CONTENTMENT...shouldn't I be there by now? A question to challenge...

Sproles

Sproles

Joined
Jan 11, 1999
Messages
700
Fellow Gadgets and Gear people. I have been struggling with this question recently and thought I would share with you the challenges that I have presented to myself. I will go ahead and put on my nice fitting flame suit, because I am sure that these thoughts and this challenge will find some NOT real willing to listen and think about such things.

I have been struggling with the thought and concept of CONTENTMENT over the last few months and I have challenged myself that I do not need any other items to make my life "complete." This REALLY came to a head after a Home Bible Study that I was involved with did an analysis of our strengths and weaknesses and guess what one of my biggest weaknesses was??? CONTENMENT (actually JOY, which is a direct result of your level of contentment.) I never thought of myself as "materialistic" until you started talking about my "TOYS" and then, THAT became personal. I am placing myself on a gadget/toy/etc fast for a period of time until I can get my perspective back. "perspective?" you say - why do I need that? Well, you look at the list below and you tell me what is wrong with my perspective when I want to think about a new handgun or another fixed blade knife, etc. What in the world do I need? If you look at the list of things below, you will have to think that it is a "who's who" of high end toys. The prices may be off here and there - this is NOT a shopping challenge to see if you can find one of the items on my list for cheaper than I have listed - it is an exercise in perspective and contentment.

These thoughts are NOT to tell you that if you have these items, or more items, etc that you are a bad person. I am telling you that I have these items and they have not made me happy one little bit. I get one thing in the mail and then I am already looking for the next thing. I obsess about one thing for awhile until it arrives, and then I am on to the next "latest and greatest" or newer item that I MUST have.

Anyone share these challenges or struggles. If so, let me know about them and how you deal with them. I would LOVE to have serious responses on this thread. This thread is exposing me more than I feel comfortable, but I thought that I would share with you my struggles and also challenge you with the thoughts as well. Thanks for listening...

David

CONTENTMENT…
My Gadgets and Toys:

Item: MSRP ($)

SHARP THINGS:
Chris Reeve Small Classic Sebenza 330.00
Chris Reeve Mnandi (African Blackwood) 350.00
Graham Brothers Wharncliffe EDC 175.00
Rob Simonich Bitterroot 50.00
Leatherman Charge Xti (w/ tool adapters) 119.00
Leatherman Squirt S2 29.00

BRIGHT THINGS:
Nuwaii Qiii 3w LED 50.00
Streamlight TL3 Xenon 99.00
Inova T3 67.00
Glowrings (x5) 35.00

COOL THINGS:
Peter Atwood Tactical Whistle 35.00
Peter Atwood Micro Bug-Out-Bar 70.00
ASP Key Defender Pepper Spray 25.00
Fisher Space Pen – telescoping bullet 30.00
Luminox Navy SEAL Dive Watch (w/ Zulu band) 175.00

SHOOTING THINGS:
Springfield XD sub 9mm (w/ custom finish) 450.00
Springfield XD holsters and accessories 65.00
Peltor Tactical 6 Electronic Ear Protection 125.00

TECHY THINGS:
iPaq 1910 200.00
iPod 20gig (w/ accessories) 350.00
Motorola v710 bluetooth cell phone 290.00
Motorola v710 bluetooth headset 100.00

FINER THINGS:
Mont Blanc Meisterstuck Pen/pencil set 250.00
Hartmann ID case/money clip 45.00
Dalvey Business Card Case 40.00
Levenger Pocket Briefcase Deluxe 55.00
Moleskine Large Ruled Notebook 15.00
Tissot Ballard Watch 250.00

CARRYING THINGS:
Pelican Case 1150 30.00
Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon 90.00
Hartmann Doctor’s Bag 600.00

TOTALS::: 4594.00
 
You sound like you're doing what the very wise King Solomon did. Maybe you have read about him in your bible studies.
Anyway, it's good to examine the different aspects of your life. I know spiritual development of our lives is essential. We do, however, live in a material world and are subject therefore to material influences- even just basic things like eating a good meal or enjoying colorful skies. I personally try to achieve a balance in my life but yes, I enjoy a lot of material things. Maybe it's part of being in imperferct human, but I try to realize how important vital spirituality as well.

Paul
 
It takes serious restraint! I never realized how bad it was until I figured the cost of my EDC:

Watch: $400
Draper Ring: $180
Khalsa Pendant: $130
Draper Bracelet: $90
Sharkskin Belt: $75
Surefire A2 w/TID: $225
Benchmade Benchmite: $100
Anderson Ti Pen: $450
Rayskin Wallet: $50
DDR Mad Maxx 5.5: $500
Ver 1 USN Coin: $20
Bradshaw Midlock w/sheath: $580
Cel-phone: $260
Doc Martens: $140

Total: $3200

That is w/o my FatBoy as well. That would add:
Maxpedition FatBoy w/leashes and patches: $100
40GB iPod: $400
Shure E2c Headphones: $150
Canon A40 Camera: $100
Victorinox Swisstool: $80
Atwood Prybaby Proto: $50
Space Pen: $20
Ti Spork: $10
Blair Ti Stylus: $20
Clip-On Sunglasses: $40
Surefire L4 w/McE2S: $210
MiniChamp: $20
Glowring: $10
Photon: $15

FatBoy Total: $1225

Combined Total: $4425 :eek:

EDIT: That doesn't include the rest of my collection either!
 
1. Do you like your life, without the stuff in it? If yes, continue on, if no, there is part of the problem right there.

2. Do you use the stuff that you have, do you have a need for it? If yes, continue on, if no, then you are just accumulating crap that you don't need.

3. If you like your life, and get to use the cool stuff that you have, you are either a) lying to yourself about happiness with 1 & 2, or b) have some issues that we cannot solve here.

I am totally serious.

Best Regards,

Steven Garsson
 
Sproles,

Most people in the US have more than they need, even if they aren't into gadgets and gear. You have concentrated on yours toys, but look around your house and I'll bet you find you have more crap than you think. If you're going to try and simplify your life, don't limit yourself.

We live at ground zero for last year's hurricanes. We planned to stay through Jeanne, but there we some dire predictions from reasonable sources, so we made an immediate decision to evacuate. Forty minutes after deciding to go, we were wheels up. We took our important papers, laptop, one bag each, and our dog. It was disconcerting to leave a lifetime's worth of sentimental and irreplacable things behind, possibly never to be seen again (friends of ours left the beach with two suitcases each, and that is all that they got to keep, as their condo was demolished). The truth though, is that even if we had packed nothing and just got in the car and left, we would have had everything that was truely important.
 
Doesn't matter what you have, it's where your priorities are.
It all comes back to the old adage: Do you own your possessions, or do they own you?
I'm a "gear nut", and have lots of cool stuff that I've spent many thousands of dollars on that I don't really need. I like having this stuff. There is more stuff I would like to have. But it's just stuff. If I lose all of it tomorrow, I'm not going to be devastated by the loss, because the loss really isn't that great. I think that is a healthy perspective.
If this stuff controls your life rather than enhancing your enjoyment of it without interfering with the important things, that is not healthy, and in that case, yes, you have a problem.
 
I'm as guilty as anyone when it comes to accumulating material goodies. I think sometimes the process of wanting then obtaining a toy is merely a distraction from looking more deeply into life. I was once asked the question: What is more important to you, to have or to be?
I'm not sure if I have an answer. But as several have said, it is all just stuff. In a couple of scary moments I've had a glimpse of how unimportant any of it is compared to life itself but mostly I'm a materialistic slug.
 
David, start making your own toys and you will find that there is less and less that you want. Ok, maybe less that you want in the way of toys.....but wait, then there's that new set of toys that you need to make the toys that you want to make......hmmm, this could go on forever! :D
 
Taking Bible interpretation is a very personal part of your spiritual life. It may have to do with some message being given to you, or your needs of the time..but can also be influenced by others. Your interpretations may evolve as the more you seek knowledge, or change from reflections, or applications to your own life. I'd like to leave such a personal aspect for you to work out with your own faith and beliefs.

I can offer you this I think, as my way of offering some help. I think it's okay to aspire to excellance, whether its in what you do, own, or seek. Everyday, we are to live life to our fullest. If you find contentment...I think its temporary...or should be. Why would you want total, neverending contentment? You'd never aspire for new life and challenges..or higher achievements. We can feel contentment at the end of a good meal, or a job well done, or as the final ownership of some new possession. But...stop there? .....I think you know the answer is to continue to strive for better.
If you are feeling guilt, regrets, find yourself obsessing...to any negative influance...it could be your time of checks and balances. A natural order to maintain health and happiness in a positive way.

Holy Scriptures will talk of many/all things Human....its like a Factory manuel in my opinion. I learned you can't dwell on just a few Scriptures...you have to keep a larger picture...and not apply too much literally. You could end up like a Hypochondriac reading a Medical book.

Christ Himself wore a robe of the finest thread quality of the time. It's okay to seek the best you can afford, or obtain...but don't use it to show off or brag, because you would be violating other wise instruction to healthy behavior, or causing others to feel a number of negative things. As you become more successful...become more helpful to others less fortunate...in however you can in your own best way...and I'm sure your success will continue.
All things in moderation?? seek the best, but you have to answer to yourself what is your motivation, and what do you seek to achieve from your efforts. And are you unduly sacrificing good things for this goal. You have to watch out for coveting, lust, greed, gluttony, etc. but I don't see anything wrong with..."he who dies with the most toys...wins!" If someone becomes that blessed, and were relatively righteous getting there(as much as any person could ever be) whats the problem?? Bully for them...someone is going to end on top...as much as in the Day of Judgement...there will be the masses in the middle...and someone will be the biggest looser...too.

There is also needed reflection, on are you being negatively influenced with your "material gain?" Book of Revalations will warn of being consumed by the "cares of the world." Here is when you focus so much on your physical life you are sacrificing balance, and can't see the more important things going on that should have your greater attendtion. What are the values you place on things....if that new more expensive object controls you...it's time for some checks and balances...which I think you are seeking now.

I like the Pirate creed...."take all ye kin git..n' give nuttin' bak !" Don't give up anything you've worked so hard to get...and don't loose the lust for life. Maybe your next list will also include great things you've achieved with out money..and which value can't be measured in dollars. If you've accumulated some very nice things in life..you have a lot of nice qualities that helped you get them...and I hope you continue to be blessed.
 
As my wife would say it's just "stuff"
"what the h am I going to do with it when you die?" , "I don't care what it's worth"
Oh, in case you're wondering, she doesn't buy shoes, clothes, expensive make up etc. she spends all her money on the kids and maybe things for her home office, since she work's out of the home. (that get's expensed) We're sending them to camp etc.
So, it's all my "stuff" in the house, vintage guitars, vintage cameras, krell amps, quad speakers, power tools (for work, but still valuable).
The only "stuff" we own together is rental property and that saved us in some lean times. Try renting a guitar out and see if it pays the bills.
 
Growing up my parents where pac rats. Let's save this rusty deform screw because we might need it again kind. I don't accumulate to much, and every so often I get the urge to get rid of stuff that i do have.

Having less money helps, so maxing out your pre tax 401K or IRA will help. I think we all are guilty of spending more we we have more cash.
 
Stay away from the internet, too much information on too many things that you'll want to buy. ;) Places especially like this is bad for you, and I'm sure it has helped fuel my obsessions over G&G.

At least you're all working and have the $$$ to back it up. What else are you going to do with money? :rolleyes:

Good luck.
 
I've always believed that a person is either content with what they have or they are not, that it does not depend upon what they own. If one's happiness rests on acquiring new possessions--well, there will always be something newer and shinier than what you already have.

My new purchases are usually* purpose-driven. If what I have meets my needs, then I don't need a new one. The time to buy a new [whatever] is when my current [whatever] is damaged or is no longer able to serve its intended purpose.

*I say "usually" because occasionally I'm weak and fall victim to the little kid inside that just has to have that new gizmo in the virtual store window. Then Mommy spanks him, sends him to bed without supper, and withholds his allowance for a week...
 
jamstutz said:
My new purchases are usually* purpose-driven. If what I have meets my needs, then I don't need a new one. The time to buy a new [whatever] is when my current [whatever] is damaged or is no longer able to serve its intended purpose.
I]
Click to expand...

Well said. I'm of two minds. Can you do with one of... (knife, wristwatch, etc.)? Pick one each, use it. Conversely, if you are serious about something, attempt to acquire a collection [one of every silver dollar type made, complete (non-first-edition) works of Mark Twain, whatever floats your boat]. These are not my passions, just examples. I try to do both and avoid random gadgetry.

Sprole, I may be out of line, but am assuming no kids? Maybe try collecting one of each ;) . I am pretty sure this will cut down on "unnecessary materialism."

End transmission.

Awaiting massive flamage.
 
What you have has nothing to do with who you are. Forget about the toys for a moment and think about what you DO. If you aren't content with the way you live your life, make changes there as you see fit, but don't think it has anything to do with possessions. Even a rich man can have integrity. :)
 
jw556 said:
Well said. I'm of two minds. Can you do with one of... (knife, wristwatch, etc.)? Pick one each, use it. Conversely, if you are serious about something, attempt to acquire a collection [one of every silver dollar type made, complete (non-first-edition) works of Mark Twain, whatever floats your boat]. These are not my passions, just examples. I try to do both and avoid random gadgetry.

Sprole, I may be out of line, but am assuming no kids? Maybe try collecting one of each ;) . I am pretty sure this will cut down on "unnecessary materialism."

End transmission.

Awaiting massive flamage.
Click to expand...
No flamage - tanks for everyone's thoughts. Actually I have collected one of each - one boy (4) and one girl (7) and that certainly does curtail the play money.

I am going to be, again, more open than many of you probably care for me to be... I have decided that this issue of desire, desire, desire is more than just a fixation on a new blade or light. It actually, for me, is a spiritual issue. I am an active Christian and a HAPPY Christian and as I have learned, we all have our strengths/talents/gifts and we all have our weaknesses and shortcomings. For instance, I do not understand why some people struggle with alcoholism...I can have one glass of wine or one beer and be happy with that and call it an evening...however, I know that some people have more of a struggle with that and it is debilitating.

I do not liken/compare my "addiction" to gadgets to that addiction to alcohol, drugs, porn, etc. - please don't mistake that, however, I do see the process and understanding the same. I don't understand how someone has to have a hit of "herb" just like that same person does not understand why I have 2 $350 knives and I want another one. Do you see the similarities?

I appreciate ya'lls thoughts, and I agree with you that I need to ask the question, "Do I own them, or do they own me?" To be honest, and this is why I believe this to be a spiritual issue for me, I am afraid that they are beginning to own me. I hope that I have caught this issue early enough that I do not have to go into de-tox (ie. SELLING it all!)

Thanks for your thoughts and I look forward to more of them...

David
 
I hope that I have caught this issue early enough that I do not have to go into de-tox (ie. SELLING it all!)

No, you don't, but you might want to rotate your focus from time to time. Enjoy the hobby, but trade some knives for others, rather than fixating on the individual pieces of equipment.
 
I like stuff, and no it doesn't own me, I simply like it. As I have said before, I do get OC, but then it passes, and I still have cool stuff. :D

Why in the hell would we flame you? You're not an asshole.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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