Consumerism In America: How Your Stuff Is Killing You
“Armaments, universal debt, and planned obsolescence – those are the three pillars of Western prosperity. If war, waste, and moneylenders were abolished, you’d collapse. And while you people are overconsuming the rest of the world sinks more and more deeply into chronic disaster.” ― Aldous Huxley, Island
A lot of people like to talk about the reasons they think America is falling apart. I think the main reason is the amount of attention given to consumerism in America. We have bought into the idea that the media and advertising sells that, “more is better”. Whether it’s the latest technology gadget, skin cream, or dietary supplement, we are constantly buying more and more stuff. Parents put their kids in the best schools and buy them the trendiest clothes but spend very little time with them. People buy the latest expensive phone to communicate with their friends but no longer have the attention span for a face to face conversation. When will enough be enough?
As I have traveled to Bali and Mexico recently, I have noticed something very different that you don’t see in the US where I am from. I see families celebrating together and spending time together. I watch men, women, and families hanging out on the sidewalks in friendship and joy. I see them telling each other stories, laughing. I see happiness.
Men In Bali Just “Being” Together
I have wondered why I don’t see these scenes in the US where I am from. Instead, I see lines of cars waiting in traffic. People grumbling about the traffic, forgetting that they are traffic. I found myself having to “schedule” time to see my friends. And when I finally did get to see them, I watched them spending more time on their phones than in being present in the moment with me.
“We’re consumers. We are by-products of a lifestyle obsession. Murder, crime, poverty, these things don’t concern me. What concerns me are celebrity magazines, television with 500 channels, some guy’s name on my underwear. Rogaine, Viagra, Olestra…” ― Chuck Palahniuk
Family making music together-Ubud, Bali
I have thought a lot about why there is such a difference in the places I’ve traveled and in the US. I am reminded of the story of the Mexican fisherman and the American banker.
In case you haven’t heard it, here it is:
The American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.
Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, “Only a little while.” The American then asked, “Why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?”
The Mexican said, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.” The American then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life.”
The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat: With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor; eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise.”
The Mexican fisherman asked, “But, how long will this all take?” To which the American replied, “15 to 20 years.” “But what then?” asked the Mexican.
The American laughed and said that’s the best part. “When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions.” “Millions?…Then what?”
The American said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”
Balinese Celebration. Don’t Miss The Monkey On The Power Line!
When, I read this story, it dawned on me that the places that I’ve traveled where the people are the happiest is where the people live very simply. They aren’t working ten hours a day to try to buy the latest iPhone, or newest car, or the biggest house that they don’t get to spend any time in anyway because they are always working. Here are seven reasons I came up with as to why I think these people who aren’t being influenced by Western consumerism have better lives because of it.
1. They spend more time with each other. Our relationships with each other are what make life rich and rewarding. Children receive a lot of attention from their parents and feel very loved. Friends talk and congregate just about everyday. It is very rare that the people in other countries let a day pass without talking to their friends.
2. They have more celebrations. I think these cultures just tend to celebrate life more. Their joy is contagious.
3. They are more grateful. They live very simple lives, so something as simple as a pot of beans simmering on the stove or a bamboo steamer of rice gives them reason to smile. They look at everything they receive as a gift.
4. The conversations are more intimate. I remember being a little shocked at first in Bali where just about everyone that I met on the road would ask where I was going and what I was going to do when I got there. I was constantly asked if I was married and why not and the questions only got more intimate from there. I soon realized these people were genuinely interested in me. They told their stories and laid their souls bare not caring what I thought. It was on this trip that I realized that I wanted more intimate friendships and was tired of shallow encounters.
5. They live more in the present and in the now. They have little money, so they don’t spend their time worrying about money. They have nothing to lose. They can sit for hours on a park bench and just watch the world go by.
6. They aren’t bombarded with advertising. I have loved being in Mexico and not seeing billboards. There are no ads at the bus stops. I haven’t seen many ads anywhere. In America, I had never given much thought to how my senses were constantly being assaulted by advertising. Now that I am away from it, I really notice it.
7. There is more time for volunteering. Here in Mexico, almost everyone spends at least some of their time volunteering to help others. Also, people who aren’t “officially” volunteering spend time helping their neighbors. My neighbors here seem to always know when I am home and when I’m not. I feel like I am a part of a community that cares.
Father with daughter in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
“We no longer live life. We consume it.” ― Vicki Robin
Most people in the US don’t even stop to think of why they are working so hard. You are considered to be living in poverty in the US if you don’t have a car, a microwave, and a TV. (I have none of those things where I live in Mexico.) The crazier thing is that in the US, most of the products being consumed are made in other places in the world. And once we buy things, that’s not enough. We have a house, but then we need a bigger house. We have clothes, but we need new ones.
Credit card companies have done a lot to screw up people’s lives. People don’t have the money to buy something, and so they “put it on the card.” They don’t stop to think about how they are spending much more than the item is worth with the interest the card is charging them. So many people in the Western world have huge amounts of credit card debt for items that they didn’t need in the first place. In other countries, if people don’t have the money for an item, they just don’t buy it. Period.
Even the US government doesn’t know how to stay within a budget. Well, they say a government is a representation of its people. No one has held them accountable to stay within a budget because they have not stayed within a budget themselves.
It seems like people’s health is getting worse and worse in the US. Many Americans blame it on stress, but they never stop to think of where the stress is coming from. They never think about how to change it. They have willingly given their minds over to the advertisers, the big corporate America players, and have let themselves be owned. And this, my dear friend, is how your stuff starts killing you.
And it did not happen all of a sudden. All in one day. No, it happened slowly. It happened as you agreed to work longer hours, so you wouldn’t lose your job. Since you were told there were so few. It happened as you ignored the carpal tunnel syndrome settling in your wrists. It happened as you got caught up in having what everyone else had. It happened through the subtle messages of advertising that you couldn’t be happy unless you had this or that. We have become addicted to all of our pretty things and in the process we have lost ourselves and we have lost each other.
“Nin knew how much humans loved money, riches, and material things—though he never really could understand why. The more technologically advanced the human species got, the more isolated they seemed to become, at the same time. It was alarming, how humans could spend entire lifetimes engaged in all kinds of activities, without getting any closer to knowing who they really were, inside.” ― Jess C. Scott, The Other Side of Life
But something is happening. The housing market collapsed. The economy collapsed. People have lost their jobs. They are for the first time taking a look at their lives and learning to live with less stuff. They are enjoying the family time they now have. They are starting their own businesses. Ones where they have created jobs where they are following their passions, their joy, even if it means making less money. (I personally did that).
They are finally offering the gifts they have to share with the world, and the world is getting better because of it.
So, I ask you? Are you truly happy with how you spend your days? Or do you dread Mondays like I used to? Instead, could you work part-time at your current job and spend your extra free time doing what you love? Is buying more stuff, going out every night for cocktails, and eating out for every meal really making you happy, or are they just habits you have to cover up the pain you have inside? The pain you have of not living a full life, of not listening to your soul’s calling, of not being you?
What would it feel like to spend more time with loved ones, tap into your creative side, have time to watch the sunset and for picnics on the beach? Ask yourself is your stuff worth it or is it time to say goodbye to consumerism in America and hello to your life? Is it time to finally say hello to who you really are?
I think you know the answer.
I’d love to hear your stories! Have you said goodbye to Western consumerism or would you like to? Please let me know in the comments below!
I loved reading it! I recently went part time, getting less pay, gave up all of the benefits, and now I’m so much happier! Well I can say I’m actually happy. Thanks for posting this!
if i did it and you did it. everyone can do it. it is a beautifully bumpy road, walked on by amazing souls. COME AND PLAY WITH US!!!
Yes, you did, Marilee!! And your self-awareness shows on your beautiful face. Let’s all join hands and go skipping, dancing, and stumbling down this bumpy dusty road called LIFE!!
Wow. Thanks. 😀
I’m much happier having down-shifted, but still I’d rather not work at all…
I’m with Theodora on this one… Great article!
A lot of great points made here. I personally am glad I’ve learned to break off from the consumerism habits at 23. Any debit I have is from trying to survive (a.k.a. eating and paying rent) during the transition between finishing university and getting a job, not buying unnecessary things. I’ve never really seen the appeal of always having the newest things when you have perfectly good ones already. Unless it’s going to exponentially change your life or function in a different purpose, why bother?
Megan,
I definitely wish I had learned this at 23!! It’s so true…
I’m 23 too! And I’ve realized this. It feels great! 🙂
Wonderful article! I’ve never felt more free than when I gave away all my things, said no to mondays and decided to travel the world indefinitely. It is crazy how attached we get to meaningless possessions and how much we obsess over working more, earning more and buying the newest gadgets. Following my passion has made me a much happier and better person. Of course, my income is now a fraction of what my friends back home are pulling in, but I couldn’t care less. I see people in other parts of the world living in poverty, but having family, laughter and joy in their life makes them happier than the people I know that are still caught in this circle of consumerism.
It’s so true, Tiffany!!! Good for you for realizing this…
Great post! I went from working full-time at a hedge fund in NYC, to being unemployed/self-employed and having the time of my life in Spain. The only problem is that I keep spending too much money on eating out and going out with new friends – a habit I picked up in NYC that is not sustainable on my new budget! It’s a hard habit to change but I’m trying 🙂
Yes, I have a problem with eating out too much too! I love good food…I have been trying to cook more and invite people over which is cheaper especially if everyone brings a bottle of wine!
I think I have a nageative comsumerism. I buy nothing but food and gas to get to wrk.
I cannot AGREE more! This is why I love to travel so much because it humbles you. It makes you realize and appreciate what you have. It shows you that people are most happy with the simplest of things. I mean look how many celebs are screwed up and they have so much money and could buy anything or get anything they want. This is what I hate about the American culture. We are overworked, stressed out, don’t eat right, buy unnecessary things, are competitive with each other and we wonder why we are not happy.
This country needs a HUGE shift to change the way we do things. I fell in love with the European lifestyle where they enjoy life more. Even though I was born in America, my soul was born somewhere else. American culture is not for me anymore. I cannot stand it anymore.
A few years ago I started throwing out all my stuff that I didnt need and donated things I could to people who did need it. I started selling my valuables online and made some good money and thats fine with me. The more I throw out or give away the better I feel. The less clutter and material things I have the better. I try to live with the bare minimum and once you get accustomed to that, you realize how crazy it is that Americans are so attached to things that don’t matter.
Great article, totally resonates with me 100%.
Laura, I agree with you. My soul is from somewhere else. The thing is that I think even most Americans would if they weren’t brainwashed from such an early age. It’s their habit now. If they just had a taste of a different life, it would be like eating at a healthy organic restaurant after being fed McDonald’s their whole life!
your soul was born in heaven. You are a spiritual being having an earthly experience. =D
So true, Lisa!! So true…Namaste…
Very well written and eye opening, I now have much to think about. And thank you for sharing your travels and experiences, they are fantastic to read!
Thank you, Crystal!
So refreshing. Thank you!!
You are more than welcome, Natalie!
I have mixed feelings about CONSUMERISM. I grew up learning to love to shop with my Mom and Grandma. I have many nice memories shopping with them. Yet, with my husband’s lack of employment I have learned to live more in the moment. I look at what I own and what I buy differently. The phrase “You can’t take it with you” hits home more when you have to clean out someone’s stuff after they have passed away. I feel more time with family and friends the better. It would be nice if everyone could travel so be more grateful for what they have.
Yes, it would. People get caught up in their little corner of the world and think that everyone else is just like them.
This is such a deep and fantastic post! So true! When I was on the road for 3 months it was an eye opening experience as to how little I needed to survive and how few material things people I met on my travels needed to be happy, satisfied and content. More is not necessarily better. The key is to be happy with what you have and to always have a deeper goal to pursue than a bigger cheque, faster car or newer house!
The key is to be happy with what you have. I couldn’t have said it better, Peggy!
For eight years, I was unhappy with my job, yearning to get back to doing what I went to school to do: be a writer. I’ve done it. And my wife and I cut back on going out, buying music, buying books (libraries have books, we’ve discovered). We take the dog for longer walks. We talk more. We’re happier.
I’ve been disillusioned with much of what you seem to be disillusioned by. I think about our country’s priorities and wonder what needs to change to make our nation less concerned with material goods and more in tune to friendship, family, compassion.
Wow!! I am so proud of you for following your dreams!! I think it’s going to take a change of consciousness for there to be a change. It’s starting to happen, but it may take a while. Meanwhile, I will continue living here in Mexico!
I couldn’t agree more. What I find to be the most difficult part of making the transition is once you do, at times, you feel as though you’re on a deserted island as the world continues around you the same as it had before. However, once you have a perspective shift, you see things very differently (through the facade). So starting one step at a time would be my suggestion. I have been getting rid of everything I don’t need which includes most things I had previously owned. Fortunately, I have never been a ‘STUFF’ guy so this was easier than it may be for most. Next, it was very important to remove television. Television is a free pass to be brainwashed inside your own home. Instead I have Netflix where I can watch cool documentaries that promote the shift that western culture/consumerism desperatly needs. Eating out, although fun, was another that had to go. What I found is I had to become more creative cooking my own food. However, the appreciation I experience is wonderful! I do still work M-F, 9 hours a day, which I consider very draining. I will be making the shift soon to improve this as my consciousness and awareness increase.
Yes, it’s true, one can feel very alone in this mentality. And I so agree with you about TV!! Good luck with making the shift!
I found my self assessing my material possessions which aren’t much but it still caused me to realize all of the insignificant items I store or drag around with me. I ask my self “for what?” It really is odd the things we have accumulated that we actually do not own! In a sense it owns us! As long as your paying to store or paying a tax to keep or there is someone else telling you what you can or can not do with your property you do not possess them. In fact they possess you! You are tied to them much like being enslaved to them. But this life has us convinced we own things! When in fact the only thing we own is our free will! You don’t own anything else! When its time to leave this life we realize this. So we make preparations for others that we leave behind to have our possessions own them!
That is so true, Kelly. Our stuff owns us. What a way to look at it….
I just finished this book, and you might find it helpful! Escape Plan: Ditch The Rat Race, Discover The World.(http://c43dffndh56h1hbefiplbh4dsv.hop.clickbank.net/)
This link takes you to a different book. The Art of not giving a f*ck by Mark Manson.
Am I missing something?
It looks like that book is no longer available. Thanks for noticing that.
Interesting article! This is not just happening in the USA and this is also something which I ponder and self debate and self conflicting.
While I am trying to break away from it (I know too much of it is not good), due to my job nature, I am constantly thinking how to expand the market, dial up on consumption, the needs to drive the market. Evidently, it will mean a stronger economy growth which also means stronger purchasing power which allow me to travel more freely without worrying on the first few layers of maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Of course there are people out there who are so blinded by consumerism, with marketers creating the desire, they are easily convinced. To each his own. Who wouldn’t want a better life? ‘Better’ is a self determined desired lifestyle. The grass is aways greener on the other side. I guess ultimately it is about trying to strike a balance, it is really not easy as it seems.
I appreciate your insight and while I have heard the story of the banker and the fisherman, I never tire of it and so enjoyed your re-telling. Thank you!
Wise post!
It’s hard to see how much we Amerivans value our stuff until you live elsewhere. Italians are much like you describe Bali and Mexico. They are focused on the family and enjoying life. They don’t have a lot of stuff because that’s not how they determine a successful life.
I truly enjoyed this post and how true it is. I relish by ability to have a “home business” that gives me the freedoms that no other job can offer. I’m doing what I love and I don’t buy into the latest and greatest. People think we’re nuts when we leave our cell phones off 99% of the time. Only turn it on when absolutely necessary. Some of the clothes in my closet are from the 80’s and before. Simple is better! Family time is great! Face time is awesome!
I so agree!! I am so glad that you are dong what you love. I leave my cell off most of the time, too!!
I thought the same thoughts you did when I visited Nusa Lembongan (20-min ferry ride from Bali). Practically every shop there had a simple single bed for naps! And from what I saw, they got a lot of use out of it. I also think they have a simpler, less stressful lifestyle.
At the same time, poverty and lack of basic amenities are not things I want to romanticize either. Some of them live so simply only because they can’t afford to buy some of the comforts that other people take for granted.
In the end, no lifestyle is perfect. I guess it’s all about balance. Time to spend with loved ones is important, but so is the drive and ambition to reach professional goals.
Great post, btw. Obviously got me thinking. 🙂
Absolutely!! And, I hope that it didn’t seem like I was romancing poverty. I was just trying to show that in America we think that someone is poor if they don’t have a cell phone (etc.), while there are other countries where people have so much less. In the US, people have so much that they take for granted.
And nothing at all wrong with reaching goals and following dreams, but if you are ignoring your relationships to do so, or burning yourself out, then I don’t think a person will be happy in the end.
You are right. It’s all about balance!
It took us a major life crisis to part with our things, but once we did we felt so much freer. During our round the world journey we attended a screening in Australia of an American documentary called “Happy”. It addresses this very issue, and I recommend it highly. Here’s our review of it: http://www.changesinlongitude.com/the-happy-movie-happiness-movement-belic/ Watch it–you’ll be Happy you did 🙂
I have been wanting to see that documentary!! I’ll have to try and find it in Mexico!!
Wonderful article,,, sharing with my Facebook group.
Thanks so much, Donna!
I think the toughest part about making the transition, at least for my husband and I, is that we accumulated a lot of student loan debt in our early 20s going to college. So we are still haunted by our poor decisions even though we are anti-consumers and minimalists now. We have a nice hole to dig ourselves out of, but I’m pretty sure once we do, we won’t make the same mistake twice. Thanks for the thoughtful post, I enjoyed reading it!
Thank you, Kate!! Yes, it’s too bad the US doesn’t have a better system for education and people have to begin their lives with so much student debt.
Such an interesting perspective. I’ve always loved that story of the Mexican fisherman…
@Larissa – thanks for the tip on the “Happy” movie – I’ll have to take a look at it!
Nice post. It’s good to slow down and take a deep breath, literally and metaphorically.
As I have always said, the more you own, the more it owns you. So thankful we learned to live on one income and save our money and pay for things rather than put them on credit. It can be done even living in America. It is about deciding what is important in life and remembering it is people not things. So many times people are used and things loved but it should be people are loved and things used.
Me too. Thankful that you taught me these important things in life!
Very deep thoughts here Val. It’s so true though, sometimes to be happier you don’t need that much. It’s also true though that some people prefer a more comfortable lifestyle slightly different from the one we have chosen.
Val,
I love this post! came across through Becoming Minimalist! I can’t wait to read other posts! very inspiring!
Thank you,
Paula
Thank you, Paula!! It’s nice to find other like-minded people!!
Val
While I totally agree that less consumerism is so much better for us and our well being, I struggle with the making less money part when it comes to responsibilities and the future for our children. Our family lives very simply. We eat out maybe once a week, we try and find entertainment that is free or costs very little money. We mostly buy clothes when we need them and usually second hand at that. We don’t spend extravagantly at all and when we do travel, we do it it on a shoestring. We moved our family to a “better” school district and this has created problems for us now. Public education has changed across the board no matter what district you are in and so now we find ourselves saddled with a house that we can’t sell without taking a pretty big hit. We have another multifamily house that we rent out and my husband and I would gladly move back into so that we can get back to living even more simply while also traveling and exposing our children to a bigger worldview than their current suburban life gives them. But that is also the only thing they know. They love their lives and their friends and would likely feel as though we would be ripping away from all that if we move back into the city. So in this we face a dilemma. While we don’t let our children dictate how we live and our decision making, they are certainly to be considered and so we continue to ruminate as the time keeps passing a little too quickly. Do we try and make more money until we can sell our house when the time is right and so that we can tend our financial responsibilities such as saving for college while still paying off our own school loans? That is what we are currently trying to do but lately we toy with the idea of giving the bank the finger and taking off into the sunset. We have to wonder what we would be teaching our children in that lesson though, so it’s a tough call to be sure.
Yes, it is a tough call. It’s too bad that people have to start out their works lives already saddled with so much debt. There must be a better way!
I absolutely agree that there must be a better way. There is no way that we will be able to afford college for our kids, yet we would be considered to make “too much” for any aide. It’s a quandary to be sure when considering your values up against the reality of the situation.
My husband died six years ago, because of that I retured early on his social security. I have enough to live on and work 11 hours a week. I am happy because I walk and meditae hang out with friends and family. My needs are met. Christmas is almost here and I purchased a few gifts that people can actually use. My little grandkids are getting used but still good toys. I am thankful and grateful for what I have each and everyday. And I do not own a smartphoe.
I am sorry about your husband, but I am glad that you are in touch with the essence of you. I think gratefulness is the key. So many want more without being grateful for what they already have!
I agree with the article completely, but then saw the picture of the woman at the bottom, I assume that is the author.
And then I thought, what a shame that corporate America still has such a hold on that woman.
Now she is a nice looking woman, nothing wrong with her at all, but the bleached hair, make up etc. tells me that corporate America still has a very strong hold on her as they not only tells us how we should live and what we should buy, but also how we should look and what beauty products we should use to make us “feel our best”.
Hi Thera,
I would like to let you know that I have never bleached my hair. That is my natural color. And the only makeup I am wearing in that picture is eyeliner and mascara. Somedays I enjoy makeup. Others I don’t. There are plenty of pics here on my website of me without any makeup at all. I also don’t have a problem with women who want to change the color of her hair or put on makeup if they enjoy it. But how sad that we see a beautiful woman that we assume she must have used a lot of artificial things to get there. What you are seeing my dear, is pure light and and a love of life. I am happier than I’ve ever been in my life. And yes, the sun here adds more blonde to my hair and color to my face, and I say thank you to this beautiful world. Blessings and beauty to you, my dear. I hope my beauty doesn’t distract from the message of the article.
Great article. I wish you had a printable version, because that’s a keeper.
Thanks, Garrett. I added print button just for you. You will find it just above the area of Related Posts. You can also subscribe to my blog for the future to get printable versions delivered to your inbox. Glad you liked the article!!
I had such similar observations when I traveled overseas and lived in the Philippines for a month. They are joyous! It blew me away. Thanks for sharing these good reminders.
I am glad that you enjoyed them!! The Philippines is on my list.
yeah travel really makes you think how little you need to be happy, when you see people with alot less! Like Thailand and the Philippines, really bad news about the Typhoon there!! so sad!!
Yes, it’s so sad…I ache for those wonderful people….
I like how you posted the story about the Harvard MBA and the Fisherman. It’s ironic how western civilizations like the United States has believed that the best path is to get all of this stuff then go on retirement. Some people like that, but some people like me, and perhaps yourself thinks that we have it backwards. We don’t know exactly how to reverse this path for ourselves, but we can find the answers to answer these questions. One of them is volunteering to a place you like or go talk a next – door neighbor.
You are so right, Adrian!! We can find the answers!
So wonderful. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in convenience and being “normal”. In the past 5 years, we have gotten out of debt, cut our consumption down drastically by focusing on our landfill output. We’ve travelled more, spent more time together, and I ditched corporate office and work from home with a wonderful team. Life just keeps getting better 🙂
Thank you!
So happy for you, Krystal!
Thanks for the great article! It’s real coincidental timing as I’m at a crossroads right now, with a job that is slowly taking its toll on a daily basis. Myself and my co-workers are increasingly getting stress induced ailments at work, including shingles, colds that last forever, severe migraines and full-fledged burnout. I’m questioning ‘why do I keep doing this’? The answer is fear. Fear of making a change, fear of leaving a well-paid and relatively stable job, fear of what will happen if I don’t have enough money to contribute to the family. I was raised to ‘tough it out’ no matter what, and I’m having a hard time shaking it – I really do feel trapped. All I know is that I can’t keep doing this indefinitely, and your writing is indeed an eye opener….
Oh, I am so glad that my writing could help. I am writing a book right now about letting go of fear to follow your dreams. Hoping to have it out soon!
Just discovered this book, that you might like, Reg!! Escape Plan: Ditch The Rat Race, Discover The World (http://c43dffndh56h1hbefiplbh4dsv.hop.clickbank.net)
What a great article and so accurate. I worked at my job for almost 32 years. The last 6 or 7 years were soul killing and awful so I retired at age 51. The move away from my job was scary but it was scarier to think about what would become of me if I stayed there. I went from averaging $70K a year to fixed $21K a year. I have never been happier! I spend my days volunteering at an organization that runs a thrift shop and turns 100% of the proceeds back to the community. It has allowed me to meet amazing, giving people and to get involved in organizations that help people. I went from being able to buy anything I want and not think about the money to deciding I just don’t need any of those things anymore. Perhaps I never did but only thought I did.
I am so glad that you followed your heart!! This is inspirational to hear!
Loved this. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you!!
I loved reading this post, it is all so true. There are so many things I know I could do without but somehow I feel compelled to keep up with Jones. Maybe reading this is just what I needed to set myself in a different directions! Thanks for the wonderful words of wisdom.
Thanks Barbara!! It does feel good to simplify…
This is such an eye-opening article!!! I can’t even put to words the tremendous burden that consumerism has put onto my life; in the past and present.
It’s so true!!
I hadn’t read this one before–it’s great!
Hi Valen….I’ve been following you for a while but I don’t think I’ve read this one before. Yes and yes and yes! All true and great reminders for those who are attempting to do the same thing. I am spending time during this month hanging out in a tiny little mountain town called Idyllwild where it is much cooler than our home in the desert. We rent a place for the month that is very reasonable. But everyone back home is always asking, “But what do you do there all month?” That’s because they know there are very few stores, no shopping, a handful of restaurants and not the usually city distractions. We try to explain that we hang out on our deck and read, we take hikes, we watch the sunset, we do siestas, we have friends for dinner and just talk. Best of all we enjoy the summer, nature, the trees. But you have to be able to “see” and know that for it to have value to you. Thanks for your remembers. ~Kathy
Oh, I am so glad to hear you are disconnecting. Isn’t it sad that people have forgotten how to do that?!! Have a nice restful time!!
I am trying not to fall in the trap of consumerism. Some days it’s easier, some days it’s harder.
Fantastic post and so true. I am constantly amazed by the people around me feeling “trapped” in their circumstances, circumstances THEY created by just the things your article states. Many of the happiest people we’ve ever met have been in countries that are so far below what we consider the poverty line it isn’t even comparable… they know that family, community, living each day are whats important.
I am, too, Rhonda…a lot of people just don’t get that they are creating their reality!
I love this post! In fact, I have recently written on my blog which touched on a couple of the points you made. How much is enough is a very good question and I seem to be asking myself a lot as well at the moment.
No Stuff No Problem! I have also written about how we sold everything we had, piled a few books and tools on a boat and left Canada to see the world and live off grid for as long as we can. I am so glad that many people our days are doing it! http://www.thelifenomadik.com/axis-mundi-our-mandala-house/
There are obviously lucky people who find the perfect balance, but often in poorer cultures people are working even longer days than in the US just to survive. I guess a lot of it depends if you are living in an area where it is possible to be at all self-sufficient from the land/sea. I’m very happy that you’ve found some places where people seem to be happy though- I love the fiesta culture here in South America too. I think that’s something that’s sadly lacking in the UK too.
Stumbled on this older post – just read a blog post on Nomadic Matt’s page (again, an old post) about why Americans don’t want to travel as much as other nationalities in the world. I think this consumer culture that you highlight has a lot to do with it! It’s an irony. You give up your hours to work to earn money to buy stuff that you don’t then have time to enjoy. The riches of this world isn’t material – it’s memories, it’s relationships, it’s connections. No one ever, upon dying, ever wished he’d worked harder, had a newer car or a bigger house. Great thought provoking post!
That´s very true. I think that we should give value to the simple things of life. We shoud enjoy the life at most with our friends and family.
Wow! After feeling over worked and very stressed lately.. I asked myself what I could do to genuinely enjoy life. This article is a huge eye opener! Thank you
I am so glad that it helped. I also offer life coaching session and you may also enjoy my articles at http://www.yourownlife.org. Cheers, Valen
Val,
I love this post! came across through Becoming Minimalist! I can’t wait to read other posts! very inspiring!
Thank you,
Thank you so much, Italo. You may also like my other site. http://www.yourownlife.org !
Makes me wonder where do you live in Mexico. Right now, I live in a 3×2 square meters apartment. It’s just one multipurpose room and the bathroom. I don’t have a car or cable, services are taken care of by the landlord, but water, electricity and internet are kind of common. And yet, I’m struggling to pay my rent of this room (~900 usd per month)
I work 10 hours, six days of the week and barely get enough to pay the rent. I don’t even get enough to cover the food expenses and other stuff so my savings are in the red.
What I want the most? I want to physically die, because there is nothing else I’m interested for. I’m a living dead who wishes could take the rest of his savings and go live somewhere else.
But what’s this? I can’t because to move somewhere I need to prove I’m a desirable person to stay in their country. With no education, it’s hard to go anywhere that isn’t worse off than Mexico.
Great read!! A true eye-opener!