Possessions do not bring us happiness. In fact, often times, they keep us from it.
The simplicity/minimalism movement is a beautiful community. It is friendly, encouraging, and helpful. There is a genuine understanding that any promotion of simplicity is good for society—and there is little concern over who gets the credit for it.
It is a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful group of people. And I enjoy every opportunity to promote writing that encourages people to live more by owning less.
So fix yourself a nice warm cup of coffee or tea. Find a quiet moment this weekend. And enjoy some encouraging words to inspire more simplicity in your life today.
Ads Don’t Work That Way | Melting Asphalt by Kevin Simler. Rather than trying to change our minds individually, advertising instead changes the landscape of cultural meanings.
High-flying CEO Quits after Daughter Writes List of 22 Life Milestones Missed | The Independent by Cahal Milmo. Financier said one main reason for leaving his high-pressured, $100m/year career was a mundane conversation with his 10-year-old daughter.
The Dangers of Upgrading Your iPhone | Bloomberg by Ben Steverman. While consumers may not benefit financially from an endless upgrade cycle, plenty of companies do.
Instant Gratification | The American Scholar by Paul Roberts. As the economy gets ever better at satisfying our immediate, self-serving needs, who is minding the future?
Wow, that story about the CEO and his daughter is great. I just wrote a blog post titled “What is the Opportunity Cost of Childhood Memories?” that is right along these lines. We must ask ourselves what is the most important when it comes to our kids.
In the case of the CEO, he was spending too much time at work instead of doing things with his family. For me I found that we were spending too much time maintaining our home, and not enough time seeking adventure with my family.
The CEO article ended with a line about him being fortunate to be in a position where he can quite his job to spend time with his family, and that not everyone can do that. That may be true, but everyone can find time in other areas that can be put to better use.
I gave away a $1000 guitar, and it felt really good to do. I had bought it two years prior, but relearning guitar playing just didn’t happen for me (now the piano is a different matter altogether). I was going to give it to a very good friend, but he already has two guitars and doesn’t play that often. SO, one day last week, I took it down to the ferry that comes out to the island where I live and handed it over to one of the deck hands. He was astonished! A deckhand in the day, he guitar and sings at the weekends when he gets a gig, which is fairly often as he’s good. However, he is the only breadwinner for his family of four, so money is tight. I drove by him a couple of days ago, walking with his family. “I played two gigs with ‘her’ this weekend”, he shouted out to me. “She was really singing. Thanks, mate.” He had the broadest smile on his face. AND so di I. :)
While I agree in principle with Ben Steverman that there are moral dangers in compulsively upgrading to the newest phone, I disagree with his point that in the past parents couldn’t reach teenagers all day, and it didn’t produce a panic attack. The ability to send and receive a quick text or two (“I’m leaving now,” or “Took a wrong turn but will be there soon”) has been a tremendous blessing in RELIEVING anxiety for this parent who has experienced raising teenagers since 1995. Some technology, when thoughtfully used, can aid the pursuit of a simpler life. It doesn’t take the newest phone (I am still using one older than the author), but I want to acknowledge gratitude for the technology.
Thanks Joshua.
I thought the article by Paul Roberts on instant gratification was especially interesting. A lot to absorb in one reading. Will have to read it again.
He was cited in the article about upgrading your iPhones. Judging from some of the comments there, a lot of people might benefit from reading and thinking about his article. But, I wonder if those who communicate by twitter could make it through something that long.
Hi Joshua, I just read Kevin’s article on advertising. Wow, that was such a thought-provoking read and he makes an excellent point about how we tend to buy a product not so much because of what we want it to say about us, but because we know our friends have seen the ad and have a notion about what the product represents.
We buy because we want our friends, colleagues, etc., to have a certain perception of us. Very interesting twist!
The one element he didn’t address that I think is important is “fear” in advertising. Think about insurance like long-term care insurance. Advertisers prey on our fear of not having enough money or of blowing through all the family assets and leaving our spouse penniless. That’s a pretty powerful motivator.
Interesting to ponder…thanks for sharing the link!
Ree
I recently discovered your blog, ironically right after my husband and I sold our home (and most everything in it) to pursue a simple life. We are two months into leasing a small apartment and loving the freedom we now have with not only having less stuff, but no more debts! What’s even been a better result from all of this is we are no longer weighed down mentally – we feel so open and inspired again…….I liken us to two middle-aged college kids enjoying life with no more barriers to hold us back!
Less is definitely MORE!
Fabulous article on instant gratification! I so enjoy all your posts. Thank you for the wonderful service you do for all of us out here in a self absorbed, narcistic world.
Simplicity. I think that’s why I like old tv series’ so much. They remind me that there weren’t always so many distractions in life. Life could get boring sometimes, but I think that’s what made for more creativity and innovation. I’m going to check out the books listed. Thanks! :)
I have never left you a comment before, but I want you to know that ever since discovering your blog about a month ago, I’ve been a regular visitor. In fact, your blog is the only one I feel I absolutely must read each post. You are a sane voice in this stress-filled world.
I was in Barnes & Noble the other day, and I saw a book that SO resonated with me, and I think it will with you too. It’s called “7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess.” The writer and her family identified 7 excesses in their lives (possessions, media, and stress to name a few), and then sought to fight back against their over-indulgence.
I haven’t read this book yet, as I almost never buy books anymore. Instead, I use the library, and there are many holds on the book. So, I am waiting my turn.
If you haven’t heard of the book, I think it may be something you would be interested in checking out. Author is Jen Hatmaker.
Happy Saturday to you,
Patti
Great book, Patti. Enjoy1