Ownership Is Overrated
I’ve always loved fireplaces. There’s something about the smell of burning wood permeating the cold winter air. A plume of smoke ascends towards the bright white stars and cozy visions of warmth heat our hearts.
When looking to buy a house, a fireplace was one of the intangibles that went into the decision-making process. My dream was recognized when I proudly lit my own fireplace (after several failed attempts). That was last year. Do you know how many times I’ve used my fireplace in 2010?
Four.
Four times.
And it’s been a cold winter in the northeast!
I’ve come to learn that I actually enjoy other people’s fireplaces more than my own. I get all of the aromatic goodness without any of the maintenance and worry.
As I write this I am sitting in the work cafeteria. I am staring out at an endless sea of parking lots, low-lying beige buildings riddled with black mold and all sorts of electrical contraptions that are probably giving us all cancer.
It’s not a nice view.
The building I work in is pleasing on the eyes, but since I’m inside of it most of the time, I don’t get to experience it. Instead, I’m looking at other buildings – and I don’t like what I see.
So what’s all this blabbering about fireplaces and buildings?
My point is that the view is important. Just because we don’t have “ownership” over something doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it.
For example, if you take a walk through a beautiful neighborhood, don’t worry about living there – simply enjoy the limited time you get to take it all in. For those few minutes it IS yours.
Ownership is overrated. Just ask my fireplace.
What do you think?