I broke my fast.
I tried and I failed.
I continued to consume... because there is too much good music out there... too many interesting apps and enticing second-hand books for me to check out.
I needed a new case for my iPhone.
I needed a new (to me) waistcoat.
I needed a pair of Birkenstock sandals for my holiday to Lido di Jesolo, near Venice.
I tried and I failed.
But in my failure I have learned about what motivates me to consume... and believe this awareness will help me in the coming days. It is something that I can use.
I am motivated by the thrill of discovery. I derive pleasure from finding something new.
I am not a horder, per se... in that I am not necessarily motivated by having lots of stuff. I am not really a collector of anything... apart from film cameras, I guess.
For me... its the obsession of the hunt... that singularity of view of my prey where everything else is kind of blurred (kind of like focussing on a single raindrop on a washing line)... and then the rapturous joy when I get what I'm after.
If the thing fits with my needs and my self-identity then it becomes assimilated into my life.
However, if the thing intrigues me but... is ultimately extraneous to my life then... at the point when the novelty wears off... it becomes another thing taking up space.
I don't think I am alone in this.
I don't think I am the only person who enjoys the hunt.
Where do I go from here?
What do I do with this knowledge?
I could differentiate between what will have an impact in my life... and what is transitory? But then... will I know it is extraneous at the time?
I guess this is where I should question myself...
Will it add to my life?
Will it improve my life?
Do I actually need it?
The key here is to apply my new learning.
Application is, afterall, where knowledge is transformed into wisdom.
We'll see.
Tx
1 comment:
I think the majority of people in affluent countries enjoy the buzz of purchasing. I don't think too many people reflect, as you have, on the necessity of a purchase but are caught up in the "want/ must have syndrome". We actually need much less than we buy and keep. However, I think it is important to consider our purchases carefully as well as asking if we need to retain everything we have bought. Perhaps there is a time that we can do without what we have bought after a period of time and, after it becomes surplus or not really wanted, pass it on. There is a compulsion in buying and it is right to ask your closing questions and query our motives in this important part of our lives.
Post a Comment