Overly Attached To "stuff"

[EveHarrington]

@EveHarrington I'm glad it made you smile, and I'll let him know you said hi...

Thanks! :)

 

[Chava]

I am wondering if other people use things (physical stuff) to make themselves feel safe

Yes, I've needed gadgets and survival gear since I was a little kid ("survival gear" including pocket knives but also things like mini meditation books and little things that have some sort of symbolism to me). I recognize this quite well and actually allow myself my love of gadgets and survival gear items...but the awareness helps me not go overboard. I have certainly had phases of spending too much money on things that I though would help me feel safe or happier. It's not quite materialism, but looking for that safety and connection where others maybe got it through humans and developed it internally. I don't actually have a fear of dying or being trapped somewhere without all my survival gadgets...but probably because it's just such an ingrained habit to have all of this stuff. I'm never without...

As for the gadgets and need to have survival gear everywhere I go, it was added to the list of reasons why I've wondered if I am somewhere on the autism spectrum. But my therapist says it all fits better with my early trauma and also probably attachment disorder features.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I used to have so much stuff when we lived in our cabin in the mountains but we had to move to a smaller place when my husband got sick so I got rid of so many things because I kept telling myself keep it simple and when my husband died I gave so much away, not very smart on my part.

Now I have started over and I am not so much collecting stuff but feel better when I am stocked up on things that I use. It is all in one drawer in my nightstand so it is manageable.

Great thread. I miss my things I gave away and I have regrets now. But I am just focusing on being stocked up on supplies.