Well for those of you living in the GVRD you will understand all too well why this is my post today.  31 hours with no electricity after a wind storm!  In the grand scheme of things, not really a big deal but that depends on your level of preparedness.  I think the majority of people were caught off guard because of the drought and the fact that it's AUGUST!!!

Looking on the positive side, it was a good dry run before the potentially hard winter comes a knockin'. How ready were you?  
How well did your family members, young and old deal with being out of their comfort zone? 
How comfortable were you or your family without the telly, wii, cell phones, hand held game devices, internet etc? 
Was it ok but strange to sit and play cards or board games by candle light? Aside from the candle light maybe this is something to work on.  
Why is our down time so dependent on things that isolate us and stifle our social skills?  

You may reason, 'no problem, if I don't have those things I'll be fine.  They aren't necessities.'  Correct, but they represent a large part of our norm.  To not have them, for some, is disconcerting.  Why not block some time or evenings, week ends without these things so that they don't represent security and stability for us and our families?  We can appreciate their role in our lives but they do not deserve the responsibility, privilege or power of  deciding whether we are ok, having a good time or what we talk about.

Take a second and think of what simple to do's could make it easier on all of you next time.  
Personally, I will have more batteries to hand, the odd sizes included.  
An extra battery for each powerful flashlight. 
I will move the camping stove up to our main living space instead of storing it with all the camping gear in the storage unit downstairs.  There was no way to see enough to get it out for use. 
I will have all candles, matches and paper dishes at the front of the cupboard on the top shelf.  There was no hot water to wash dishes and the dishwasher starts to smell after being full for more than a day.
I will do my best to charge all my devices each night so they are ready to go.  
I will check regularly that my emergency charger is charged.

All common sense but not at the forefront of our mind until we're in the situation.  Learn from your procrastination and get it done.  That is your challenge this month my friends, one level of your emergency preparedness.  Don't get overwhelmed and take on every possible scenario.  Focus on one level for this week or month.

Security Clutter -' what is that when it's at home?' you may ask.  Good question, the answer is as varied as it's victim.  In general terms it's the accumulation of stuff, clutter, bunf so that you feel you have a physical barrier between you and the big bad world out there.  

Depending on your level of your emotional vulnerability, the amount of the stuff creating the barrier, like jenga pieces, grows or shrinks - but usually grows.  Somehow it is regarded as a marker of a safe haven, like a castle moat. 


Sadly, though you may feel this is a protection for you or your family, it is an illusion.  Besides the basic common sense security measures we can put in place in case of emergency, the sheer volume of material goods we may feel represents security can in reality do nothing to truly alleviate risk in our lives.  
What it does do though is serve as a life stopper.  It prevents you from living your life to the full, living as a free person not a prisoner, inviting people, relationships and experiences into your life.  It holds you ransom to a life worth living.  It denies you the head space necessary to embrace all these avenues.  In short, it becomes your master.


You may shrug this off as something that does not apply to you.  I hope that is the case.  You may know someone you care about who suffers from this problem.  The clutter can manifest itself in many forms - books, food, alcohol, dishes, clothes etc.  


Our culture is manipulated into believing that material acquisitions represent a whole lifestyle, invincibility and even happiness.  We all know this is not the case but the pull is so strong to buy into that way of thinking.  Sit still for a moment and consider the qualities you possess as a person that are proof of your personal security capacity.  If you draw a blank, ask someone who knows you well and loves you. You will be pleasantly surprised at the inner rock you really are.


Time to sort it out - most probably with the help of a trusted support system (friend, family member, professional).  Step by step, no ripping off the band aid here if you really want it to be sustainable with minimal trauma.  The point is, recognise it and begin.  If only to begin you will feel immense relief.

Clutter manifests itself in many insidious forms.  In my opinion and experience, financial clutter is one of the top worsts.  It can over run your mental and emotional energy and space.  

By financial clutter I am not just referring to crippling credit card or consumer debt.  I am also acknowledging the stress that too many bills, too many bank accounts, too many investments or other can wreak.  

Firstly, I will discuss the elephant in the room, aka consumer debt.  This one is a hard one for people to admit to.  Although the average consumer debt per person in Canada is $27 000, everyone adopts a disapproving demeanor when the subject is brought up projecting the myth that it couldn't possibly apply to them.  It's always 'other people'.  

How cultural is our clutter?  Interesting question.  Is it a different phenomenon here in Canada compared to Europe?  

After many years living in Europe I think I would lean towards yes, primarily - I'll explain.  Now keep in mind this is only based on my experience so take it for what it is.  

Obviously in major European cities the living space is considerably less than here in Canada.  Although the average size of affordable housing here is changing rapidly hence the proliferation of storage facilities, (more on that later).  The main thrust or feeling towards material possessions there is first and foremost function.  Not the drab, beige functionality of a communist ideal that may spring to mind.  The functionality injected with an appreciation for the aesthetic.  The purpose of the object is served well but is also pleasing to look at - a little spark of je ne sais quoi.

There is also the mixture of old and new, vintage and modern, sentimental and serviceable.  This balance is achieved by a certain ease and contentment of our place in time.  Space is limited and therefore so is stuff.  Life is not about living in a cocoon and needing everything you may ever want to experience within your 4 walls. It is more geared to getting out there, doing things, experiencing art, history, people (and people watching which is very under rated!). Development of the spirit as opposed to focusing on what our lives look like to other people from the outside.  

Back to rental storage facilities - these of course serve a purpose, but sadly, they contribute greatly to the myth that more stuff is the secret to an amazing life.  Well, let's do the math.  The starting price in the greater Vancouver area is $75/month for the smallest unit which measures 5.66 metres cubed.  

$75 x 12 months =$900

That is the smallest unit, so not a full ceiling height and it's stacked on other units.  Think carefully about the things you are planning on storing.  Are you storing them because you need temporary storage in between moves or are you storing them because it's easier than dealing with each item and making a decision about its final fate?  Only you can answer that question, but  please, when you do, be honest like you've never been before.  

To help put it in perspective think in these terms:

How much of your credit card or other debt could be reduced by $900?
Which holiday could you start planning if you had $900 to put towards it?
How many groceries could you buy for $900?
How many facials/pedicures etc could be enjoyed with $900?
Which sport, hobby or lessons could be paid for with $900?
Could you start an emergency fund with $900?
Could you start an RESP account for your child/children?

Your life, your choice - just be sure you are making a well thought out choice for you.

 

"Don't let your happiness depend on something you may lose."  C.S. Lewis

Wise man.  Think about it.  What does your happiness depend on?  Is it dependent on things material or soul food - people, experiences, values, faith that feeds the soul?  

Depending on your answer, honest answer to yourself that no one else will question, you may want to shift your perception and importance of happiness in your everyday life. 

Notice he says, 'something you may lose'.  This does not apply to people, we are talking about material possessions.  

Have you ever felt a strange sense of relief when something has broken or been lost?  Not that you would wish it to happen but once it has there is little to be done.  We think, and are manipulated into thinking that we will feel more secure with more possessions but alas, it is not always so.  The more things the more maintenance a.k.a. more work.  When things are not an issue due to an outside force it can be quite liberating.

Do you really need to wait for the outside force?