The Joy Of Not Buying, Not Selling Anything

It is clear to visitors to this blog that I am not into buying anything, but what is less promoted is that I am not big on selling anything either. I am also a willing participant in the unpaid economy as all the work I currently do is without monetary compensation.

For all the armchair psychiatrists, I don't have chrometophobia (fear of money). It is more like a commerce or shopping phobia, except that it isn't a fear as much as a general distaste for buying and selling stuff.

I have no problem shopping for things I need, like groceries or guitar strings, but I can't get motivated for buying much beyond that. I feel like every unnecessary thing I buy reduces my liberty. Why would I work to make money so I can pay for less freedom?

I am even less motivated to sell things. I am told it can be fun, and lots of people enjoy the thrill of the transaction and resulting monetary reward. Not me. I would rather just give stuff away. I have enough, therefore selling things holds no advantage for me - I don't want or need more money.

Besides, giving things away feels better to me than selling them. It is said that if you are feeling helpless, the best way to feel better is to help someone else. When I give stuff away I feel like I am helping someone else, and that makes me feel helpful rather than powerless.

My neighbour must have caught the vibes of the give-away because, out of the blue, he gave me two pies yesterday. He felt good, I felt great. Our interaction was untainted by something as trivial as money, and therefore held a deeper meaning for both of us.

I am feeling the joy of not buying and not selling anything, and contrary to popular media, others are feeling it too.