My most valued material possessions and their importance in my life

Materialism: Appreciating the Real Worth of Material Objects

Of all the material items I possess, the object which I value the most is undeniably my cell phone. It is my constant companion. It is the first thing I use in the morning to check my email and Facebook page and it is the last thing I turn off at night. With my cell phone, I can contact my friends and family. I can ask for help when faced with an emergency. I can take pictures with it; surf the Internet for information; I can even shop and get directions from my phone. A close 'second' would be my iPod. My entire musical life is contained within this small device: the songs that inspire me; conjure up great memories; get me 'revved up' to work out. It also gives me the ability to discover new songs and instantly download songs I have enjoyed hearing on the radio and want to listen to again and again. My iPod provides the soundtrack of my life. The final material item which I possess of great value is my bank account and the money contained within it: I am very proud of the money I have saved over the years, storing away what I have in a bank account.

I do not think that I personally am too attached to material objects for the sake of displaying my wealth (or lack thereof). But I know if I were to give up my cell phone, this would substantially inhibit the quality of my life. First of all, I have many people who are near and dear to me with whom I cannot imagine not being able to communicate with on daily basis. Of course, I could visit them but I live too far away to meet face-to-face in many cases. Phone conversations can be time consuming in our busy lives. Unlike a phone call, I can keep in touch with all of my friends, from all of the facets of my life on Facebook. I also think my life is enriched as well as made easier with the information I am able to access online. My life would also be much poorer without music as well -- yes I could listen to CDs, but my iPod allows me to listen to a much larger and diverse mix of tunes. It is also very handy to use when working out, versus other types of listening devices. And the cash I have saved is very valuable -- it will hopefully give me some financial independence in the future. Earning money enables me to do things than I would be able to do otherwise, either to save for an education or simply to enjoy myself with friends. Having money makes me feel independent, as if I am earning my keep and do not have to be reliant upon others. I do not feel guilty about the material possessions I value because all of them are used to enhance the quality of my life, and I do not desire them for the sake of having material items alone. I value these material possessions because of the intangible benefits of friendship, joy, and opportunity they convey to me.