If you want to be happy, abandon your chase of material possessions. Find that sweet spot in life where you are comfortable, then stand still and reflect.
Much of this is about dropping the ego, adopting a 'DILLIGAF' attitude regarding the hierarchy status and the ladder of authority.
Maintaining enough decorum not to repel society, fit in by all means, but don't engage in a race to show off.
Conspicuous consumption is bad for our planet's health. Mindless consumption is even worse – there's far more of it. Shopping malls are full of it. I feel no rush to spend money; the concept of retail therapy is as bogus as comfort eating.
No watch. No jewelry. No designer clothes. No fancy car (indeed, no car). Clothes – should be well made, natural materials, mendable, long-lasting. Home: warm, dry, comfortable, small. Photovoltaic electricity. Big garden, growing wild. Meadow flowers, bees and butterflies. No mown lawn.
No holidays; travel as part of work, days off work as necessary. I have no urge to see the world; there's much to bring joy on the doorstep, or a train-ride away.
The result of not frittering away money means no money worries; the rainy-day fund grows from month to month. Financial concerns bring on stress which is bad for long-term health.
Technology: proven, durable. Fast internet connection, lots of data storage. No skimping on good tech, but not as an early adopter, rather a fast follower of new tech as it becomes established. Tech and food are two things I don't skimp on.
Don't waste things. Don't waste food. The 'best-by' dates on food is a safety margin for retailers.
Focus on your developing your curiosity. Ask 'why' and 'how' more often; with Wikipedia in our phones, there's no excuse for not finding out the answer to your question the moment you have it. (A sudden 'need-to-know' the difference between silver birches and aspens is delivered instantly. And so instantly, I have become more knowledgeable).
Gratitude for natural joys. The sun lighting those aspens in the wood that faces my kitchen window; bird song, the first day of the year warm enough for a cooling breeze to feel pleasant. Good food, good conversation, good company.
As Lent is coming to an end, I feel no great urge to get back to eating meat or drinking alcohol. Every year it becomes easier and easier.
Lent 2023, Day 45
The Summary, Pt I
Lent 2022: Day 45
What is the point of it all?
Lent 2021: Day 45
Mindfulness vs Materialism
Lent 2020: Day 45
Unconsummated memories
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