Reflections #8: The Ownership Paradox

As someone who has entered adult life for some time now, I can certainly attest to the truth behind the statement that “when you have more you don’t own things, things own you.” This statement has never been more relevant than in today’s society, where the pursuit of material possessions and wealth accumulation is often prioritized over other important aspects of life.

As I’ve progressed in my career and started earning more money, I’ve found that the temptation to buy more things has grown stronger. I’ve purchased a new car, rented a bigger apartment, and bought more clothes than I need. And while these possessions may seem nice to have, I’ve realized that they come with a price.

The more things you own, the more time and energy you have to spend taking care of them. Owning a car means regular maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs. A larger apartment means more cleaning and upkeep. More clothes means more laundry, organizing, and potentially clutter.

It’s easy to overlook the costs associated with owning more things, especially when you’re caught up in the excitement of acquiring something new. But the reality is that possessions come with responsibilities, and those responsibilities can quickly become burdensome.

On the other hand, it’s worth noting that possessions don’t have any obligation toward you. Just because you own something doesn’t mean that it will always be there for you, or that it will continue to bring you happiness. In fact, many people find that the things they own eventually lose their appeal or become outdated, leaving them feeling unsatisfied or even burdened by their possessions.

I’ve come to realize that the pursuit of material possessions is not the key to a fulfilling life. While it’s nice to have nice things, it’s important to be mindful of the costs associated with owning them, and to make sure that they don’t become more of a burden than a pleasure.