Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

So there's a tipping point with the thrifting, when you just don't need anything else.

It's hard to acknowledge when it happens, because it's just so hard to pass up great stuff at freaky-cheap prices.

But the point comes when your house is decorated, the closet is full and the kitchen is stocked with dishes and pans.

And it's a very powerful feeling to see something of value that costs almost nothing and pass it up.

Because there's a limit to the amount of stuff anyone needs.

That doesn't mean it's necessary to stop looking. It just means it's not necessary to buy anything. Save it for the next person who deserves a great deal.

How big do our houses need to be? How much space can we really occupy at one time? How many cars can you drive at once? How much does anyone really need? Really?

It's a tree falling in the forest conversation, really. There's no answer.

I don't attempt to hyper-philosophize the action and the great outcome of the thrifting.

But, just like the middle aged woman I saw one day who was dressed in a mini skirt, tall black boots and a shirt a few sizes too small, just because you can doesn't mean you should.

2 comments:

  1. I think one of the problems with thrifting in general is not the aquiring but of the keeping. If you get a great deal on something that you rarely (or never) use you want to justify the great deal so you keep it. I like to recycle and give back as much stuff as I can to the stores I trift at. That way someone else can enjoy it too and my closet doesn't get crazyyyyyy.
    By the way- if you were being retorical please disregard this comment.

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  2. Beth, your comment is completely appreciated and valid! It's good to keep the links in the recycling chain intact once you've appreciated the worth. Thumbs up, and thanks for the great, insightful comment!

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