Stuff. We’ve all got it. And some of us have more than enough to go around. For most of my life, I’ve always tried to keep up with purchasing the latest technology or the latest clothing. But lately, I’ve been questioning my silly desire to acquire such things. What’s the point? Well, to be honest, there is no point. I’ve found that filling my life with experiences is far more fulfilling than a life full of stuff. But how can I possibly find happiness in only experiences you ask? Simple. Travel.
Ever since I started traveling, I have seen and experienced the world like never before. I'm still amazed at how long it took me to grab ahold of life’s experiences. In just over a year of travel, I've learned the importance of living life to the fullest and making the most of my time on Earth. I don’t know when my journey will come to an end, no one does, but what I do know is that I would rather spend my time experiencing life than spend it fussing over material possessions.
Unlike possessions, experiences give us perspective on what truly matters in life. Our experiences not only help us grow but help us reach our potential in life. Whether we realize it or not, experiences shape our lives and help us apply meaning to it, while possessions only distract us from life's true meaning.
Based on my experience, I've found that forging lasting relationships and immersing myself in other cultures are both far more important than worrying about what empty space in my closest I need to fill next. Surrounding yourself with good people and cherishing their company is one of the best ways to experience life.
The more I travel, the more I find myself growing as an individual. Filling my life with experiences has introduced me to some of life's greatest pleasures and has helped me realize how small of a space I occupy on this Earth. It’s easy to get lost in material things. I get it. But what will that new shiny toy mean to you in a week? Nothing, I assume. Then what's the point of filling your life with things you’ll replace in a week when you could be filling your life with priceless memories?
Possessions, I’ve noticed, hold people back from pursuing life-changing experiences. Cherishing possessions over experiences often leave people empty-handed and left with a skewed perspective on reality. Unfortunately, our society is plagued with the desire to possess things. We are never satisfied. Society’s obsession with possessions is alarming because it shields people from experiences.
From breaking away from the societal mold, I've learned the importance of keeping an open mind and the importance of looking past my insecurities. Because that’s all it takes to experience life, a fresh outlook and a willingness to embrace the unknown. People who surrender themselves to their possessions put themselves at a disadvantage because they will never be able to open themselves up to all that the world has to offer. Take it from someone who's chosen to live for creating memories, life is better spent experienced.
Although possessions may serve a short-term purpose, experiences remain with you for a lifetime. The more you fill your life with experiences, the more you will start to realize your purpose in life and the more you will gain confidence in yourself.
I certainly don’t know everything about life, and sadly, I probably never will. But that’s the beauty of experiences, you learn as you go. You learn how to fall and get back up again. How to take a step back and when it’s time to move forward. Filling my life with experiences is the best decision I ever made, and it could also be your next best decision.
