Having everything breeds isolation.
Except maybe if having everything includes owning a beach house, then I’ve heard you may never experience isolation again.
A beach house we once rented had a sign in the kitchen that read:
“You never know how many friends you have until you own a beach house.”
My neighbor used to have a bumper sticker on the back of his pick-up truck.
“Yes, this is my truck. No, I won’t help you move.”
I get the frustration behind those sentiments. They both seem to be reacting against a feeling of being taken advantage of.vBut without veering into taking advantage of people, I think owning everything ourselves can limit opportunities to connect and create community.
As I was going through my cleaning supplies today, I came across a dryer vent cleaning kit. Many, many years ago a neighbor friend and I split the cost of the kit. I have no idea why we decided to split the cost of a dryer vent cleaning kit, but we did. And now a couple times a year, one of us will text the other,
“Hey, do you have the dryer kit?”
And we’ll trade it back and forth.
Over the years we’ve also traded camping equipment, kayaks, life jackets, crock pots, and countless other items. Usually, those trades end up including a front porch or kitchen table conversation, sometimes over a cup of coffee.
I love those conversations.
Each exchange then becomes an opportunity for connection we might not have if we both owned it all ourselves.
I love this concept of relationship and community through shared stuff, instead of owning everything.
Less stuff taking up room in our garages and basements, more shared coffee and conversation.
Sign me up.
Uncovering Real 