The idea that “happiness” can be purchased, is what teams of advertisers want all consumers to believe. Once we buy into that idea, the credit card companies jump on board to continue this false hope by allowing consumers the means to purchase more and more in order to eventually purchase happiness.
I just did a google search for the word, “minimalism” my search was not birthed from my imagination. I actually watched a documentary about “Minimalism” last night while enjoying dinner. Minimalism, would be a complete lifestyle overhaul; one that only allows those things that are necessary for survival, or brings the person absolute joy.
It doesn’t mean that everything is absolutely bare, just the minimal amount necessary to live
As I have been studying myself, searching for who I am. Like an old gold-panner sifting through sand and rock searching for multi-sized, valuable gold nuggets. I am finding my own nuggets. All varying in size and value; I am realizing my beliefs, understanding the origins of my automatic thoughts, both negative and positive. I have also discovered that I choose my actions… While I have been busy panning for the gold nuggets internally, I have been sifting through the family dwelling, questioning the purpose of numerous bits of clothing and household items that only offer clutter. The house is coming along and taking on a whole new feel. My life is becoming more of what I want it to be. Intentional and full of purpose. Happiness can be gift wrapped and placed inside shopping bags, but the happiness you thought you bought fades before the credit card bill even arrives in the mail. A temporary good feeling, is not true happiness. It is only a momentary high, a feeling someone can get from the hunt of a good bargain or obtaining a quality product that very few can afford. So can true happiness be found in an exclusive brand or rummaging through the clearance aisle and the filling of a shopping cart?
Or will it actually take removing all of those things, you once just had to have, before finding that lasting happiness we all so desperately seek? Maybe we all have just been burying our own happiness. Covering it all up with things, because society has amplified our needs to be more and have more. I think I will start taking it upon myself to sell this idea… “You are enough, you are beautifully made and intricately designed to just be you. ”
I have been reading books on being mindful, and some of the useful bits I have found today say that we should try to appreciate what is around us, and to sit silently and meditate to find creativity awakened and to have energy levels replenished. Find a natural setting that invites you to listen to the silence. Last step, just listen.
I think I am dealing with insomnia now, its 2 am and I need to be awake early tomorrow to be baseball mom for my son and fun mom for my lil girl. I will try to lay down now to catch some shut eye.
Good night all, and search yourself for that hidden happiness, it will be discovered for all of us I pray
The World in Black and White 