Jill spills: Confronting the Culture of Excess
In our consumer-driven-immediate-gratification society, family values often take a backseat to the pursuit of material possessions and impulsive consumption. With the ease of online consumption, we can instantly fulfill our desires, even when they are completely unnecessary.
Not only do we impulsively consume online, but we also fall into the trap of wanting a better deal for what we perceive as better value. This mentality allows us to justify unnecessary purchases, despite knowing they won't bring us happiness. Instead, we experience a fleeting high followed by long-term regret. I must confess, I have to work on this daily or I’ll fall prey to that fake hit of pleasure. I get so disgusted with myself because I know better, so why aren’t I doing better? I’m now taking action—I’m starving my appetite to needlessly consume and fuel the values I want my family to live by. As parents, we must lead by example.
It's so important to assess whether our mindset and actions align with our family values. Awareness is a powerful thing because it allows us to make immediate adjustments and much wiser decisions. Check in with your family about prioritizing quality over quantity, needs over wants, and embracing the concept that less can often be more. These are not only fantastic conversations, but are also empowering life skills for a more fulfilling life.
To get the conversations going, consider the following topics:
Quality Over Quantity:
Rather than mindlessly accumulating possessions, focus on quality. Prioritize experiences and relationships, which can bring more satisfaction and meaning to life. The goal should be to create enjoyable memories. Encourage your family to invest in things that contribute to an uncluttered life and a healthy mindset.
Simplifying Our Lives:
Embrace simplicity as a powerful tool for resetting your family values. Declutter physical and mental spaces to make room for what truly matters. Teach your family about minimalism and moderation, illustrating how excessive accumulation leads to stress, waste, financial issues, and a loss of focus on what’s important. Emphasize the value of experiences over material possessions, encouraging time spent in nature, quality moments with friends and family, creative exploration, and a thirst for knowledge.
Prioritizing Needs Over Wants:
A crucial aspect of resetting family values is prioritizing needs over wants. Teach your family to distinguish between essential necessities and fleeting desires, a valuable life skill. Help them understand the difference between genuine needs and society's influence on what they think they want. Get their thoughts about ‘consumption addiction”. By instilling these values, you equip your children with discernment that will serve them well throughout their lives. Another great reminder, when we have to pay for what we want, we often realize we don’t need it.
Do your best to not allow society, and the age of digital dominance to uproot your family’s foundation. Taking time to reflect on family values strengthens the foundation and keeps it aligned with core principles. By resisting the super-size mentality, valuing quality over quantity, embracing minimalism, and prioritizing needs over wants, you will absolutely create a more fulfilling family life and future. Teach, empower, lead, and love!
