I’ve been writing a lot about material things and personal identity lately. Looking back over these entries, I am a little surprised and confused. I really don’t identify myself with the things I own or the things I wear (expect maybe with the exception of my ever-growing library of books). So, if this is the case, why am I always excited by a present, or that thought of buying myself a treat? And why do I continually cruse eBay, looking for “it”. Do I need more discipline or to learn to detach myself from the material world (impossible when working in retail). Or, do I need to learn to be less critical of myself. Surely there is very little wrong with indulging myself (responsibility) once in a while.
All things in moderation, right?
Needleworker, Knitter, Crocheter, Sewist, Cricuteer, and more!
All things in moderation, and I think also that you don’t have to define yourself by something or be deeply attached to it, to enjoy it. I mean, I like really good chocolate. I might well bounce happily if I got some for myself or if someone gave me some – twice over if someone gave me some, because then a friend thought of me as well. But that doesn’t mean I define myself by my chocolate, or that that’s all I am or care about.
It’s easier to write about those things, though. About blunt facts and objects. There are easy words and known references, and society teaches us that it’s good and expected to focus on those (whether it is or not). This makes it ‘simpler’ to put into words, even if there’s more going on (or if we’re so worn out that there isn’t, though I usually take that last as a warning sign that my life’s gotten too hectic again).
If we define ourselves by our material worth, that isn’t crediting ourselves with much…in my opinion.
I think the value of self worth not only should be but has to be above and beyond any value we place on any material item.
And no, splurging responsibly on occasion is a must – certain rewards for a difficult goal achieved is a way of making us feel good about what we have accomplished.