Welcome to my first spin on the carousel of my thoughts. This is is about something that began in my childhood and continues to persist – a chase kindled by desire and quenched by acquisition.

Growing up, I watched my mother, a dedicated and unrelenting shopper. Her pursuit of goods, a seemingly harmless habit, unknowingly sowed the seeds of a pattern that I now recognize in myself. Our journeys differ, but the essence of the chase remains the same.

But what is it that we chase? In my mind, the lines between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ are quite distinct. ‘Needs’ are the backbone of our existence. A roof over our heads, nourishment, healthcare, and a dash of entertainment. ‘Wants’, however, are the tantalizing whispers of desire, everything that extends beyond mere survival.

Though this chase often treads the territory of ‘wants’, it isn’t entirely without merit. The endless pursuit has morphed me into an unexpected scholar of sorts. The countless hours spent researching an eclectic mix of items from watches to shoes to denim to brands have made me a knowledgeable companion in many ways. This knowledge, though birthed from curiosity, has often turned out to be enlightening and useful.

In the corporate world, where I spend a significant part of my life, this chase gains momentum. The environment thrives on competition, subtly fueling the race to acquire and flaunt. Success and possessions intermingle in a dance that can be beguiling but flawed.

Attempting to break this cycle is an exercise in self-control. Success graces my efforts now and then, but old habits die hard. The call of the chase always lures me back.

Delving deeper into the whys of this incessant need for something new reveals a complicated picture. My innate curiosity, the appreciation of beauty, the search for identity, and even the struggle to engage with emotions, all tie into this unending chase. It’s a realization that identity cannot and should not be tethered to material possessions, but rather, something more profound, more enduring.

Finally, the inevitable end to each chase – the shiny new object, once a symbol of exhilaration and anticipation, retires to a box, its allure faded. But in its quiet retirement, it bears a testament to a journey, to the thrill of the chase.

This chase, isn’t merely about the objects we desire but the lessons we learn, the connections we make, and the understanding we gain about ourselves in the process. Perhaps, the real prize at the end of the chase is what we become along the way!