• Being content with what you’ve got

    Posted on November 28th, 2009 Saver Queen 11 comments

    My family has been asking each another what we want for Christmas lately, and the question usually makes me reflect on how much I actually already have. When I pause to think about it, I realize that I actually want very little.  Sure, there are some restrictions that go along with living within a tight budget, but overall I live a very full, abundant life.  It’s very humbling to realize that you’re actually content with what you own and are hard pressed to think about something you want, let alone need.

    I think part of the reason I’m so content with what I have is because I’m not subjected to forms of media telling me otherwise.  I don’t have television.  I don’t read fashion magazines.  And I don’t go into malls.  I don’t go out of my way to avoid them, it’s just that I don’t pass by them on my way to work or during my normal routines, so I’m simply not tempted by all the beautiful things in the store windows.  It’s funny how, without the messages from media or malls being shoved down your throat, it’s a lot easier to be content with less.

    What helps you to feel content with what you have?

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    11 responses to “Being content with what you’ve got”

    1. Diane November 28th, 2009 at 16:44

      AMEN! I am amazed how little I spend when I don’t go to walmart and I don’t miss it either.Thanks for reminding us.

    2. psychsarah November 28th, 2009 at 20:13

      I’m with you-I don’t spend much time in malls/shops. I notice that when I do go shopping (i.e., at Christmas!) there are all kinds of things I didn’t know I wanted which makes me less content with what I’ve got. Foolish!

      I also try to think about the parts of my life that really mean a lot to me-spending time with my husband, my goddaughter, my nephews, and the rest of my family, singing in my chorus, doing a good job for my clients at work, etc., and I feel like I’ve got so much, how could I not be content?

    3. Amber November 29th, 2009 at 01:04

      I think that avoiding the media and marketing messages definitely helps me to feel more content. I also think that having a like-minded social network is a big plus. Many of my friends are moms at home with small kids, and we shop second-hand and live simply. And, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve naturally become more content with myself and my life. I think this is a pretty normal thing - older people aren’t usually as concerned with staying up-to-date on the latest trends, you know?

      To simple abundance!

    4. Micaela November 29th, 2009 at 01:17

      I think the fact that I’m not enamoured with new technology helps me out a lot - video games, blackberries, fancy new computers, the newest ipod… no thanks! I quite prefer my guitar - which never goes out of style.

      Clothes though? I’m a sucker for those… and that I wouldn’t change!

    5. me in millions November 29th, 2009 at 13:17

      I’ve found myself so much more content with my “stuff” since I’ve stopped reading women’s magazines. I don’t think I could cut out TV though… However, I rarely watch commercials anymore.

    6. Saver Queen December 1st, 2009 at 00:46

      Amber, I so agree that the people around you can influence what you think about and care about. Most of my friends are not into appearances or buying the latest fashions; they spend more time talking about world issues, science or creative pursuits. Living in Guelph, and working for nonprofit organizations, means that I am not surrounded by billboards, stores, and I don’t constantly compare myself to women who are sporting the latest trends because it’s just not a focus in this culture. I like it that way, because it gives me permission to focus on my interests and hobbies without feeling like I “have to” spend a lot of time keeping up with others.

    7. Cate December 1st, 2009 at 14:39

      Same as you: we don’t watch TV (though we do have one, for movie-watching), don’t read consumerist magazines (we lean toward feminist/science/nature publications), don’t typically window shop, and really think about purchases before we make them. Do we really NEED this new _____? Do we really even WANT it?

    8. Catherine December 2nd, 2009 at 14:45

      I’m very content in my life. I tell my hubby I love a rut. I am not into technology. Ask my kids how mechanical I am :o)
      As I age, and have just become a Nana for the first time, I just want to have my kids around me.
      Since starting with Gail’s jars a year ago, I have improved so much. I still love to look at all the sparkly geehaws out there, love to listen to Christmas music everywhere, meet and greet people in the stores. However, I am very selective and don’t buy much. I windowshop and buy what I need…not want. I am proud of how I’ve evolved. Who knew?

    9. CanadianDebtGirl December 3rd, 2009 at 10:01

      I definitely agree. Not being subjected to the media helps with being happy with what you have. Malls especially this time of year! I hate how busy they are and how grumpy people get. It’s the holidays! You’d think people would be happy shopping for their loved ones. Maybe its more of a burden to them than anything?

    10. E December 3rd, 2009 at 14:37

      Omg…I was in Future Shop/Best Buy a while back ago, and wow, that urge to splurge…

      I typically don’t go there, and it’s been a while since I’ve gone, but needed a cable for my stereo…I looked around and so many tempting things. Digi cams, iPhone/iTouch, Mac computers, netbooks, big/flat screens…oh my.

    11. Three strategies for a greener, simpler, happier holiday @ Saver Queen December 7th, 2009 at 21:38

      [...] through the mall up to three times a day (to and from the subway and then a stroll during lunch.)  As I’ve recently mentioned, this lifestyle is in stark contrast to the one I currently enjoy in the small town of Guelph, [...]

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