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In this age of dot com billionaires and unstoppable consumerism it’s time we ask, “When is enough ENOUGH!” By most measures, Americans consume a disproportionate amount of the world’s resources or control a disproportionate share of the world’s wealth. This is not a cuase for unhealthy guilt but it can challenge each one of us to to ask whether or not there are any limits to their wants and desires. But how can we chart a course toward a simpler existence?
Start by recognizing that there is an opportunity to simplify your life. Become informed. Behavior change is easier when there is a meaningful context that surrounds it. For instance, many somokers who have been unable to quit finally leave cigarettes forever when they are diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly quitting smoking means something to them.
Begin with small choices that foster simplicity. Ask yourself, “Do I need that article of clothing, that book, that new gadget?” How we answer these small questions reflects our general attitude.
When you make a purchase, are you replacing something or is what you are about to introduce into your life absolutely essential? If you are replacing something consider whether need or desire is actually motivating you. If you are bringing something new into the home consider how you might perceive that new thing in one year. Most of us have things we can barely recall what possessed us to purchase them.
Once you have made some progress toward simplifying you may begin to consider whether or not used items would do just as well as new ones. Choosing to re-use and the avoidance of new purchases makes good earth sense and can prove much less costly.
Finally, consider how vulnerable you are to advertising and consider a diet. Some people think advertising relies upon shame. When advertisers can arouse a subtle sense of shame (I ought to have that, or my kids need that) they may be home free. All that remains is to imply their product is the remedy for the shame they just aroused. Think about turning off the TV. Consider going for walks instead and notice how little the lilies of the field do not toil or struggle. Our psychic apparatus takes its nourishment from the impressions of the day. We would be well advised to consume a more wholesome diet of images and impressions than what is available on TV.
Many people are surprised to discover how much can be saved with a few small changes. As you spend less your personal resources seem more abundant. Perhaps as our personal resources become more abundant the drive to make more money can be tempered. If you believe resources are scare then your actions (like overspending and compulsive work) may end up supporting your hypothesis. But simplify your needs and the resulting abundance may surprise you. You may discover “When Enough is Enough.”
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