When you think of all of our ancestors in the millennia before us who did nothing in life but struggle to just survive; to get enough food, to keep a roof over their heads, and provide the same for their families, it can really put the whole thing in perspective.
The fact that we are now able to focus our attentions and energies into something other than just that: on intellectual pursuits, on art, on culture, etc. is what finally has brought us to a higher level of humanity. This is what sets us above the drudgeries of the past, and what our ancestors struggled so hard to achieve. This is what they worked for in the hopes their children could live a better life. And WE’RE HERE! We’re the generations that can finally benefit from their toils and live better lives for it. We honor them all by doing so. I think we should appreciate that as much as possible by investing in the arts and encouraging creativity in ourselves and our children.
I think EVERYONE should have a passion for a hobby! It should be a requirement for a well-rounded, healthy person. It’s also therapeutic and one of the best prescriptions for mental health. There is no better feeling of contentment than ‘being in the zone’ when working on a beloved project. When you are focused on creating something, time has no meaning.
It’s not about just collecting a bunch of stuff, but rather in building something that has some meaning for you or that is evocative. It’s the journey of creating, not the thing itself that is the most real.
Anyway, you don’t need a lot of money to be creative or enthusiastic about something. The possibilities are endless if the will is there. Having less can actually force you to be MORE creative.
If you’ve accumulated too much stuff, like others have said, sell it, give it away or pack it up. But don’t fold up your workbench!
