Why we love things?

We see beauty in certain objects that others don't. These are the things we own. Worldly things, sure. Nevertheless, they have the power to raise a tsunami of emotions within us. No, I'm not talking about your smartphone. Leave aside the fake thrill of scrolling. Instead, let’s take a journey of self-discovery through the lens of everyday treasures.

These are the things that take us down memory lane and reveal many secrets about ourselves. Don't believe me? Let me start with my list of treasures. Perhaps, they’ll spark a memory or two of your own.

Here are some of the things I own and love:

The silk carpet 

This carpet lay next to my old bedroom window overlooking the ocean. We had placed a yellow armchair on one corner of the carpet. It was my writing corner.

Each morning, soon after I settled down to write, Vodka, my beautiful Golden Labrador came huffing and puffing and threw himself on the soft, silk carpet.

He loved all things soft - sheets, carpets, cushions. But he came here, not just to enjoy the smooth fibre but to be next to me. Sometimes, he would get up and rest his face on my lap, his innocent eyes speaking to me. Most times, he'd just lie there, quietly. His presence always brought a sense of calm to my chaotic mind.

He's not with me anymore but this carpet still holds some of that magic. I replicated the ‘yellow armchair on the carpet’ setting when we moved houses.

No matter how overwhelming the day is, I feel a sense of calm emanating from it.

I know what you're thinking...it's all in my mind. And that’s perfectly fine. As long as this corner brings me peace, I'll cherish the memory it holds. It's a reminder that those we love never truly leave us.

Sometimes through things we own and love.

The watch on my wrist

It's neither a fancy Rolex nor the latest Apple watch. I wear with pride, my Garmin, a runner’s watch. The last bit is probably the biggest reason I love it. It helps me maintain a runner's identity.

It's rugged and sporty. It doesn't come with a touch screen. It doesn't go well with dresses, but I never want to get it off my wrist. It has everything I need and nothing more. It's been through training runs and marathons with me. It has seen my best. It has seen my worst. And I'd like to believe, it's going to see my bests yet to come. 

My favorite pencil

It’s not just any pencil. It’s beige with a gold-colored top that holds a small pearl-white eraser. It is truly ‘aesthetic’, as my teenage daughter would call it.

What I like the most about it is the smoothest writing experience. As I hold it in my hands, it’s almost impossible to not write something. Writer’s block? Not with my Palamino Blackwing (the name of the pencil brand).

It serves as a reminder of how much I enjoy writing. ✍️

'Best mom in the world' cards

One of the perks of being a parent is the constant shower of love from your kids.

Besides the unlimited source of hugs, my kids always make it a point to write me a card. Birthday, an anniversary, or Mother’s Day, I’m always looking forward to what their cards read. The longer their notes, the more I cherish them.

From crayons to watercolors, their cards have come a long way. I like to stick them to the inside of my closet where I can always see them.

A constant reminder of the endless love and more-than-I-deserve praise! 🤗 🤗

A pair of earrings

When I was little, my dad was in the Air Force and often went on a TDY (Temporary Duty Assignment). Those were the days without smartphones. Even the landline phone calls were not an everyday thing. So every time my dad came back, we couldn’t contain our excitement.

From one of these TDYs, my dad got my mom these beautiful, dangling earrings. I loved them! 😍 My mom saw the sparkle in the eyes of her 8-year-old girl. And she never forgot.

The earrings were big for me then. Imagine my excitement when she passed them on to me when I turned 18.

I treasure them even now as they bring back happy childhood memories every time I wear them.

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They say materialistic things don’t matter. But sometimes, a rug can remind you of a loved one. A handwritten note can make your day. A pencil can spark the writer in you. A watch can inspire you to run. And a pair of earrings can echo the love that surrounds you.

No wonder we love things. 

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So what are the things you own and love? What is it that has no soul but brings a smile to your face? Please comment or respond to this email. I would love to know. ❤️