All You Need Is Less
I talk a lot about consuming less and buying with intention, but what the hell does that actually mean in practice...
For me, it's about shifting our mindset away from excess and leaning into mindful consumption. Minimalism often comes to mind, but the goal isn’t to own absolutely nothing; it's about ensuring our essential needs are met without excess.
Now it’s not always easy, and I'm certainly far from perfect, but before acquiring anything new (or bringing anything into my life for that matter) I like to consider the following:
Do I truly need this (or am I just trying to fill a void)?
Can I use something I already have?
Do I have a place to store it once I bring it home?
Too much stuff, with no where for it to go, leads to clutter and chaos.
- Laura Whittman
Can I find an alternative solution?
Do I already own this?
How many times have you bought something only to realized you already had it!?
Can I make it, repair it, grow it myself?
Where can I ask for help?
Can I use community instead of falling into to the capitalism worm hole.
Taking that small pause, donning my conscious consumer hat, and doing my darnedest to make more intentional choices has helped me avoid overspending and accumulating unnecessary possessions (and people;)
Recently, I came across a quote that stopped me in my tracks: "Consumption creates dissatisfaction. Dissatisfied people make good consumers." Mind-blown emoji, yeah!? What a powerful reminder that perpetual dissatisfaction fuels excessive consumption, leading to a cycle of never-ending acquisition. Watch any commercial or ad on social media and the not-so-subliminal messaging is there: “You’re not good enough. You need more. This will make you happy.”
It's perfectly fine to own possessions, but it's equally important to assess whether each item adds value to our lives or merely occupies space.
My desires haven't disappeared; they've simply evolved:
• I desire ethnically-made, high-quality items.
• I will use my nice things everyday, not just for special occasions.
• I aim to produce less waste and minimize trash.
• I seek to eat good food; grown & created by good people.
• I strive to embrace and appreciate what I already own.
• I aspire to make more and consume less.
If you're seeking a visual guide that you can easily save on your phone (or in your wallet;) — a lil’ reminder that you don't need as much as you think. I recommend checking out the infographics below. They've been my trusted resources for over a decade, serving as a helpful deterrent against impulsive purchases and unnecessary consumption: