Recently, I discovered a new way of learning about myself - by the things I buy/own. I try to avoid materialism (Colossians 3:2, Alma 39:14, D&C 6:7) so I don't mean "I am what I buy". I like aesthetically pleasing and good quality things like most people, but I try to use, enjoy, and take care of them without becoming attached to them. What I discovered is: My possessions don't define me, but sometimes they describe me.
Case in point: this purse
I spent about an hour in Macy's trying on dozens of purses, comparing color, price, size, material, etc. I walked out with the most expensive purse I've ever owned (with $1.84 left on my gift card!) and was really unsure whether I would keep it because it is SO different from all my previous purses. Over the next 10 days, it really grew on me! I realized this purse is basically me in accessory form. It describes me perfectly, or at least what I'm striving to be.
Here are the 10 ways:
1) Colorful: I love bright rich (vs. neon or pastel) colors. I feel like my life has exploded in color since I moved to DC (see my DC to the Fullest blog). Life is more vibrant and colorful here than I've experienced in China, Guam, Seattle, or Utah. My closet and bedroom reflect this - bright blocks of color against stabilizing neutrals. I'm very multicultural so 3 colors represent me better than 1.
Also, the inside lining is awesome because it represents the many cultures I am influenced by and want to explore; I feel like I carry them inside me.
2) Nice Lines: Not to say I have nice lines haha, but I always try to create nice lines when I dance and pose for pics. I think my dancer's aesthetic causes me to be drawn to simple graceful lines, angles, and arches. My last purse was more of a blob and the one before that had too many lines; this one has a good balance of clean straight and curved lines.
3) Minimal: I don't like fluff or excessive adornment. I hate clutter. This purse doesn't have anything I don't need. I love glamour and accessories but I only wear 1 or 2 at a time so they stand out and complement instead of distract or overwhelm. I like the idea of being "neat and comely" (Alma 1:27).
4) Genuine: Don't know if you can tell from the pictures but the purse is genuine leather. I didn't know until I checked the tag yesterday so I was pleasantly surprised :) I think this represents me well because I am super straightforward and honest (sometimes to a fault). What you see is what you get. I try to be my real self to everyone because it's exhausting trying to keep up a false image, and people can always tell if you're faking it anyway (like faux leather).
5) On-the-Go: I'm active and I value functionality. I got tired of holding my purse (clutch purses are the worse) and always having to pull up the straps, especially when I'm carrying groceries or taking pictures. With this purse, I can say "Look, Ma! No hands!" Loving it :)
6) Compact: Prioritization is a big theme in my life right now. There are so many things I want to do but time and money seem so scarce. Once again, I'm trying to streamline my life, invest in what really matters (see "Prioritizing 'Things That Matter Most'" post) and fulfills me (2 Nephi 9:51), and cut out the excess (see "The Big Rocks of Life" by Stephen Covey). This is easier said than done but getting a smaller purse lightens the burden on my back, literally ;)
7) Unique: I've seen alot of purses and I've never seen one quite like this one. I've also never met another Linda who is Mormon and biologically Chinese but Latin dances and loves African American culture, among other things. I used to resent being unique, but now I embrace it.
8) Adaptable with Preferences: There are 3 rings on the purse and the strap can hook on 4 different ways, with varying lengths and levels of comfort. I mostly keep the strap at the longest length so I can wear it across my body. This is like me socially. I can adapt to various group sizes and situations for varying lengths of time and levels of comfort, but I mostly prefer meaningful 1-on-1 conversations.
9) Efficient/Creative: See the outside zipped pocket? That's a wallet! How brilliant is that?! So convenient in so many ways. I like to shorten and simplify processes to find the fastest and most effective way to do things. Efficiency often requires creativity and I enjoy those opportunities to be creative. I think this attached wallet is very creative.
10) Structured but Flexible: It's not a loose drawstring bag or a stiff briefcase. I like that this purse looks structured but can be stretched a bit to hold different shapes if needed. I need structure and some routine to my life to be productive but I also try to leave room for a little spontaneity or when something important comes up.
Well that was fun! Looking forward to keep learning about myself, others, and the world around me :)
***
Update: November 27, 2013
Alas, I had to get a new purse because this one was just too small for me. On occasions that I needed my camera, glasses case, or a book to read on the metro, I couldn't fit them in without my purse bulging out or my contents almost falling out. Not safe. So I upgraded to this lovely piece -
Almost the same except
- It has more room
- It's one color (easier to match), which I LOVE
- It doesn't have a built-in wallet so I had to dig my old one out
- It has tiny bit of bling, classy not trashy :)
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