“You can never get enough of what you don’t need to make you happy.”
~ Eric Hoffer
It could be said we don’t often consider what we already have and what truly makes us happy. In the modern world there are many of us striving to get what we don’t need to make us happy; living a lifestyle based on having, obtaining and needing more and more stuff to ‘feel’ happy and successful.
Happiness based on materialistic wealth is a scary pursuit, we can as Eric Hoffer states; never get enough to reach a state of happiness, as the very bases of this mentality is to always have more.
A consumer mentality has been building, growing in layers, shaping our society for a long time and it has reached a dangerous height of greed and global consequence.
We live in an age where we have access to an abundance of stuff and an attitude that coverts this abundance as personal worth and wealth. Yet I truly believe overcoming this consumer mentality can open doors to a new life, filled with real experiences, relationships and self awareness.
True happiness can be found in true living; a life that acknowledges the good in the small and everyday; that finds happiness in the now and the present; that sees worth and abundance in what we already have and feels prosperous in the simple presence of life and nature, friends and family.
We can distance ourselves from the perceived happiness found in stuff and at the same time have a real positive impact not only on our lives but on the lives of others and of the Earth.
It is such a positive and powerful step to take, to decide to reduce consumption whenever and wherever we can and the following are just some small steps in the right direction:
1. Consume Less
The biggest step we all can take is simply to consume less. Often we will buy things we simply don’t need. Consider what is driving the purchase is it need or desire? A constant desire for more, new, fashionable stuff is not necessarily the road to a happy and fulfilled life. Consider what kind of happiness can be found in stuff and if it is related to true happiness and self worth.
2. Make-Do
Often we can make-do with things we already have, much of what we throw out or replace is based on perceived obsolescence. Look after, fix up and make-do; don’t replace something simply because there is a newer or more fashionable version out on the market. Learning to make do affords worth in the things we already have and allows us to be satisfied and content without wanting more or better or newer.
3. Share, Borrow, Rent or Reclaim
Instead of buying new there are many items we might only occasionally need, like tools, garden equipment, hobby and sporting goods. All of these are available for rent or could be borrowed from a neighbour or friend. This reduces clutter in our own homes, saves money and reduces waste. Also consider sharing with others that may be in need.
Or consider recycled, pre-loved or used items as an alternative. They may not be the latest and greatest but they are a fantastic option for thrifty and environmentally conscience shoppers. So many items can be purchased second hand from clothing to furniture and household goods. Pre-loved is a great way save money, resources and waste and is often fun and exciting, you just never know what you might find.
4. Buck trends
Much of our consumption is based on fashion and trends prompting us to discard “last season” and constantly up-date to the latest fashion or model. We can place so much worth on being up-to-date but when this means constantly consuming and spending money and throwing out perfectly useable stuff it can seem a little backwards.
5. Give up Shopping
It is a little frightening how many of us have embraced shopping as a pastime or even hobby. On the weekends the shopping centres and malls are filled with people eager to spend hard earned money on all kinds of stuff. The more time we spend surrounded by stuff to buy the more likely we are to buy it. But we can adopt new and positive pastimes; there are many alternatives to shopping including visiting art galleries or museums, the park or beach.
We live in a world that drives us to earn, to spend and only consider what we can gain and not the actual cost, the ethical, environmental or social cost. Yet we can save money and resources by weighing up our consumer habits and considering the options; and free ourselves from the constant pursuit of materialistic wealth by finding worth in what we already have.
There is so much happiness to be found in life, experiences, relationships and nature, not in what kind of this or what brand of that sits on the shelf or hangs in the closet. And yet a simpler life is not dictated by any real convention; it is something achievable for all of us on different levels.
Weighing up what truly makes us happy and dedicating our time and energy towards this end is the key. Often all we need to be happy is what we already have.
Related posts:
- Balance and Consequence : Our Modern Consumer Lifestyle
- Opportunity found; a small, simple, happy life
- A piece of consumer pie, w/ a little humble topping : Positive Consumer Behaviour
Keep up to date with all things small and simple… subscribe to my RSS feed! Or follow me on Twitter!
"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller
{ 1 trackback }
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I have had the pleasure of reviewing your blog and I’m pleased to let you know that you have been added to Blogging Women.
I really love the layout of this blog! Great job.
It’s my honor to add another quality women’s blog to our women’s directory.
Thank you for sharing your blog!
Wow, this is a great post — and I really love the quote you included at the top of the page. You’ve given some excellent advice here and I’m definitely going to RT this one!
I’m recently new to the idea of a simple, frugal life but this article was a great help. I’m a student and have been stuggling to juggle my money issues so have been trying to eliminate the consumerism from my life.
I managed to get half my book list for free simply by asking past students if they were willing to donate their old textbooks. Also, much of the items in my student house were donated by family and friends that had no use for them anymore. it’s surprising how generous people are and how much money you can save simply by asking around. Plus I’ve done my bit for the environment by recycling these items instead of buyng new.
Thank-you for this simple but freeing article.