are there material things you used to want, that you could now have but don't want anymore?

[sanguine_speed]

I used to want a big diamond ring. Then I thought a more reasonable diamond ring would be nice. Then I had the opportunity to have almost any ring I wanted, and I didn't want one. Between a and b, I learned about the environmental and social justice issues surrounding diamonds and came to know I could not wear a diamond ring. I also thought about the finances, and how many other things we could do with that money. Then for a while I thought we could go with a diamond alternative, either second-hand or artificial, and I realized then I was still supporting the tradition that contributes to the value of diamonds. It feels somewhat amusing that I really wanted a nice diamond ring several years ago, and now I can have one, and don't want one, lol.

Another thing I used to think I wanted was a very big house. Big property, many bedrooms, upgraded everything. Lots of space, gadgets, nice furniture. We just bought a house we call our "dream house". It has 4 bedrooms and a finished basement and an open concept main floor. It is a very good size house for our family. And I wouldn't want any more! It is using up as many resources as I'm comfortable with, costing as as much as I'm comfortable with, and isn't a McMansion eyesore. I also didn't used to know that I would want my kids to grow up with *enough*, rather than overwhelming indulgence. We have enough. We are privileged to have many extras like art classes, music lessons and gymnastics. We have excellent food and appropriate clothing.

I just wanted to share the joy that has come with not wanting. And I wonder whether anyone else has taken this journey?
:

[IncaMama]

yeah, i used to want a green jaguar with tan leather interior. now i want a nice, affordable family car that'll fit my growing brood.

i used to want a huge house too, but now i just want a really old but renovated small/medium home that just fits us, with a decent amount of land so that we can have our own garden and still have room to run around with the kids.

i also used to want an ipod. now i have one and almost never use it. LOL though when i DO use it, i'm glad i have it.

[Evenstar]

When I was finishing up school and looking forward to my first "real" job, I wanted a HUGE designer handbag and was willing to spend 1k on it. I am so glad I didn't waste the money.

I also wanted a large diamond ring. The one I have is pretty large (though average by today's standards, IYKWIM) and I'd really just like to trade it in for a plain band.

I wanted a big house on the golf course, with a gourmet kitchen, but now I'm happy staying in the one we have for years and years

[mamamelia]

things i used to want that i no longer care about having:

-new season fashion clothes
-the big house (my dream house is still relatively big, but not mcmansion style)
-electronic gadgets (especially all the latest technology)
-beautiful matching custom made furniture (i still want some custom made furniture - taking baby steps though)

what do i want now:
-clothes are comfortable, mostly natural fibres and some man made (because they last). clothes that look great on my body and are to my style, who cares if they are 'in fashion' or not.
-a 3 bedroom house with large bedrooms, large lounge room, kitchen, dining room, one laundry, one bathroom. a backyard and garden would be lovely too.
-want to get rid of electronic gadgets because of the chemicals in the plastic, the fact that it almost always comes from slave labour, the electricity it wastes or batteries it consumes and the fact that i want to get back to basics with everything.

i believe having children has humbled me greatly and shown me what one really needs in life. lots of love, laughter, good memories and just enough financial security. all the gizmos and designer whatever in the world couldn't sway me back now.

[kijip]

An expensive PDA/Phone. I realized my paper calendar and cheap phone were working better for me. Also, when I very recently had internet on my phone with email for work I realized work was creeping into my life too much. So I took off the internet and email and text plans and even though I can afford to have them and feel much better. I do need to check my work email from home but when not out to dinner with friends or right after my son's t-ball practice etc. Just a quick login on my laptop every night gets me by just fine.

[sanguine_speed]

Uh, is it only a coincidence that the google ad in my first image is a big diamond ring?