We are moving into a new apartment in the next month or so as our current apartment is being sold. We think we found an amazing apartment, but storage is going to be tight—like really tight. So I have spent the better part of two “sleepless” nights wondering how I will manage with less. It’s been a really interesting exercise in self-awareness, how attached we are to stuff, and why.

Serendipitously, I was watching a show about the Maldives last night. Although the resorts there are lavish and amazing, the majority of Maldivians lead a very basic island life. One man described what was important to him and of course, he mentioned his family first, but then he talked about the peace he receives daily by simply taking in the ocean, the trees, and the air. Ironically, he never mentioned his stuff. Hmm.

There are apparently a number of psychological reasons why we are attached to our stuff, but rarely does stuff bring us joy. When the man in the Maldives described joy, it was people and places, not things, that he mentioned. I asked Doug last night, “What were your moments of joy today?” He thought for a second and replied, “When you texted me and said let’s go out and grab a bite to eat!” He loves quality time together. I said, “I had a sweet moment visiting with Hannah today.” She owns a dry cleaning store in town and is the sweetest person you will ever met. Again, no stuff. This move is about to teach me a lot, I hope it helps you, too!

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth Fitzgerald