My consumerist wish list:
Eames RAR rocking chair
Decent food processor
Roberts radio
A few quality items of new clothing
Orla Kiely anything
My simple living wish list:
Time to sit and read more books
Time to cook delicious food and linger over meals
Being with friends who I love to chat with
Paring down my wardrobe
Learning new creative skills
I may never get to own anything from my first list. Each item has a function or a design that I really like but do I need these things? Will they actually improve the quality of my life? Will they give me lasting happiness? After all, I already have somewhere to sit, utensils to cook with, more than one radio, plenty of clothes and a couple of Orla Kiely items.
My second list is achievable - in fact, I am already making good progress with some of these goals. They will give me regular pleasure, lasting memories and a sense of achievement. I won't have to spend too much money to achieve them but they will require an investment of my time. I can make time for these things in my life now.
Money can buy you happiness to some extent. Spending money on experiences that give you lasting pleasure such as going on a holiday will give you wonderful memories. And owning something beautifully designed can be a daily source of happiness. But, for most of us, things that cost a lot of money require us putting off our happiness until some time in the future when we will have enough money to afford these things.
Wanting nice things is OK but if all your happiness is geared towards buying and acquiring bigger and better items or experiences in the future you might be missing so many things that could give you pleasure today.
I can forgo my Eames RAR rocking chair. I can buy a cheaper alternative or simply admire the beauty of the design from afar. Don't get me wrong I'd love to own one but I don't think I'll regret not buying one. But is there an equivalent replacement for spending time with friends and family? In future years will I regret not spending enough time with my loved ones?
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Encore. After years of having disposable income and spending it on (what?? who knows) I've come to realise that your simple things are right up there on the top of my list too. Nope, there's nothing wrong with a desire of "nice stuff", (and I'm lucky to *have* some nice stuff too) but after spending the morning digging the allotment in the blustery sunshine with my fleece and joggers on I know where I'd rather be, and its not John Lewis! (Well, not today anyway!) x
ReplyDeleteSounds invigorating! I agree one or two nice things in a room seem to somehow make more of an impact and give a lot more joy than a uniform John Lewis look :)
DeleteI hope it never happens to you, but once one has been burgled you know that things are just that.....things.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting but when we were burgled, almost twenty years ago, only money was taken.
DeleteMy simple living list matches your exactly - except the cooking part. I'd like a chef to come in and prepare my meals . . . guess that would go on my consumerist list. :)
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Jenny
Now that sounds like a treat!
DeleteThe problem with pretty things is that we adapt to them so quickly... Sometimes almost after we bring them home.
ReplyDeleteI also have a (mental) consumerist list, but in the end I almost always prefer to spend my money with experiences (which include books and cinema :P).
Great post, as usual ;)
I agree with you, the novelty wears off so quickly and we get so used to things that we don't really see them anymore, even when it's something we've desired for ages.
DeleteI agree - reading a book or seeing an interesting film can enrich you long after you have bought the book or ticket :)
DeleteA brilliant post, and one I agree wholeheartedly with.
ReplyDeleteMy motto ringing through my head all the time is on the sidebar on my Blog - Do you have what you need? Do you need what you have?
If I don't have something that I really do need, I will buy it and enjoy it, if I have something that I really don't need I can let it go without a moments hesitation.
This year is the year that I will only end up with what I need, hopefully.
Sue xx
Your motto is brilliantly simple. I guess it's about controlling our wants and being aware more of our needs (many of which are not material things)xo
DeleteYes this rings so true,I have just purchased a michael kors watch ,a so much desired want.However when in my possession it just reminds me of who I am not and that material things do not bring happiness,comfort or joy.It is going straight back to the shop ,thank heavens for the refund policy.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Will you do something different with your refund?
Deletewell ,the money will be refunded to my credit card which I should definitly not be spending on, once and for all it is going for good,as in times of feeling down I can get carried away spending . I am slowly but surely learning frugal ways ,ie 1 step forward 2 steps back ,but with blogs like this I am inspired all the way, thank you!
DeleteGreat post! So true...it is all just stuff. I've been slowly getting rid of some of my things (donating and selling) and it feels good...and helps me appreciate the things I am keeping! :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer your simple wish list and is what I am trying to do too. I did however buy a Roberts solar power radio yesterday so I still think I have a way to go!
ReplyDeleteSarah x
yes well said. I wish I had realised this a few years earlier! Heather x
ReplyDeleteSome days I wish blog comments had a like button next to them so I could just like them all. Thank you everybody for a post and comment section that affirm my ambition to be clear of clutter and conquer the consumerist itchies.
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