Sometimes I really feel anti-capitalist. I don’t want to buy things, but here in the west it seems like we only have value if we are consuming. But don’t get me wrong, I love the dopamine hit that comes from a new purchase, especially food. I love me a trip to a grocery store, but not just any grocery store, a fancy bougie grocery store.
When my son was sick, on the good days in between vomit and fever we would run to the grocery store… my favourite guilty pleasure when crap hits the fan. Whole Foods. I love that place, its beautiful and it smells good. More importantly when I indulge with WF’s items I tell myself that its better somehow, which I know is complete lies. But I love it. Heck, even my son likes to go there. But that maybe because we always come away with a snack.
This past sickness was particularly bad, and we hopped into the car multiple times to grab something delicious for either snack or lunch. And I may have bought chocolate cake and chocolate covered pretzels too… but that’s a secret between you and me. In between the kale and the free-range eggs, I hid the chocolate cake… but shhhhh. Don’t tell my partner.
It also doesn’t vibe with my anti-capitalist feelings…but if it doesn’t just feel so good to bo to a beautiful place when you’re feeling crummy and get that sweet dopamine hit.
But I’ve been thinking about buying more experiences than things. Because things just collect dust and eventually get thrown out. But experiences? Those can create very powerful narratives about our lives.
Take for example giving birth to a child. I was perusing through this site and I love how she writes about being there for the experience of birth and everything related. She talks about pelvic floor physio, night care for newborns, and has suggestions for labour. Talk about a treasure trove of knowledge surrounding birth.
I really think that more people should take more care into planning for their births. It’s a massive moment in a life with severe repercussions if something goes south. It’s so important to have someone there just for you, someone experienced and knowledgeable about the process of removing a baby from your body.
But then is paying for experiences more capitalistic? Because it isn’t tangible? Because no one else can see it? But then again who cares about what other people think? The randos that I see day in and day out have no say in my life neither do they contribute to my financial security. So why would I care about something that I cannot control? Ugh…
Eh dans ma maison I hope to fill with not only beautiful things, but also beautiful experiences for everyone who should enter its doors. Chao!