Trinketism
Reflecting on my consumerist habits.
I have such mixed thoughts and feelings on trinkets.
Tldr: I love art and things that add personality, but this shit fr not sustainable. Need to be more conscious about purchasing!
I love having small little collections that bring me happiness when I look at them. I also enjoy the action of acquiring trinkets; I love looking for these small items at stores because I can imagine that it's my own little treasure hunt. I also love supporting artists and the art community as a whole when I can (when thinking about the pricey sculptures and stickers I get).
But, the urge to collect, to buy, to consume, is it too much? Sometimes, there's a subconscious urge and need to keep buying. I get feelings of obligation to buy something when I walk into a store and guilt when I leave empty handed. I'm currently thinking of buying wall and floor shelves to display these items. Essentially, I'm buying something so that I can buy more things. Is it simply the action of purchasing and bringing something "new" home that I am addicted to?
However, I find delight in the fact that my friends can see something in passing and be reminded of me (I'm also told that I'm easy to buy gifts for which makes me glad). I love adding personality to my items. But I have to reflect, am I truly collecting trinkets for the small joys or am I doing it to justify a purchase?
I also understand that a small part of me also likes spending on these trinkets because the act of spending, having ownership of my own money, having the money to spend, generates dopamine.
There's a conflict forming in my purchasing motives
- Having all these trinkets is not adding to my whimsy or personality, I am simply contributing to over-consumption
- Minimalism is bleak, boring, shows a lack of personality, and individualism. Having these little stuff adds joy to a bleak life!
This is next day me speaking.
I believe the joy of having small little trinkets are likely less than the joy of creation. Instead of buying some small lil clay dude, why don't I try making it? One of my new years resolution was to start sewing. Instead of buying stuff to simple have and collect, I should use my money to make something! Or use what I have to make something! I think being more tied to the stuff I have by being it's creator will also let me sit down and enjoy my clutter more. The level and quality of happiness is definitely different.
Oh I love my tomato frame.