top of page
Search

When More is Too Much

Writer's picture: Rob PurnellRob Purnell

George Carlin quipped "life is a game, and whoever dies with the most stuff wins." When he said it we all laughed, in large part because we know it's not far from the truth.


Consumer spending makes up about 71% of US GDP, up from 62% in 1981. During that same period, our economy expanded from $3.2 trillion to $21.3 trillion, so our appetite for more "stuff" seems endless. But does it make us happy?


A couple of years ago my siblings and I helped my parents move from their home of 55 years. It was a good size house with a full basement, attic, and a large garage; plenty of space to stash a lifetime of stuff. My parents weren't overly acquisitive, but over 55 years they also didn't get rid of much. For me and my siblings, it was an archeological dig into our childhoods. For my parents, who were downsizing, it was pure trauma. The process was an overwhelming amount of work layered in a bubbling emotional stew.


I came home determined to streamline my life and shed unnecessary things. I sold or gave away what felt like truckloads of stuff. It was not easy, but you know what? IT FELT GREAT! My entire life felt physically lighter. Now, whenever I feel the desire to acquire I ask myself how it will add to my happiness. Then I call my family or a friend instead. It's our relationships, not our stuff, that bring everlasting joy and happiness to life.


...and yet, somehow, I still have stuff everywhere!

24 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Call/Text 415.272.1498

578 University Ave. Palo Alto CA United States 94301

  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • instagram

DRE #01351519 | ©2023

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal
Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628, 01527235, 01527365. All
material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled
from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale
or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of
any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property
is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.

bottom of page