinct, so when we go shopping we are looking for that one thing that we want. Why do we want it? Why do we have to have it? What would happen if we couldn't have it?

Is it the object we seek that will give us joy or is actually obtaining and owning it what will give us the absolute pure joy and buzz? Think about it! I want you to think about the one thing you absolutely love. I am talking about a tangible object here, like your favourite dress, pair of shoes, push bike, play station, whatever it is I want you to touch it, feel it, close your eyes and imagine how does it make you feel and what it is you love about that item or object?

Write down a list of things on why you love it so much and why it brings you so much joy? Does it still bring you as much joy as the day you first got it. Think back to that moment you first saw it and bought it home. Did your heart rate go up? Did you get so excited you couldn't stop talking about how great it was. If it is a dress does it still make you feel as sexy and sassy when you wear it now as the first time? What experiences connect you to that item? Are they good memories? Is there any bad memories associated with that item? If you do have any negative or sad emotions, stop, why do you still own it?

The reason I am asking you to do this is I want you to not just think and do this with your favourite item but all the things you own. Most of you are going to agree their favourite item still makes them feel fabulous and it still gives them that buzz. After all it is your favourite thing right?

What about all the other stuff you own. How about how many pairs of shoes do you own? Are they all in beautiful condition and do you wear them all? Do the count? Ten pairs, 20 pairs, 50 pairs, over 100? Ok that is just shoes, what about tops? Dresses, pants, jeans, books, games, DVD & CD? The list goes on. We own and have so much stuff. Is it really necessary. Think about moving. If you had to pack everything up right now and move, how long would it take you? Days, Weeks, Months?

All this stuff you own is yours. Wherever you move to, you have to pack it up and take it with you. How does that make you feel? I look at the stuff I own and pray I don't have to move any time too soon. And I don't have half the stuff other people own. Yikes it is over whelming isn't it.

What drives us to own and want so much. Advertising on TV, radio, our friends and family getting excited and talking about a product and before we know it we are hunting for it as we now want it too. It is astounding when you look at the marketing industry and see all these companies advertising, Target, K-Mart, Myer, JB Hifi, David Jones to name a few and they are advertising all different brands they stock. Then comes the individual marketing from Nike, Bose, Wittner, Bardot, Sony, Samsung and IKEA. We then are inundated with online marketing Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, Facebook, Gumtree and the list goes on. Billboards on streets, buses, everywhere we look. There is millions spent on marketing every year by companies trying to get you to spend your money on their products. Unless we are a hermit living on a deserted island with no internet, we are constantly are having our senses bombarded by the latest and greatest product out there and if the marketing is great they will have you thinking in seconds, what a great product, to within minutes where can I buy it, to how fast can I own it. This is the reality of the society we live in.

So think about all the things you own and spend some time looking at each item. When did you last use it? How does it really make you feel? Be honest. How much does the things you own add value to your life? Can you release it to someone else you know who will love and use it? I would love to hear some feedback on how you are all going on my face book page and please feel free to send me any questions you may have. Till next time happy de cluttering and finding what truly brings you happiness.