Ah, the joys of consumerism! Who needs inner peace when you can have endless amounts of stuff you'll never use? Credit cards were invented for a reason, right? To help us accumulate more things that we don't need and can't afford. Because, let's be real, who needs financial stability and security when you can have a brand new iPhone every year?
And don't even get me started on those pesky TV commercials that tell us how we should dress, smell, eat, and look. I mean, why bother with self-discovery and personal style when we can just follow the latest trends and fit in with the crowd? Who cares about individuality and authenticity when we can have the same clothes, makeup, and accessories as everyone else?
But let's take a moment to travel back in time to my good old backpacking days in India where I had everything, I needed to survive in one backpack. Clothes, toiletries, books, my travel documents and “Lonely Planet Guide”. Without this guide, you couldn’t travel, or go anywhere as it was full of endless information on what to do, see, and where to stay including private homes. 
The locals understood the value of simple living. They didn't have many material possessions, but they had clean homes, with welcoming deities and temples. They lived in extended families, each child didn't have their own room, they slept in their parents' or grandparents’ rooms. I grew up the same way in Nairobi. My dad’s brothers, wives and kids were assigned one room and that’s how we slept. I used to sleep in my grandmother’s room unlike in the West.
Instead of watching TV, everyone sat in the veranda, living room or around the fire to talk, have some laughs and make connections with family, neighbours and travellers like me. The young ones were put to bed if it was a school night so the adults could talk. Some villages had communal kitchens in the open. They made their vegetables, daal, etc. in their homes but everyone came together to make the chapatti/roti’s. These are memories that I will never forget because I bonded and connected with complete strangers and became part of their family.
I look at our fast-paced, instant gratification culture, now and no one has the time or patience to save up for something they really want. We want it now, and we want it delivered to our doorstep tomorrow. Amazon has done a great job of changing our spending behaviour.
Who needs healthy cooking and outdoor activities when we can order fast food and binge-watch Netflix all day?
Who needs real-life connections and meaningful conversations when we can just scroll through social media and compare ourselves to others? This has its own problems which make us feel like crap! Why doesn’t my home look like that? I need to have that jewelry and that sari, wow, its gorgeous, I have to have it!
Our worlds are becoming very pretentious and personally, I don’t like it one little bit.
Now, going back to our overstuffed homes, if you're like me, you’ve probably accumulated stuff, knick-knacks that serve no purpose, and books you'll never read. It's overwhelming, and it's not making you happy. But don't worry, the solution is simple: appreciate the simple things in life. Go for a walk-in nature, cook a meal, and spend time with your loved ones. And when you do buy things, make conscious choices. Choose quality over quantity, invest in items that will last a lifetime, and buy from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. It's time to shift our focus from material possessions to the things that truly matter - love, connection, and inner peace.
I’m not saying you have to stop shopping altogether. I mean, come on, who can resist pretty things? It makes you happy. For me, shops like Marshalls, Home Sense, and Winners are wonderful as they allow pup’s and it’s a win-win situation, I get to shop and walk her, right?
But on a more serious note, it's time to stop judging people based on their material possessions, instead of having open conversations, we look at what is in their wallets, pockets, and homes to see how much money they have.
But fear not, my fellow humans, for there is a solution to our consumerist woes. Minimalism! It's not just a trend, it's a lifestyle! It's all about finding joy in the simple things and letting go of the rest. So let's embrace it, shall we? Let's declutter our homes, donate, sell, or recycle the things we don't need. Let's be mindful of what we buy and why we're buying it.
Moreover, if you want to take it a step further, consider donating to worthy causes that align with your values. For instance, donating to an animal shelter or a women's crisis centre where survivors have had to leave everything behind and start over can make a significant impact in their lives.
By giving more tips to those who rely on tips for their livelihood or by contributing to a cause you care about, you can make a positive change in the world while also finding more fulfillment and purpose in your life. Remember, true happiness comes from within, and helping others can be one of the most rewarding experiences.
As a Happiness Coach, I see this with my clients. All it takes is mindset, being mindful and soon you will find the purpose of your life. If you are struggling, please contact me, I can help you get out of the rut and find happiness every day.
