I really dislike being referred to as a consumer. Yes I do consume things, but it isn’t my whole being. I walk, talk, breathe, sing (quite badly) and many other things besides. But my main function in life is not to spend money and buy things, so I am staging a rebellion. Christmas in particular is a time when we are bombarded with messages leaving us in no doubt that the only way to that picture-perfect-happy-family Christmas is to buy a light-up reindeer (guilty as charged) and enough food to keep a small village going through a prolonged snow storm.
I think it’s time to resist. I was looking back over my favourite things of last year and although some did cost money, none of them added to our mountain of stuff. They included walking the Thames Path, enjoying Alice Cooper in concert, taking part in Newbury’s lantern parade, marvelling at gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, dancing in a flash mob, losing myself in Van Gogh paintings at the National Gallery, carol singing in the local neighbourhood and being blown away by Cat Stevens’ appearance at a charity concert. To name but a few.
Many of those activities were free, but some cost money. I’m not suggesting that we turn back the clock to a time before money existed. From this distance, it looks like a pretty grim life beset by poverty and illness for most people. Who wouldn’t want to live in a warm house with enough to eat and access to medical care? I’m grateful for it every day. I can’t see myself living a self-sufficient off-grid life, but I also resent being made to feel that the key to happiness lies in spending money and buying more stuff nobody needs.
Therefore, this year I’m going to redouble my efforts to experience more and buy less. Maybe we’ll finish walking the Thames Path and start on the Ridgeway? I’ll try harder to value and re-use the things I have. Those boots will be re-soled one more time and the ancient kitchen table will be sanded yet again.
I don’t think this is a resolution as such, just a reminder to myself to fight back against mindless consumerism. I do have one resolution, though. And it’s somewhat random. I’m planning to learn the NATO phonetic alphabet. It’s so useful, costs nothing, involves no personal sacrifice or self-improvement and won’t clutter up the house. Perfect.
Totally agree. We are trying to have more experiences rather than more possessions.
Love
Juliet, Oscar, Yankee, Charlie, Echo (and I didn’t have to look it up … 🤣)
I am so impressed!
😘
Now that’s one thing I do know – woohoo!
I obviously need to get going.
I confess I finally succumbed to the lit up reindeer (yes, too cheap made in China version) but they did give us a lot of pleasure). I’d like to think the rest of our Christmas wasn’t too materialistic. But walking the Thames Path has definitely been one of the best value, pleasurable things we have done last year. A commitment without any pressure but plenty of relaxation, perfect.
As long as you bring that reindeer out year after year, I think you can enjoy it guilt-free. And send me photos!