Somewhere a while back, (I can’t remember where now) I heard about this thing where you pick the 100 things that you would choose to keep if you had to give up all the other material stuff in your life. And for some reason, this idea has not let go of my heart.
I look around me and I find myself growing tired of my stuff. What I thought would make me happy is now becoming a burden. Each item contends for a piece of my attention until I am so divided within that I lose sight of what is truly important.
How simple would it be to own just 100 things—enough things to carry in a backpack or a small suitcase. What would I keep?
One of the things that made it onto the list was an old Swiss Army Knife I’ve had since I was a boy. It only has 4 blades, but those four blades can do 95% of things I need it to do in life. I carry it with me often and I find that, when I have it, I use it often.
I’d keep my favorite pair of pants and tee shirt. My favorite shoes. My favorite hat (an old red and black beenie I found somewhere). A good coat. And good socks.
That’s seven things on the list so far. At least I’m clothed and I can peel an apple whenever I need to. 93 things to go.
This idea has also prompted me to do two things in my life now.
Thing #1—40 Bags in 40 Days
I’ve decided I want to fill 40 grocery bags of things that I no longer want or need. Things that would benefit other more than it benefits me. Things that clutter and contaminate my life. These things will be given away or simply thrown away.
Thing #2—A Buying Hiatus
Except for the essentials like food and toilet paper and gas and toothpaste I’m not going to replace the things I’m giving away. I’m not going to go shopping for ANYTHING.
I am striving to learn to become content with what I do have. I want to place my focus on being thankful for the many blessings I’m surround with instead of focusing on the things that I mistakenly believe will make me happy if I can somehow possess them.
I have, for too long, missed the world that is around me. And I want that to change. I want to be a better steward of the resources that have been placed in my safe keeping.
I want my focus to be on the things that truly matter.