(no subject)

[yuuago]

So, years ago, one of my mates gave me some pencils with Moomin characters on them.

I took one look at them, and thought, "These are way too nice to use". And then I put them in a drawer. And they sat there for about a decade.

I just sharpened one. And I'm going to use it for everyday things.

It seems so silly, but it actually felt rather freeing.

See, I've had a lot of experience in the past with relatives giving me nice things that theoretically have a practical function, and then acting all scandalized when I wanted to use those things for their intended purpose. I ended up kind of internalizing the idea of "nice things are not to be used". Which - well, I doubt that's what those relatives intended, but brains are weird.

There is no point in having anything at all if it's just going to sit in a drawer or get shoved to the back of a closet!

...So. I've been trying to enjoy the things I have. Not just these pencils; that's just an example from today. It feels good!

Comments

[hokuton_punch]

May you have lots of fun writing with it! ♥

[yuuago]

I definitely will! xD

Man, I have so many things of this sort sitting around the house (candles, bags, stationery...). I'm glad that I'm finally getting over myself and approaching things differently.

[gramarye1971]

I call this "situational hoarding" -- the bizarre impetus to save things for some nebulous unspecified future time. I'm glad you broke through it here!

[yuuago]

"Situational hoarding" - whoa, that's an excellent term for it. I might have to adopt it. :O

Death tw

[ljwrites]

Not to be morbid, but my mom had a really nice set of white porcelein bordered with gold that she'd only use for special occasions. This is in the past tense because she's been gone for 11 years now and the collection has been divided between my brother's and my houses. Maybe my sister-in-law puts them to better use, but unlike my mom I have no taste for porcelein or dishes so it's basically wasted on me. Kinda puts things in perspective, huh? Life is finite, after all, and anyone who inherits one's things might not appreciate them like the original owner did.

Re: Death tw

[yuuago]

Yeah, true enough!

re: those dishes... one could always put them to regular use, if they were inclined. My gran had a set like that, gold edge and all, but she used it for everyday. Only problem is, you can't put them in the microwave. ;)

Re: Death tw

[ljwrites]

That's a pretty good point, I guess I've inherited my mom's thrifty mindset :D I can't imagine using them to strain my cheap teabags and eat instant noodles off of, to say nothing of sticking them in the dishwasher. I really should get actual use out of them, though, before I also pass on/can no longer live independently and my son is left wondering what to do with half a porcelein set XD

[dhampyresa]

There is no point in having anything at all if it's just going to sit in a drawer or get shoved to the back of a closet!
Yeah! (I struggle with this also, sigh.)

[yuuago]

On the one hand, I'm sorry that it's also a problem that you have. But on the other hand it's nice to know that I'm not alone. :')

[dhampyresa]

Same. And I have to say it's really encouraging to rea dthis post.

[0dense]

that does sound like a good feeling! I'm glad you're enjoying them :)