It's the Fourth of July, aka Independence Day here in the United States. Americans at home and abroad are celebrating our split from the mother country with food and fireworks. The American people are known around the globe for their independent spirit, ingenuity, and fondness for sneakers. We are also known for our habits of consumptions. Americans are consumers. We consume anything and everything---in large quantities. From super size slushies to McMansions, Americans believe in going big. And when you can't make something any bigger you get more of it. Big box stores like Walmart are synonymous with the American way.
Does all of this stuff make us happier? Only temporarily. There is a kind a documented high that we get when we purchase new things, but it wears off quickly. In the end what we are left with is more possessions. The evidence stands that we fill our homes, cars, and garages with all kinds of things. This has spawned an entire industry of organization. You can hire someone to come to you home and tell you what to chuck, books can advise you on the best place to leave your towels, and if the situation is really dire you could end up on reality TV! So where does this leaves us?
It leaves us in a mess. The closets are cramped, drawers are overflowing, no one wants to know what's hiding under the bed. There are a few in the psychological community who say that a messy house can cause depression! At the very least we could all use a reality check. That's what I am doing.
My room looks like a disaster area right now. It's embarrassing. Books are on every imaginable surface. Shoes have eaten the floor along with several electric cords that go to who knows what. So I challenge you to do what I am doing--- get rid of the stuff. If you don't use it, lose it. Have a yard sale or donate unwanted items to charity. Also, think before you buy. Do you really need another pair of black pants? The answer is probably no. Your house and your checkbook will thank you for skipping unnecessary purchases.
