Accumulating Stuff or Experiences

   It seems many of us throughout life will accumulate many things and this stuff is important to us, at least at the time.  The thing is as I've gotten older I realize that what I find important is the experiences rather than the stuff I've collected.

     You might have had a really cool car at one time and if you think back about the car, what you are really remembering is the experiences (trips) you took with the car.  If you had a different car (less cool) and made the same trips your experiences would be just as memorable.  As a kid you may have had those favorite board games that you played with friends, or brand new bike that you rode all around but they would be worthless if you never opened the box to play them or never took your bike out of the garage.  There would be no joy from having this stuff because you would not have created any lasting memories.

     We all collect stuff but if for some reason that precious stash of stuff was lost or stolen the memories of the experiences you had while collecting, playing with or sharing your stuff is something that is not lost.  I love collecting memories, those times with family and friends, work experiences, random encounters with strangers and travel which opens your mind up to the unique and exciting differences in other cultures.

     Many memories are associated with things, which makes having things important but mainly because they bring back pleasant memories.  What's cool about memories is that you can make new memories everyday at any age.  There are no educational requirements, no physical test, no age limit,   no economic, cultural or race restrictions, almost anyone can make and collect memories.  I say almost because sadly Alzheimer's patients have created memories but those memories may no longer accessible to them.  Family and friends are the only ones that can keep those memories alive.

     I encourage everyone to write their memories down (at least some) because it is a way to stay connected with others.  Someday when you're sitting around with friends exchanging enchanting stories you will realize that the memories and stories of life bring you the most happiness, not the stuff you collected.  "Just Saying..."