54) Memories vs Possessions

Memory: Seeing Kobe Bryant live for one last time during his NBA retirement season. Video shown below was recorded on January 7, 2016. (All eyes on Kobe as usual.)

Possession: My shoe collection. Video shown below was recorded on August 4, 2014. (Most of these shoes are gone now.)

Memories last forever. (Unless I get Alzheimer's, once I get older or something.) I believe it is better to remember great memories than to collect "top of the line" possessions. For instance, I rather go on a road trip across America some day than aim for a Tesla car (even though I cannot afford it in my lifetime).

Possessions usually either get damaged, replaced, or kept. It is an ongoing cycle. For instance, my first ever video game console growing up was Nintendo 64 (given to me as a Christmas gift from my parents). A few years later, I owned another video game console, Sega Dreamcast. Then, I was given an Xbox, and so on.

Lately, I have looked at possessions differently. I barely shop these days. (At a Nike store, I saw a cheap Roger Federer hat. Surprisingly, I did not buy it. That's a progress.) Also, I am continually donating my possessions, such as my clothes, shoes, and etc.

​(I still get attached to them. Before, I would never donate any of my possessions at all. I'm learning to let things go.) Back in the day, I honestly wanted the best shoes to impress people. (I wanted to fit in. Also, I thought wearing Kobe's shoes will make me play like him. I was brainwashed by the commercials.)

Why have I looked at possessions differently? One of my close friends recommended me to watch this Netflix documentary, "Minimalism." (I enjoyed watching it.) It has given me a clear understanding about owning less possessions. Here is its trailer shown below.

Obviously, we are a consumerism country. Everywhere, we get brainwashed 24/7, even myself.

Why memories have mattered to me more than possessions?

​My sister passed away in May 2003. (I wrote a blog post about her, "Happy Birthday, Sister.") My parents and I are planning to sell her car. A few days before my sister died, she told me something like, "Michael, if something happens to me. Just take care of my belongings. Figure out what you want to do with them." Now, I do not mind about selling her car. Importantly, I will always remember our great moments together. (That's what only matters.) I love you, Sister.

One of my most recent memories was going on a 2-week Europe trip. (No need to talk more about it, since I have already written a blog post, "My 2-week Eurotrip.") It has given me a huge perspective about appreciating different cultures and their history. For now, I rather witness more history (explore the world) than buy a "dream" house (settle down).