I got this comment today:
From sarah on Fashion Friday – Organization is Key #
does all that stuff make you happy?
And I felt that I should respond to it.
This is regarding my post from last Friday where I posted pictures of my shoes and my bags.
Sarah, I am not sure whether you meant this negatively or positively, so I am going to just answer this as I see fit and give a brief explanation even though I don’t feel like I need to explain myself or my purchases.
Yes, these things DO make me happy.
I like to surround myself with beautiful things that I know I have worked hard for in my life. And I like to have nice things that haven’t been given to me to buy me off, as was the case when I was a child.
I don’t post my “stuff” to brag or even to allow people to judge me, I post these things because these are the happy things in my life that I can share on the internet.
Do these things define me though?? No.
If I lost these “things” tomorrow would my life still go on? Yes, and it would still be amazing.
I have a lot of wonderful things that make me happy that I don’t share on the internet. I have a wonderful husband of 6 years who I love with my whole heart. I have two adorable cats and my beast of a dog who I love like they are my children. I have my 2 year old niece whom I adore and who made me realize how much I can love a human on so many different levels…I have my family and a beautiful house that me and my little family made into a home. I wake up every morning thankful for being alive and healthy. I go to bed at night knowing that I have made good decisions and have treated people with respect.
Yes, I do spend a bit of money frivolously in between…but I am not the first, and I am certainly not the last. I am being honest about it though.
So, I DO hope I am answering your question – yes, my material things make me happy, but they don’t complete me. They are just something I see looking back at me in the mirror when I look at myself and see how lucky I am to have all the love that I have.
I didn’t mean to pick out your comment, it just struck me and I would hate to think that I project the image of someone who bases their life solely on material possessions.
12 Comments
July 14, 2009 at 3:47 am
Very eloquently answered, Jen.
We work hard, and we DESERVE to buy what WE want with our money and NOBODY has the right to judge you (or anybody) for that.
July 14, 2009 at 3:53 am
Fantastic response.
Seriously, should we feel guilty for enjoying the things we have worked hard to provide for ourselves? Pretty sure I know where that idea can be shoved…but I’m too polite to say
July 14, 2009 at 5:12 am
YOU are ALL class, ma’dear.
I wouldn’t have handled it as well, for sure. I would have looked up the IP addresses of the visitors around the time of the comment, but that’s just me
July 14, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Any person who “actually” knows you knows that your “things” that you love are just that, “things that you love”! There are people in this world who value expensive things, but have no clue about the important things that you wrote about in your response. It does not have to be one or the other. You are fortunate enough in your life to have all of those things. TO EACH HIS OWN is my friggin modo in life. A person’s character, in my opinion, far exceeds ANYTHING else and if I respect a person’s character (which I most definitely respect yours), I just love to see that person happy.
Well put response, beautiful lady!
July 14, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Not surprisingly, handled with complete grace.
July 14, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Like Angie said… to each his (her) own!
These things do not define you, and you have worked hard so you can play hard just as well. Your ‘things’ do not harm anyone and they make you happy which is all that matters.
So many people have their quirks (note – Dave & his 100s of Rubiks cubes/chess boards/computers, etc LOL) but it’s like you said – if everything was taken away WOULD life go on… and the wonderful thing about that is that you realize it…. so many people just get caught up in the material things and would be so lost without their ‘stuff’
You are fantabulous!
July 14, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Hi Jen,
I am new to you – I have been reading your blog for quite some time (quietly) and I feel so strongly about this, I just had to respond. You should NEVER feel anything but pride and love for what you choose in your own life. It is no one else’s business, and if they do not agree with you sharing what makes you happy, why do they read your blog? I loved that entry. I wish I had that closet and was as organized as you. Your possessions are beautiful; it is a hobby and you are sharing it as such. Do not change anything – you are beautiful.
A new friend. Sending hugs your way.
Lee
July 14, 2009 at 8:54 pm
in my opinion, money is meant to be spent – i like nice things too.
July 15, 2009 at 2:18 am
Great response!
July 15, 2009 at 1:45 pm
As always, beautifully put. I hope that person read this and understands you better now. If not, their loss. Love you!
July 17, 2009 at 11:52 am
Mwah! (Just felt like it
)
July 18, 2009 at 3:44 am
You Rock, girl.