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The challenge: to avoid materialism

In our society it is fueled by consumption.  We are constantly bombarded with media ads, newspaper ads,magazine ads, television commercials, ads on our apps, the list goes on and on.  Having more and more things doesn’t necessarily make us happier, contrary to what society is telling us.

Living a less materialistic lifestyle doesn’t mean that we are to move to Alaska in a cabin and disappear from society.  What it does mean is that we shift our focus away from possessions so that they  become less important.

Why make the change:

We hunger for more in life.  We want more money, more power, more success, more gizmos.  We live for it.  We are constantly thinking what we would do when we make the next amount of money to buy such and such a thing.  It never ends.  We forget about the things that we already have because we are constantly looking at the things that we don’t have yet.

What motivates a person to want more? Here is what society tells us:

• Having more things will make me happier
• Having more things will make me more important
• Having more things will make me more secure

 

How to make the change:

How do we go about making the change to resist materialism when our society is jamming it down our throats?

Resist….Rejoice….Refocus….Return

1. We resist comparing ourselves to what other people have.
2. We rejoice in what we do have and be thankful for it.
3. Refocus on things that really matter and count.
4. Return to God.  Focusing our happiness,our security, and realizing our worth can only come from God.

Here is a thought?  What is the opposite of materialism?

Giving.  Is it safe to say that the antidote to materialism is giving?  It means the exact opposite of getting.  The bible commands us to tithe.  Tithing is an act of generosity.  Each time you give you are winning the war on materialism.  When you go to pay your tithe, you are putting your faith and trust in God to provide for your security and to take care of your needs.

 

 

The challenge : to challenge yourself

There is much reference online to making a “bucket” list  for the summer and a bucket list to do before you reach a certain age and I was always thinking to myself, “why do people need a bucket list to get things done?”  I realized I challenge myself on a weekly basis and my life is basically a bucket list.  Not many people think like I do and that is okay, thus the reason for a bucket list.

Why make the change:

I am not encouraging you to go and make a list of things like swimming with dolphins, go skydiving, etc.  But what is wrong with making a list that pertains to challenging our own life and making it better?  Why should we “settle” for being a mom who doesn’t know how to cook, one who doesn’t have a green thumb, or maybe one who has problems communicating in her marriage?

 We should be striving as Mom’s to be the best that we can be.

Striving to better ourselves will improve our quality of life, may save you some money, and will help enhance those lives of people around you.

What are some things that prevent people from challenging their life?

• fear—fear of failure, fear of going out of comfort zone, fear of unknown
• over -thinking—people start over analyzing things and start making a mountain out of a mole hole.  Just take things one step at a time.
• not recognizing achievement—they fail to see how far they have come and look instead to how far they have to go
• learn from it–as with everything learn from your mistakes, take what you would do differently and don’t be afraid to try again

How to make the change:

This part is easy, start by making a list of things you want to improve upon in your life.  Examples include:

• learn how to bake homemade bread
• learn how to sew
• learn how to garden
• learn how to be a good listener-by keeping mouth shut
• share talents with someone–example teach sewing to neighbor girls
• cut my food budget by 50%
• make all foods from scratch
• organize my paper mess
• organize my household
• make a budget and stick to it
• make some extra income–brainstorm ways

There are so many different things you can do and with everyone it is a different story.  I encourage you to improve and challenge yourself and ways.  You will be a better person by stretching yourself and your comfort level.

 

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.

Confucious