I bought a new car last night. Brand new, only 200 miles on the odometer, that new car smell, the whole deal. It's an adorable car, just what I wanted and needed, and I'm very excited - never thought I'd buy a new car. But here's the thing: with my old car, I never worried about it. I didn't care if it got (another) ding, I knew nobody would ever steal it, it's not the kind of car you'd break into. It worked well and caused me no anxiety.
The new car already has me anxious. I had to borrow a big chunk of money, for one thing. More money than I've ever borrowed in my life (since I've never owned a home). So there's the anxiety of making sure I can pay that back. In my current circumstances, that shouldn't be a problem, but we all know that circumstances can change.
Then there's the anxiety about something happening to it. Stay away parking lot door dingers! Don't get near me you damn seagulls! If you rear end me, I might have to cut you! No eating (or puking) in the back seat! Should I even bring coffee to work in my travel mug like I sometimes do? What if, what if, what if?
There is a freedom in owning things that aren't particularly valuable. It's like my old camera; I took it everywhere, I didn't worry about bumping it or losing it or it getting stolen. Now, I have a newer, fancier camera and it matters to me that it stay safe.
The key, like so much in life, is learning to let go. Meanwhile, vrooooooooom!