Newsletter: March 2003: I don't need it therfore I can't have it

March 2003
I don't need it therefore I can't have it

A friend of mine recently bought herself a new wide-screen TV after 3 years of telling herself she didn't need a TV because the old one still worked. She had never liked it, it had been second hand when purchased and still carried memories of a failed past relationship.

So how does she feel now? Extremely happy. She has exactly what she wants and has a bonus of letting go of even more of her emotional past.

Many of us have been brought up in the post-war era of rationing, (or have parents who remember rationing), with the idea that if something still works, we should "make do and mend". Most parents will tell their children "you should be grateful for what you have". There is nothing wrong with these sentiments, but what we often fail to do as adults is to question the current wisdom of these beliefs. What worked for a child whining for the latest model 25-gear mountain bike when he already had a bike, may not be sensible for a 35 year old plus adult who is trying to create a fulfilling life. I am not suggesting that you go and break the bank buying everything that you have ever wanted - but - just look at what you have in your life and decide if those goods are of the right utility and quality for you here and now. How much do you value yourself? Are you surrounded by things that reflect that sense of self-worth?

What I would like you to do is to look at your possessions and honestly ask yourself if you really like each item, does it still serve its purpose efficiently or would it be sensible for you to replace it. Start to upgrade your life and you upgrade your own sense of self-worth.

So - what are you worth?