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The Stress Of Possessions

By Sophia Dembling

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. – Epictetus

I bought a new car yesterday.

This is a BFD because I drive my cars until they crumble around me.

I’ve been driving a 1994 Accord since 1997. (Those babies go forever.) By the end of our relationship, the bumper was held on with tape and it was in the throes of a two-year death rattle. Most of my friends had experienced some sort of breakdown adventure with me.

But I drove my jalopy with pride. It was my badge of anti-consumerism. (Plus, no car payment. I loved that.)

OK, I was a little embarrassed valet parking it at the Ritz-Carlton the other day, where I went for a business lunch, but at least when they brought it to me, the side with the taped-on bumper was facing away from the crowd.

But otherwise, I don’t need no fancypants car.

I’m not a particularly high-wants person when it comes to possessions. I’m greedy about experiences, but ho-hum about stuff.
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2 Comments to
“The Stress Of Possessions”

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ebbie 6:14 pm on November 24th, 2012

I thought the bit about only wanting when in malls to be bang-on. So I try to avoid. I’m much happier that way, too.

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PRM 11:17 pm on November 24th, 2012

I am the same way. My 12 YO SUV has 172k miles on it and I am really hoping for 200k. The day I buy a new car will be the day after I walk home holding just the steering wheel!

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msmerlin 5:20 pm on November 28th, 2012

Don’t feel bad….I just got my first brand new vehicle ever last year, at 61 years old. And I’m telling you, I’m really appreciating it, perhaps would not have when I was younger and more reckless.

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