Our culture begs us to own more. Advertisements call us to purchase the latest and the greatest. Our natural tendencies cause us to compare our lives with those around us. Add in the fact that we seem to have a built-in desire to impress others by owning as much as possible. And you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
As a result, we spend precious energy comparing our stuff to others. We notice what she got for her birthday, what technology he carries in his pocket, or what trendy clothes all of our friends seem to be wearing. Ultimately, we end up wishing we had more. But this constant dreaming, hoping, and envying others’ possessions steal from our joy and contentment today.
We spend so much mental energy thinking about what we don’t own, we fail to appreciate the things that we do own. It makes us feel we are missing out on something—even though there is so much joy right in front of us.
deltastrike says
my parents told me that we might need modern technology to connect easily with people, I recently started to make some huge changes in my life. decluttering all my crap has strangely made me much more happy and grateful. a man should be prepared to leave all his baggage several times in his life.
Vijayanand says
Minimalism in terms of material possession is one. Apart from that multi tasking, social activity, social media exposure, selling oneself … there are lot of things which complicate one s life…fear of missing out males one insecure…dies minimalism also include activities or exposure?
Venus says
In this way, anyone prevent the price of having to purchase many
newspapers to benefit from excellent savings.
john w solan says
Old Chinese proverb states A man should be prepared to leave all his baggage several times in his life. It has always worked for me and I could do it today if need be.
Keith Aurzada says
I truly believe that wanting what you have is much better than having what you want. (I would credit the proper person here, but I do not know who it is. Suffice it to say, this is not my original thought. I am, however, happy to pass it on)
Jean says
Matthew…..Glad to hear someone admit that they are working hard to over come a gambling problem….glad to hear that you could admit you have one…have loved ones that will not admit to having a problem and it is controling their life ….just wanted to say Good Luck….haft the battle is admititng
Matthew says
Thank you, Iv recently started to make some huge changes in my life. Decluttering all my crap has strangely made me much more happy and grateful. I have been trying to overcome a gambling problem which I have had for many years, and this is my cure. I feel so free now. So thanks again.
Kasinohai says
wonder how you are now Matthew? i’m also undergoing therapy to minimise and eventually take control of my addiction.
di says
If I purchase something, it needs to be affordable, practical and add convenience. Depends upon your circumstances and various situations.
Mira Evans says
I can really relate my life with this post. Despite the fact that people nowadays are getting more conscious on owning the latest smartphone or the largest Ipad or even the coolest app, i still think that having an ordinary cell phone with the basics that i need (sending a message, making a call, alarm clock) is enough for me. Although my parents told me that we might need those modern technology to connect easily with people, i’d rather have the actual face-to-face conversation with my loved ones.
For me, it’s not a competition, it’s simply a trend.
di says
Keep it simple.