One man’s collectible is another man’s junk

What is true is that a clean desk makes a happy worker. Most of all, it has increased my productivity. I don’t have to spend time digging through the pile looking for items I need. And I don’t need to move things around whenever I need space for my handwriting practice.

These are only stuff that belonged to me. I shall not mention the equally ‘impressive’ assortment of things which are not mine. Whether we want to admit it or not, both of us have unwittingly become hoarders. We see practical use in everything, keeping them because they may be useful or needed in the future.

Take the plastic boxes that are used to pack food for example. They are useful for storing and organising knickknacks. However, we have kept one too many and they are all occupying space, gathering dust and generally make the kitchen look messy. Let’s not talk about the many kitchen appliances that have been lying idle for ages.

This spring cleaning has taught me one thing. I can live without many of the items that have been cluttering the house for no reason. I bought them thinking I needed them. There are only so many things one can use at any given time. Where I can make do with one, I don’t need another few of the same.

Having too many possessions is not a sign of affluence. In fact it is a burden that weighs us down. The Dalai Lama expressed this point best when he said: “Physical comforts cannot subdue mental suffering, and if we look closely, we can see that those who have many possessions are not necessarily happy. In fact, being wealthy often brings even more anxiety.”

I can attest to that, having moved houses several times. I have sworn off buying things on impulse. That will save me a lot of money and space. Living a simple and clutter-free life is the way for me now; that is when I have cleared away all that I have accumulated over the past eleven years. I look forward to that day when the house is airy, tidy and spacious again.