Over-consumption

There has been a lot written over the past few years about over-consumption, affluenza, the purchasing of too much stuff and the need for many to always want more. Consumption is something we all do naturally, it's part of being human. We need a constant flow of oxygen, protection from the elements, and sustenance to re-charge and energize our bodies. These are basic needs which the planet can comfortably provide even with an increasing population.

Most of us have these basic needs met unless we are amongst the growing homeless and hungry that find themselves without protection from the elements or access to enough food to sustain them. If we look outside this group and focus on Western civilizations emphasis on constant consumption we can shine a light on the uncomfortable feeling that results from always wanting more, or feeling that you haven't worked hard enough, or that someone else is better off than you are.

A PBS special on Affluenza defines the term as: “1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to keep up with the Joneses. 2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by dogged pursuit of the American Dream. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth.”

So the question is why do we spend a lot of time stressed, indebted, and working way too hard to spend time storing and cleaning up the “stuff” we think we can't do without? Well our western society is based upon constant consumption and the need to acquire status. Unfortunately the search for prestige and self-esteem has been wrapped up in the outward expression of material possessions.

But we don't have to buy into it.

There are things to consider before working your butt off to buy something.

1. Do I really need it.
2. How many hours do I have to work for this?
3. Will I wear it, eat it, and or use it until it is worn out, or will I store it and clean it.

If we are really honest with ourselves when looking around at all our possessions it is easy to see that most “stuff” spends a lot of time getting stored and cleaned. Those bigger houses are just storage containers for all the “stuff” we just have to have. And those security systems we pay for to protect all that “stuff” means we just have to work all the harder to store it and clean it.

But i'd like to tell you that you don't have to buy status by showing off what you own. Being a good consumer will not make you happy, it will just make you work harder, clean more, and pay more to store all those products.

There are things we can do to make our lives happier and less stressed. The first of which is don't buy things you don't need and the second is stop celebrating and desiring material possessions. Simplify your life.

Isn't quality of life much more important than your material “stuff”?

Try focusing on your family, your friends and your community. Spend less time working to get more “stuff” and more time working to make your life less stressful. Value relationships and understand that you don't really need what you think you need to lead a happy life.

See ya next week.