In 2013 my parent’s house burnt down and we lost everything. Even though I was living in New Zealand, before I moved, I stored everything I owned in their attic. So 30+ years of stuff, was now all gone. Despite the initial tragedy, and thankfully all my family was fine; however there was an unexpected positive outcome from it. Losing all my stuff meant I came to realise that stuff doesn’t really matter. It doesn’t define us, it doesn’t make us a better person. Sure it was devastating to lose all my travel photos, but I still have the memories, (which I share in my podcast, Travelosophy). In this episode you’ll hear how the events of that day unfolded, what it was like to walk through the rubble, and how things transpired, years later. With the recent devastating bushfires in California, it’s a timely reminder that losing stuff isn’t the end of the world, because you can always buy more stuff. As long as people are safe, that’s all that truly matters. Thanks for listening! If you know someone who may be interested in this episode, please feel free to share it with them. You can use this link. With Christmas coming up, it’s a timely reminder that stuff doesn’t make a better Christmas. If you’d like more ideas, then check out my article on medium about Alternative Christmas Traditions. To view more images from the burnt out remains of my parents house, click here (it’s about half-way down the page). It gets lonely being a podcaster so please say Hi! You can find me on: Web: www.jadejackson.com.au/contact Patreon: www.patreon.com/jadejackson Twitter: www.twitter.com/jadekinsjackson Facebook: www.facebook.com/travelosophypodcast Instagram: www.instagram.com/jadekinsjackson Reddit: www.reddit.com/u/jadekinsjackson WeChat: wxid_rnzx6ph8k9or12 Line: jadekinsjackson I produce two podcasts, subscribe to both Subscribe to Travelosophy here: https://jadejackson.com.au/subscribe-to-podcast/ Subscribe to Jade Talks Stuff here: https://jadejackson.com.au/subscribe-to-jade-talks-stuff-podcast/ If love my podcasts, and want to show your support, whilst receiving awesome exclusive content, then head to Patreon. Here you can easily receive access to MP3 recordings of my poetry, bonus podcast episodes, Digital downloads and more! This helps to cover operating costs, and ensures both my podcasts can stay on the air. Thanks in advance! Click here and be notified first of new podcast episodes (amongst other exciting news). That way you get to enjoy it whilst it’s shiny and new, before it’s crinkled and coffee-stained. You’ll be sent a confirmation email first, and you can unsubscribe at anytime. I also write intriguing stuff.