Just in Case There’s No Time: Why We Do What We Fear

As a modern minimalist, I no longer practice the motto of “just in case.” Just in case refers to how modern-day consumers shop and live their lives.

“I’m going to buy two pairs of these jeans instead of one just in case something happens to the first pair.” “I’m going to eat two sandwiches instead of one just in case I don’t get a chance to eat again.” Let’s buy things in bulk just in case we run out because having an extra 11 pairs of socks can’t be anything but good, right?

I’ve been trying very hard every day to live my life “just in time,” only doing or getting the things I need when I need them and not having leftovers to clutter up my mind and my life. I’m not a Costco. I don’t need to bring home two giant bottles of olive oil and I certainly don’t need a 48-pack of toilet-paper, nor do I have anywhere to store it.

There are grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, and gas stations at every corner. You’re never more than five minutes from whatever convenience you could want to have, so why is there an overwhelming need to cushion ourselves in every way possible?

Being an emotional overeater, I am guilty of this type of padding of my life in more ways than those I’ve already described. There are all sorts of reasons for giving ourselves a buffer: wanting to make sure we and our families are taken care of, fear of not having what we need when we need it, or simply wanting to show others that we can have the things that we want.

But what about the ultimate form of “just in case”, children?

A friend of mine recently discussed having a second child because “soon, it won’t be possible anymore.” Now, I know that’s not the only reason she wants to have another child, but where do we draw the line between appreciating what we have and getting things because “soon, it won’t be possible.”

Every child deserves to have parents who want them more than anything, not parents who didn’t want to miss out on an experience they may or may not want in the first place. That’s why I intend to adopt someday…well, one of the many reasons. I’m 28 years old and do not want children of my own at this point in time. A large window of opportunity does not run in my family, but I am not going to try to have a child just because I don’t know how much longer I’ll have before that window closes forever.

Anyway, the moral of the story is this:

I think we should all stop doing things because we fear what would happen if we didn’t do them.

I think we should all start doing things because we want to and they make us happy.

Just sayin.

Tagged as: inspiration, just in case, just in time, minimalism