Living Deliberately ~ Consumerism & Life

This is part 2 of the Living Deliberately post about Wants vs. Needs.

Today's society is consumer driven. 

To quote  Debra She Who Seeks -

 "... consumer society depends for its very existence on people who cannot distinguish wants from needs. It is the social function of advertising to create those people. " 

This came from a college text book of hers. Thank you Debra for sharing that with us!

We are all consumers. What's important is to what extreme we carry it. Buying things makes us feel good. The act of purchasing items we want releases endorphins in our body. These endorphins make us happy. We quickly learn to equate buying with happiness. We are doing exactly what mega-businesses and advertising agencies want us to do. 

But is there a substitute for shopping? Is there any other way to release those wonderful endorphins? YES! Exercise, Laughter, Smiling, Eating dark chocolate, Socializing, including music in your Life, Utilizing all your senses. These are just a few of the ways to feel good and be happy. 

Our society has become reclusive. And we live our lives like hermits. (Facebook friends DO NOT count!) We rush off to work with barely a word to anyone, we spend our day in an office cubical staring at a computer screen, we then rush home only to rush off to an event for one of the kids or for ourselves. We seldom, if ever!, speak to our neighbors, exercise is something which is thought about on the weekends, and laughter is often forced. It's no wonder our society is so far removed from reality. Life is better when it is experienced in a slow and deliberate manner. And when it is shared with others in real time. We are then able to utilize ALL of our senses and soak up the beauty, the joy, the magic which Life has to offer. Once we slow down and begin using ALL of our senses to appreciate the world around us,  then good things begin to flow into our lives. 

Maslow's  Hierarchy

To further manifest your desired way of life try the following, which are based on Maslow's Hierarchy:

1. Stop caring what others 'might' think about you. When you are concerned about other people's opinion of yourself, then you are not being true to yourself.  When you begin living your life true to yourself, then the 'real' you shines through. This 'real' you will be a magnet for not only people but success.

2. Let go of the desire to have power over others. If you desire to have power at work, or at home or even at play (sports, theater, etc), you will be doomed to failure. People will work for you out of fear rather than out of respect. Smart people surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are - and in that scenario, everyone is a winner.

3. Listen. Stop trying to be the center of attention and listen to what people are telling you. Listen to what isn't being said as well as the spoken words. It's amazing what a person can hear when they only stop and listen.

4.  Detach yourself from the outcome of worrisome scenarios. The more you worry and stress about something, the harder it is to do your best. Have faith in your abilities, do your best and soon you will be rewarded with a positive outcome.

These are only a few ways to bring about positive changes to one's life and to begin to appreciate each and every moment.