Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge letting go of "STUFF"

Well the move to N.C. is definitely off for at least a couple of years or maybe for good. I'm retired now at 61 and just want to enjoy life a little more and have less "Possessions" that really don't mean so much anymore. It's a strange feeling that after all the years of looking and "having" to have it i am now feeling like "well i've had that" and now its time to let it go to someone who still has that feeling of "needing" to have it. I don't ride much anymore and with not working it's a case of "Well i'd better fire it up" as against letting it sit and deteriorate. I had a 1966 912 Porsche that sat for 27yrs except for a rare startup and in the end it rusted away and deteriorated to a sad state.

My 82 Seca may be up for sale, i have a 5 gallon tank for it (not installed) and another one that needs cleaning up. I go out on the bike "once in a blue moon" and have nowhere special to go so i don't enjoy using it like i used to. I'm also thinking of selling my 2009 Triumph Speedmaster, my 1997 Porsche Boxster 70,000 miles, my 1986 944 Porsche with 60,000 miles on it. My Lathe and mill and tooling and any other spares i have for all of this "stuff" Having all these "possessions" was fine at one time but it seems to become a "burden" and the FUN of owning it all has faded.
I have some wonderful memories with all this "stuff"but have come to a time in my life that things change and take on a different perspective. if anyone is interested let me know. Des.

Des, Be carefull of what you get rid of. I retired young,53,and got bored after 6 years. Had to take a P/T job to get my mojo back. I can understand cutting back on vehicles but selling tools may be a mistake. There is great joy in making things and you may miss the joy after a couple years. You may not want to end up a greeter at Wally World just to pass the time.

I know what you mean, its just that if i can't sell more of the parts i make then they're boat anchors. The "fun" of making parts and fixing broken machinery ( nuclear power plants) is just old hat and instead of enjoying life i'm always looking to make a few more bucks where i can.

The more you earn the more you spend and i know i can get by on less. I even have a 1880's "Gentlemans" wardrobe for sale i brought from England about 10 yrs ago while on vacation there. it's 9 foot tall and 8 foot wide, hand carved and is beautiful.

A slot car set on a 5x10 table i built to put it on.

It's not just the bikes/cars/machines that need to go.
Many of my friends i've worked with for 30 years and have earned a good living like i did don't have all this "stuff", I want to simplify life a bit and not think of what i'm going to do with all this "stuff".
I've been soul searching for a few years now and have enjoyed having lots of "stuff" but would sooner keep the memories of it instead of physically owning it. It takes up less space in your mind.

Des.

Sell everything except the Speedmaster. If you are retired you will need something to do.

You guys are putting a smile on my face, THANK YOU.

I totally understand. I put a lot of time in aquiring specialty woodworking tools, antique sports cars and various motorcycles, all on a budget that most on here would laugh at. Busted my butt. Now, I'm not enjoying the "stuff" much. Haven't worked a board in three years. Thinking of selling a lot of this stuff. I now dream of getting rid of all this stuff and touring the country on a bike, working the occasional job in the occasional place. But my wife needs me and my mom is not in great shape either. Still, I think about it sometimes....

I was under the impression that (based on your other posts) you were going to start making parts for FES. That seems like a reason to keep a bike or 2 around just for set up purposes.

I can only make parts for the Speedmaster and America because i can fit them onto my bike. I've received requests from the owners of different makes such as BMW, Honda and Harley but unless they give me dimensions to work to i can't manufacture it for them.

After my wife saw i was dead serious about "letting go of stuff" and still am, she has "suggested" i keep the Triumph and the machines.

I have been given some work from the manager of the flight line maintenance dept. at UPS. If the tooling i've designed works then i may get some other work from them. I have to stay busy doing something to make money as even though i'm "retired". Actually i was laid off after 33yrs when Edison closed the nuclear plant in San Clemente, Ca. At 61 nobody wants you, so i have to try and keep some cash coming in somehow. After going from earning $120k+ year to $30k if we're lucky, puts a big strain on a relationship.

I think my wife may have realized that she may be included in "letting stuff go". She has been "different" the last few days and i don't want to elaborate further.

I need to get back to being busy again and the more parts i make the better i'll feel.