Had a long conversation with the bf last night about all sorts of things - but we ended up talking about how much 'status' and things such as marketing, advertising, promises and ideals drag us unknowingly (most of the time) into desiring things we have no real need or want of. I went to Target yesterday to buy a new kettle. Sure, we could have kept using our kettle that needs a spoon propped under it to make the connection so it boils water. Technically it still works. But I'm on holidays and this is the time to make purchases such as this and, for goodness sake, it was only going to be $30 odd dollars. Anyway, as I stood there in the 'homewares' section I could feel the draw of all these products - they were saying 'look, all *good* people have placemats/casserole dishes/blenders/proper saucepans and you should have one/two/eight/twenty too". I had to consciously and deliberately push those thoughts aside. It has taken a long time to train myself out of thinking like the good little consumer I'm supposed to be. But I now feel like I have some measure of control over my money and my life because I can see the things I'm supposed to have for what they are - usually - unnecessary and a waste (of resources, time, money, energy etc etc).
But speaking of buying things, I have to add that yesterday, after Target, I bought a bike. Not a cheap bike either. A proper bike that will do me for all the running around I usually do in the car and more. It is white and pink! I love it and I've made a promise to myself that I will get on it every day that I'm not working and every day I get home early from work. Here's to less carbon and less fat!!
Pitiful Discourse?
14 years ago
1 comment:
Bike? Awesome, that's so very cool :) Pictures please??? I know what you mean about what you "should" have and it is so easy to just keeping saying YES to those little impulses. I seem to be able to hold a few of mine at bay these days too, which is nice for a change! Not when it comes to books, DVD's or music downloads however, but I still haven't bought any shoes in 2008 and I spent a week in Melbourne without buying any clothes, pretty good don't you reckon?
Post a Comment