Society and media promote that owning things leads happiness. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Owning things is overrated. It's an idea programmed by society to make us follow like sheep. TV is bombarded with commercials and ads that program you to want more things. Stores and cities are filled with sales and other forms of ads, Homes are filled with stuff that provide temporary pleasure and show off status and reputation. The more you have, the more you seem to need. It's a perpetual cycle. To counter this, try appreciating something for its nature, beauty, and usefulness. By simply appreciate something, you can stop that urge of instant gratification to own something.
You catch your eye on a beautiful, pristine vase in the store. You want to buy it. Is the vase essential for your happiness? No? Appreciate its beauty.
You see a car in the parking lot that could make you popular among the ladies. You want to buy it. Will the car solve all your needs and problems with women? No? Appreciate its stylish exterior.
You see a big house that could fulfill your wildest dreams. You want to buy it. Is it really necessary to own a big house? No? Appreciate its large size and how a lot of work went into creating it.
You see a purse you can't resist. You want it to buy it. Do you have more than 1 purse at home? Yes? Appreciate its existence and its usefulness for another woman who buys it.
In a world that is promoting materialism, you don't have to own to appreciate. This is an idea that could change your perspective in life. By owning less and changing the way you view things, you feel a certain weight lifted off your shoulders. You realize the truth that owning more doesn't always lead to happiness. You may even feel happier because having less things means there's less to worry about.
In the end, it's up to you to escape the materialism trap. Only you can make that choice to break free. And you have the power to make that step.
It's time to own less and appreciate more.