Why? Consumerism is the new American Dream. Material things have become a part of our identity. We think that in order to be happy we need stuff--and lots of it. Not only is this stuff bad for the planet, it's bad for us. The more we buy into consumerism, the more we become dissatisfied with what we have, leading us to consume more (which, by the way, is the goal of many companies who have a product to sell). This process detaches us from our human and natural surroundings, which has been shown to decrease happiness. So, folks have started to buck the consumerist lifestyle and replace it with one focused more on people, the planet, and doing what they love.
I've recently decided to give this lifestyle change a shot. I've become increasingly stressed out about how much stuff I have, to the point that it is getting in the way of my life. So it's time to focus on what is important. I'll be using several blogs as inspiration, which you should check out, when you have a chance. Here are a few I like so far:
Unclutterer
Re-Nest (by Apartment Therapy)
Zen Habits (but particularly the Simple Living Manifesto)
I'll post more links to websites that help me along my way. But first, the Simple Living Manifesto suggests making a list of 4-5 things that are the most important to you. The things you do and the way that you live should relate to the things on this list. If they don't, you should take pause and seriously consider what that activity or lifestyle choice is doing for you, and whether it is even necessary. So, here's a first blush at that list...
- Family & friends
- My dogs, Pip & Sam
- Cooking & baking
- Sustainable living
