Dealing with losses

is something I am absolutely horrendous at.

I tend to get hung up about stuff. Especially things of sentimental value.

I cry over split milk.

I can't get over losing something dear to me.
Like my black adidas jacket. A birthday present 2 years ago from a good friend. It kept me warm throughout my year in Paris and many other trips since.

I was feeling quite ill last Mon and was looking for it to wear it that morning. Normally in Singapore, I rarely ever touch the few jackets I have cos it'll never be cool enough for me to wear one unless like in this case, I fall sick. I was very upset when I couldn't find it. Before leaving for work, I requested my mum and sis to help rummage in the wardrobes and clothes drawers at home in a quest for it. (My mum has a tendancy of misplacing my clothes.) Yesterday I received word that the depths of cupboards have been overturned and it's nowhere to be seen. :'( I suspect my mum hung it out along the corridor to dry it after washing and someone stole it. :'(

I couldn't help being resentful and pulling a long face. (I know I shouldn't but a part of me blamed my mum for it.) My mum kept telling me to stop dwelling on it since there's nothing I can do now. Sigh. It's the same when I make mistakes. It takes a long time before I forgive myself and stop harping on the 'if only's and 'I should have's.

I have got to learn. To take things less to heart. In Chinese we say, be more 潇洒. (Sorry I can't think of an appropriate translation.) Anyway these are material goods, no matter how much they mean to me now, will not last into eternity. The Bible says, 'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' (Matt 6:19-21)

Besides, I've still got the memories and photos. These will have to suffice. (Consoling myself lah.) I could also try to think like what Christian told me, 'Now you have a reason to go buy a new one.' (Not that the new one can ever replace my old one though...)