I was reading a report on the living conditions of disabled people in Zambia: In a survey of 39 households, the average number of items possessed by each household was 9.5 basic items – not much by way of ‘worldly goods’ and you can bet that each item is essential.
Looking round my house, it is almost impossible to count how many individual items I have but it’s easy to find 10 items I do not need. If I asked 10 colleagues, friends and families for 10 items they do not need and sell them at a car boot sale I bet I could raise £150. Four people organising a boot sale (with items from ten of their friends) could raise £600. This is slightly more than the COINS Foundation paid this week to repair a water pump at a school in Zambia.
So true – my flat is full of “things” I don’t need. Time for a clear out!
Most of us get so distracted by “things” that we spend too much time choosing them, buying them, looking after them, and so on. With less of a focus on our things and more on people, we could enhance life so much. After all, people and relationships are infinitely more valuable than the things with which we clutter our homes and lives.
…And so much more complicated!