The Evolution of Usefulness: From Lifesavers to Albatrosses

Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes what once served us best unexpectedly becomes a hindrance. Throughout our lives, we encounter countless items, ideas, and relationships that we consider to be our lifelines. However, as time passes and circumstances change, these supposedly useful things can suddenly lose their value. This is a tale of four such 'lifesavers' that eventually became 'albatrosses' in my life.

From Hair Ties to FRustrations

Hair ties: Hair ties were once my go-to savior for those grueling 'bad hair days.' These small rubber bands allowed me to swiftly transition my hair from a messy, tangled mess to a neat ponytail. They were particularly useful for altering my hairstyle without the need for significant effort. However, after I got a pixie cut, my collection of hair ties became nothing more than a burden to care for.
Usefulness: Solved hair-related problems, provided hairstyle options. Uselessness: No longer applicable with a pixie cut, collection became a nuisance.

Money: The Double-Edged Sword

Money: Growing up, I was indoctrinated with the belief that money equated to happiness and success. While it brought temporary joy, I eventually became overly consumed with making and spending more. This relentless pursuit led me to work tirelessly and accumulate vast amounts of possessions, including multiple cars and expensive houses. Yet in the end, I realized that material wealth could not be taken with me, and all the possessions amounted to nothing more than a burden, especially as my children grew up without memorable experiences.

The Library of Dwellings

Books: My collection of over 1000 books in my room has now become obsolete. In today's digital age, new technologies and online libraries have rendered these physical books redundant. Knowledge is readily accessible online, making these books a physical burden rather than a useful resource. The once-useful library of books now stands as a testament to redundancy and the ever-changing landscape of information.

Social Media: The Ultimate Lifehack

Social Media: In 2013, social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were my absolute lifeline. These platforms allowed me to connect with friends, share ideas, and find global communities. The act of liking, commenting, and sharing posts brought immense joy and fulfillment. However, five years later, these once-useful tools now feel burdensome and useless. I no longer care about follower counts or the number of likes on my posts. This transition from usefulness to uselessness occurred gradually, possibly as the algorithms changed, the focus shifted, or my priorities evolved.

The reality of life teaches us that every seemingly useful person or thing has a finite usefulness period. Hair ties may no longer fit, money may become a burden, books may be outdated, and social media may fade into the background. Yet, this is a natural part of growth and change. The key is to let go of what no longer serves us and embrace new, more meaningful forms of usefulness.

Adapting to change is vital, and recognizing when something is no longer useful allows for realignment and progress. Whether it’s adjusting to a new hairstyle, detaching from material possessions, embracing digital knowledge, or finding new social connections, life is a constant dance between what is useful and what is not.