Who Owns Whom?
There is a cost to the people and things in your life. Do they still serve you?
“Things you own, end up owning you.” — Tyler Durden, Fight Club
Be careful what you keep... and the company you keep.
All of them will own you to some degree.
Do you serve them?
Or do they serve you?
Are you objective enough to know the difference?
I once owned a home at Lake Anna, Virginia. It all started with a lot upon which I built a house. It was modest. But it was perfect. If ever a home had a heart, this one did.
At first, I served this home. I put down a large sum of money for the lot and then the home. It took time to build. I waited patiently, sustained by my dreams of warm summers with family and friends.
When the home was finished, it served me and my family. My daughter played away her summers there. She roamed the lake and lakeside with her friends. My family spent many glorious summer days and nights in this cozy little home.
But alas, my daughter grew up. Life grew hectic. This lake no longer drew her attention... nor my wife’s. I would go only once or twice a month myself to mow the lawn and maintain the home. I longed for what once was, but time moved on.
Once again, I served this home. Maintaining a boat, jet ski, tractor and so much more became an unwelcome chore. There were no more fun days in the summer sun to balance the ledger. So with a heavy heart, I sold the home and all of its contents.
I think about that wonderful little lake house often. I often replay the many memories my family made there. What I wouldn’t give to experience them first hand again, but it is not to be. I cannot live in the past, for then it will own me and betray my future.
Is everything in your life serving you? People? Things? The past? There is a cost to holding on. Make sure they serve you as much as you serve them.
🤔 Food for Thought:
What no longer serves you?
Why are you still holding on?
What could you make room for by letting go?
⚙️ One Small Step:
When you find yourself dreading someone or something, ask yourself why. What is the cost to you? And what is the gain? Does this person or thing no longer serve you? Even when giving of yourself to others with no expectations, you should still derive joy in the giving.