What causes our collective obsession with all things free? Despite the age-old adage that you get what you pay for, we clamber, especially us Americans, for anything given gratis.
As I have pared down my worldly possessions and moved into a space about the size of a Belltown studio apartment, I now avoid the free stuff. My freedom depends upon it.
Case in point: Fedora Day at the Mariners. I do not generally have a head for hats. No matter the type or style, I tend to end up looking like a chemotherapy patient. While my friend Su looked smashing in her free blue Fedora at the game, I was all ears and chin. In the restroom I met a young woman working at the game, who lamented that employees were not eligible for the giveaway. I took the hat from my head and handed it to her, and she was overjoyed. 
Su seemed surprised by my actions, but I explained, there is no room in my microcosm of a world for free stuff – especially free stuff that does not suit me. Nevertheless, in the old days, before moving into Nellie, I would have held onto that hat for years, uncovering it a decade or so later in the back of the closet during a Spring cleaning.
Last week I was shopping for groceries at Fred Meyer when it was announced over the PA system that a free giveaway was occurring in the furniture section. The Great Exodus from the produce department occurred before my eyes. It was as if Moses himself was leading the charge for the no-charge. Note, it was not specified what the freebie was; it did not matter. Free is free. I gleefully skipped through the produce section all by myself, gathering up my asparagus and cherries, unmolested and undisturbed.
Last weekend I attended a wedding, where the wedding favors were adorable little wood bird houses, all individually decorated and hand-painted. “What a sweet little memento for my little home,” I thought momentarily, until it dawned on me that the memories of the wedding were all I needed, or wanted.
At times I find it hard enough to control the things I purchase. I won’t add to my burden by piling on the free stuff too.
This Post Has 6 Comments
Great post!
I am trying to get into that mode! Luckily, Pinterest has filled a portion of a void for me in the need to collect things. At least the virtual clutter won’t make me fall and hurt myself or anyone else. I need to re-read Marie Kondo’s book that is the new decluttering bible. I have purged quite a lot, but not enough. I did see a wonderful 50’s barbeque that was shaped kind of like a tent and on a really cute cart today that was for free, and I passed on it because I can’t keep it anywhere. Also, because I really don’t NEED it. I wish I had taken a picture of it though. Several years ago, I would definately have had that shoved into the vehicle and stacked it onto some other thing I don’t need. At least it is therapeutic to look and not bring home.
Cocoa, I have shared your comment with many friends about using Pinterest as a substitute for collecting more stuff – it is inspired! Even in my small space I don’t think I would’ve had your resolve to turn away from a free 1950s barbecue. ha ha
So hard to give up that free stuff but it gets easier as each day passes. You don’t need a hat anyway. You have the great hair that matched the hat anyway!
Last week I sold my home..the one I have lived in over 23 years. I am now in the “in-between” at my mothers. Earnest money sent to the Fleetwood Diesel pusher I am buying. Your story speaks to me as it is now my story as well. I have too given Freebies and belongings to others and have found it feels good. I am learning to enjoy happiness with less. It is very empowering. Thank you for your blog.
Laura, congratulations on embarking on this new adventure! I hope it helps to know that all of us full-timers have been through it. It gets much, much easier!