If your greatest desire in life is to own more things, you are selling your potential short.
Unfortunately, society has told us our greatest dreams should consist of doing well in school, getting a lucrative job, building a large retirement fund, and buying a really nice house with lots of cool things. And because we get told that deceptive lie so many times and from so many sources, we start to believe it—without even noticing.
Before we know it, we are accumulating more and more things hoping to satisfy the longing in our hearts for something greater. This is a shame.
We can dream bigger dreams.
We can dream better dreams.
As Eric Hoffer once said, “You can never get enough of what you don’t need to make you happy.”
Our lives are worth more than the things that we own. Our lives can be lived for things that matter: love, hope, charity, relationships, contribution, spirituality.
But not if we sacrifice them by settling for possessions that only distract us from it.
Anastia Taljaard says
John 6:27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life. Food that spoils = earthly treasures fade, rot, deteriorate, decrease in value or can be lost.
Marlene Newman says
I’ve been a crafter for many years, and can you realize how much “stuff” I have stored for those many years. I was always taught when I was a child, not to waste, so I always thought maybe I could use “that” someday. “that” is still stored somewhere. Your timing is really appropriate for my husband and myself. We had a flooded basement with heavy rain and had to get rid of many things; so we’re on our way. Hooray!
Chuck Freeman says
Nice post! Your are right! The things you own end up owning you….
Kellyann says
I always say that! Oh my gosh ~ how funny! 😂
Jacqueline says
stuff and more stuff, it drives you crazy, i only buy the things i really need or really like, and i try not to buy impulse things either, instead of shopping for a day out go for a lovely walk somewhere, its better for your health and wallet.
Tracy @ OurSimpleLifeSC says
There really is a sense of freedom in owning less! I would recommend it to anyone trying to simplify their lives. Try letting go of those things you think you have to have to survive and you will soon learn those things keep you in bondage.
Chris says
As well as the valuable comments its worth noting that we should stay away from the adverse messages Joshua mentions. Society sends its messages through TV, advertising and increasingly businesses engaging in social media, and of course fly on the wall documentaries of the so-called famous. You don’t need the stuff they tell you you need, or what the ‘famous’ have. You’re just fine as you are.
Rukmani Atri says
Without realising where we are heading, we end up in a wild goose chase for happiness in goods rather than happiness for good.Your ideas and suggestions for a simple living are very beautiful and inspiring. Good wishes.
Phil Janecic says
Very true. People should be more focused on establishing relationships than gathering possessions.