Bill Riddell

Firesale

Few things in life can focus your thought and actions like a life changing event.

Just over a week ago my hometown along with a lot of the state of Victoria in Australia was under siege from bushfires. Whole towns were virtually wiped from the map, 800+ homes were destroyed and over 180 lives were tragically lost.

For a while my home was in the line of fire. Had a major wind change not happened I have little doubt it would have burnt to the ground. I had packed a bag of essentials and was ready to flee.

For the fortunate ones such as myself who were spared there are personal lessons to be learned and questions to be asked. Here I present a few that have flashed through my mind in the past week.

Homes & Possessions

Hundreds of homes have been burnt to the ground. After the threat had calmed I looked at my bag of possession – some important paperwork, photo album, laptop, notepad, two books, a long sleeve shirt, t-shirt, shorts and a few other little things. Sitting in my huge bedroom now I realise I really do not need much more than the contents of that bag.

I have a pretty huge wardrobe, though I really only wear a small sampling of it with any regularity. I do not need the rest really. Sure my suit comes in handy twice a year, I like having a few nice pairs of shoes, some smart shirts and all the rest – but I really don’t need them. I’m at my happiest and most comfortable in a t-shirt and a pair of jeans or shorts.

The theme continues elsewhere. Sure I enjoy a little escapism via movies and TV, but I really don’t need them. My DVD collection is nice, but I don’t need it. There is better entertainment to be had elsewhere by getting off the couch.

I realised though I’m not a very materialistic person. If my house had been engulfed in flames there would not be much that I would miss terribly. My incredible bed and books are about the only things I would regret not having. The essentials left behind could be replaced anyway, that’s why we pay for insurance.

Some things of sentimental value would be missed, but life would go on without them. Holding onto the past too much will only hold you back.

I would quote something from Fight Club, but it would only seek to solidify the attachment to my bookcase.

What is Really Important?

Events like this help you to gain focus of what is important in life and what is not. I did not think about my money in the bank nor did I think about my TV and DVD collection. I was not concerned about losing my wardrobe, or other possessions. Instead my mind went to getting the few possessions important to me. Primarily photos (memories of family) and my reading and writing tools (laptop, notepad and books).

My thoughts then turned to family and friends. I was with my immediate family fortunately, but I was concerned for a cousin and my oldest friend whose houses were just blocks away from the fire front. Later in the night another fire was threatening my aunt and grandparents elsewhere in the state. Although the threat near me was greatly eased I did not sleep all night, scanning the internet and radio to see if the threat was getting closer to them.

Through the night amidst thinking about my family I thought of all the things that I want to achieve in my life. The adventures I haven’t had, the feats I’m yet to achieve, experience I’ve yet to sample and the countries and cultures I have yet to explore.

Reflecting back I can see where I have been wasting my time on various things when I could have been focusing on what really mattered to me. Being with family and friends, reading and writing, travelling and just enjoying life.

Generosity

Despite the tough economic times people have dug deep into the their wallet and purses and given tremendously generously – over $100million dollars. They have also donated their time and possessions to help those who were affected.

I spent 5 days last week raising money and helping collect donations of goods to assist those who had lost everything. It reaffirmed my faith in humanity to see people from all walks of life giving whatever they could. From the little girl who donated her few dollars pocket money to the business people who donated such great sums and goods.

It’s a shame that it takes such a monumental tragedy to snap people out of the daily grind and open their minds and hearts.

Lessons Learned

Appreciate everything. The people you love, your house, your freedom, your possessions and everything else you come into contact with as you go about your day.

Question everything. Are you wasting your life, do you need all those possessions, what would you rather be doing, are you happy?

You never know when your number will come up, so live life to the fullest. I do not regret anything I have done – instead I regret what I have not yet achieved. Live your dreams today!