Buying Less = Living More

The thrill of wanting an object, dreaming of possessing it and pursuing that dream is very understandable. The lure of the shiny and new or the old and elegant is damn near ingrained in our psyche. Conversely, can things create happiness? If their use changes our lives for the better- yes. For example, if a person gets a bicycle and proceeds to ride it daily, weekly or monthly with joy, then greater well-being has been achieved. Even collections of items can support contentment or pride-in-self in some cases. However, accumulation can also spell burden and drudgery. In business psychology, advertising creates a "need state". In this condition of wanting a product or service, can people be content? When it is acquired, will another simply take it's place? The result is a possible spiral of endless yearning for more. Excluding the truly poor, what if what we have already is really enough? Whenever I stop to look at what I have, to use the things that surround me,  I feel a wealth I appreciate. Searching for things on-line can be frustrating. Driving to stores can be aggravating. Isn't it a relief whenever we postpone a day of errands? Complaining about we don't have is depressing. Wishing for what we can't afford is pointless. "Making-do" leads to creativity and individuality. Using what we have reduces artificial stress, environmental impact and financial worries. Buying less increases our ability to focus on the people we love and  the activities we truly enjoy.