Whatshot
Through my eyes
Through my eyes
Date: 2018-11-30
Live more by owning less
This week Pope Francis was speaking about the Black Friday event and the Cyber Monday, which we celebrated so valiantly these last few days, he says that the 'sickness of consumerism' is the enemy of generosity, as he called for the faithful to give a little something to the poor.
We are all consumers, after all, to live is to consume, but some of us go to extremes and we all know who we are, however this article is not about pointing fingers, but I have seen the light of my own consumer binge when I recently spring cleaned my home, and it was nasty, and I vowed never to purchase anything I do not need again. Gone are the days of compulsive spending, enough is enough!
The truth about consumerism is that it becomes excessive when it extends beyond what is needed. When we begin consuming more than is needed,boundaries are moved. Personal credit allows us to make purchases beyond our income-level. Advertisements subtly reshape our desires around material possessions. And the consumption culture that surrounds us begins to make excessive consumption appear natural and normal.
Excessive consumption leads to bigger houses, faster cars,trendier clothes, fancier technology, and over filled drawers. It promises happiness, but never delivers. Instead, it results in a desire for more a desire, which is promoted by the world around us. And it slowly begins robbing us of our life. It redirects our God-given passions to things that can never fulfil. Itc onsumes our limited resources while it consumes us.
And it is time that we escape this vicious cycle.
It is time to take a step back and realize that excessive consumption is not delivering on its promise to provide happiness and fulfilment. Consumption is necessary, but excessive consumption is not. And life can be better lived (and more enjoyed), by intentionally rejecting excess.
True life is found in the invisible things of life: love, hope, and faith. Escaping excessive consumption is not an easy battle. If it were, it would be done more often myself included. But it is a battle worth fighting because it robs us of life far more than we realize.
Excessive consumption promises happiness, but never delivers.True life must be found somewhere else.