We live in a society driven by consumerism… Work, buy, sleep, repeat. It's an easy trap to fall into. Especially, with the volume of "look at my new ______" posts inundating our news feeds.
I am guilty of it. I covet what others possess, make lists of what I want, and take inventory of what I have because, somewhere along the way, I became convinced there was direct correlation between my worth and my "stuff." Sound familiar?
However, something "clicked" when I hit 31… I don't have anything to prove, and I'm done buying into the lies pedaled by media, malls, and big box stores…
The Lies
1. Cars reflect your status in this life
2. clothes, hair, and make-up make you beautiful
3. Money buys happiness
It may have taken me 31 years to get my head on straight, but now that it is, I want to share what I have learned (mostly the hard way).
The Truth
1. Cars aren't even necessary; they are just a means to an end: Point A to point B. No one cares what you drive… and if they do, the problem lies with them.
2. Trends do not make you beautiful. They makes you someone else's version of beautiful. Truly, the most attractive thing you can wear is a smile.
3. Money cannot buy you happiness. Happiness isn't a thing - it's a perspective.
When I realized the days were slipping by and I was only half-heartedly present in them, I realized the problem was mostly in my own head, and therefore change was within reach…
1. I stopped comparing myself to others. The competition existed only in my mind, and abruptly ceased to exist once I stopped participating.
2. I stopped taking my home too seriously. I take care of what I have, but I don't take better care of my house than I take care of myself or my relationships.
3. When I feel good, I think I look good; So, I dress to feel good.
We live in a society that applauds consumption and pedals products, but even so, we don't have to "buy in." I, for one, am opting out. You?
Money does not buy happiness; I can attest to that. When too much emphasis is put on money (whether that person even has it or not) and possessions, people tend to lose sight of what truely makes them feel content. To be honest, I'm not quite used to being content (because I have other types of insecurities that can hold me back) and when I find myself in a 'moment', I feel like I'm forgetting something. I run through my lists of to-dos and what might be upsetting me...and then it hits me! Nothing! And I smile because I realize that I have all that I need. I am completely content, happy, and in the present. :)
ReplyDeleteIn the present is the best place to be :). I'm working on that.
ReplyDelete