Stressed Out? Release your Excess Stuff and Build Connection

With all of the challenges of the year, one of the biggest blessings is the discovery that most of what make us happy has little to do with money and stuff.  Indeed, once basic needs are meet, excess stuff actually is not always a benefit. 

Indeed, researchers have found that people who make material items a top priority are more at risk for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It also has a negative impact on family functioning.  Think of young children, yearning for the attention of their parents.  Family meals are a wonderful time to create connection.  In many homes, however, the family table is covered with stuff.  Instead of meaningful conversation, family members may simply eat in front of the TV, no one talking to each other. This impedes healthy socialization. Excess stuff, also leads to hassles in maintaining the home, resulting in friction, frustration, and yelling.  Finally, consider the stress of paying for the stuff.  Often both parents, working away from home, are needed to pay for it.  Many of us have pursued the happiness portrayed by the advertised ideal, only to find that after the novelty wears off, it leaves us feeling empty, stressed, and worn out.  
  
On the other hand, reducing the amount stuff in the home can make you feel strong. This year when my family gathered for reunions and holidays, we our combined our Celebration with a "Giving Party."  It truly has been one of the most gratifying experiences of the year. I come from a family of six siblings. As our mother has became more frail, we realized we needed to face the archives at the family home. The family archives consisted of collections of stuff that had been piling up for years in the hidden corners, the basement, and garage. 

It was a great joy to release the excess stuff by working as a family team. We felt most productive in creating a new vision for our family, with a simpler life, and more time to enjoy each other, simply by letting go of stuff.  It was most gratifying to distribute the unused items to local charities for those who neded it. 

Comments

[Judy Helm Wright]

Alice, as usual, a great post. We ask our children and grandchildren to give us gifts of 6 hours and service and then tell us about it.

Besides, the stuff means nothing without the story, so if you want the memories, take a photo and write a short note so everyone will get a copy.

Love ya, Judy Helm Wright

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It's a very interesting point of view and items that I would like to know more as the interpersonal attitude is something that is not given much information.