Being content with life

We all live in a modern society where we are always wanting more and more. We are consumed by materialism. We feel that our status in society is defined by how much stuff we have.

Yet did you know that the average annual income for the whole world is only $12,000? That means that the majority of individuals who live in Western society earn more than the average income, yet still feel as though they do not have enough. Obviously the amount of money needed to live varies for society to society because of their economy, etc. But how much do we actually need to live?

Living for people means many different things, for some it means having enough food, clean and a place to sleep at night; for others it means having the newest accessory.

I think that we need to learn to be content with what we have and not to want too much. Will buying that new handbag, tv, etc. really make you a happier person or make your life substantially better? I think not.

We are all guilty of doing this, I know I am. Whenever I go shopping I always want to buy something, even if I don't really need it.

I am not saying that we should go without. If you have the money sure you can buy it. All I am saying is that you should consider why you are buying it. You should consider whether your money could be put to better use or be saved for something more important.

Although I am a consumer I often realize that  I get more joy out of life from spending time with friends, family, being outside or volunteering. I get more from that than any item that I will ever buy. Items last months or years, experiences last forever.

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Agreed! haha, which is why lately i am just so appreciative of everything that i have. not saying that i didn't appreciate it before, but i just never really had the time to reflect until now.

    ReplyDelete

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