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Passive Life



First of all, you’ll have to click on the Closed Caption button because this is not in English. Then you'd have to understand how it is that people live in other parts of the world. This kind of lifestyle is basically unknown in a capitalist, conspicuously consumerist country like the United States. It also brought to my mind this quote:
‘The rich man glories in his riches, because he feels that they naturally draw upon him the attention of the world.’ Not only does material wealth make for a more comfortable life, but we derive satisfaction from the perceived admiration of others. Wealth feels good. Luxury purchases light up the pleasure centres in our brain. If you think you are drinking expensive wine, not only does it taste better but the brain’s valuation system associated with the experience of pleasure shows greater activation, compared with drinking exactly the same wine when you believe it to be cheap.
AEON

After having moved, I have realized that I can be happy with a place that I can call my own, even if it is not 'really' mine. I feel that even though I don't have everything I thought I needed (my commute tripled, basically, and I have some additional expenses) I have discovered that by making the place 'mine' (I did invest money in some things, remember that trip to IKEA?) I have discovered a different kind of satisfaction: the fact that I basically carved my own space out of an empty place has made me happy.

And I do not have anything remotely expensive. The most expensive thing I currently own is a fucking armoire that I bought following a model online and when I got to put it together I realized it was prettier and way much more expensive than I had initially intended. That's what happens when you buy things online, I guess. But I have realized that what I have are things that mean something to me. I have surrounded myself with mementos and things that give me pleasure and make my life better. And I think that's what gives me joy: they do not speak of a specific status, they make my life better.

But what I would have to say that this video made me realize that I am grateful for what I have. I am grateful that even thought I do not really possess material wealth, the things I have make my life much come comfortable and pleasant, even thought I am not sure they would cause admiration in others. I am not the things that I have. I have things that make me happy.

One thing I have to admit, though, is that I have surrounded myself with things I like is basically because I cannot make art. I think that dedicating one's life to art while minimizing the impact of money and objects really seems like a very enlightened kind of life. I think it would be cooler if my self-concept were tied to what I make rather to what I own. I wish I could do that. Sometimes I wish I were creative and able to paint, or sculpt, or create music and dedicate myself to that craft and create beautiful things. But alas, I do not have that gift. Not hat being creative like that would help me in case of a zombie invasion, but I’d really like to be able to produce art.

Meanwhile, I'll stick to enjoying what I have and remember that I have to be grateful for it. I have realized it's not about status, but about identity. This place I'm living in and its contents are not for show, even though they are an extension of me. They are for living. Because even though I don't live in the lap of luxury, I do consider myself lucky to have what I have. And that includes you, Constant Reader.

XOXO

Comments

  1. I am a 'Constant Reader' because not once have I ever felt that you judged anyone. That makes you exceptional! (you've got good choice of dick pics too)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aww thanks, Jimmy 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨
      And I suspect that we both have the same taste in men. And that’s a good thing!

      XoXo

      Delete
  2. material possessions have never been my goal. if my pack-rat spouse were to leave tomorrow, I could get rid of 95% of the house junk and be content. gimme good quality yarn (no rubbish), cats, books, music and I would be content. and a $10 bottle of wine tastes just as good as a $100 bottle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG same! I can never understand why is it that people need so much! Books music and wine sounds perfect to me!
      XoXo

      Delete
  3. Very cool video! Material things come and go and are not the most important part of life, it's true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really liked that video! Seriously, such a mindful life. And you are right, material things come and go. We stay.

      XoXo

      Delete
  4. I think I've said this before, but Carlos and I live by a simple rule: WANT the things you HAVE, don't HAVE the things you WANT.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This should be most people’s mantra. For real.

      XoXo

      Delete
  5. That's the one thing when it comes to interior design I tell client's. Have a home filled with meaningful items, and things , and not to run out fill the house just to fill it. If one buys things you truly like, one appreciate s their home more. I have friends who hate to go home, because they went and just filled it, and it does reflect their personality. Sounds like you have done it right. I bet you place is urban chic and hip. A home should really be a sanctuary.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It’s so simple it’s funny! It’s liking what we have, right? If what we have means nothing to us, it’s just stuff!
      And one day I’ll post pics. I think you totally guessed my style! I’m too shy to do that now hahahahaha.

      XoXo

      Delete
  6. Most of my stuff is old or inexpensive, except for my writing desk and for me that was expensive. When I talk to new home owners in the store, I tell them to make it their own. Do things, change things, make things, it's yours to do with as you wish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know, right? I think it was the right investment because it has meaning for YOU. That’s what makes it much more valuable.
      XoXo

      Delete
  7. So many people feel they have to spend a lot of money to be happy. Like many of the previous posters said, things don’t make a place a home. Memories and mementos of experiences. I don’t have expensive taste. I just need to be comfortable. So many people say if the win the lottery they would have a big house and expensive cars. I need a place to live and functional transportation. Then I would have the ability to support caused I care about.

    Money doesn’t bring happiness. People and memories do.

    XOXO 👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That’s so true, bae. People and memories do that.

      XoXo

      Delete
  8. The older I get, the less I want. I see material items now as a burden to carry with me. Try throwing away a lifetime of belongings after losing your parents, it helps you see which items are actually important and not important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same. That purging came when I moved. Really. We do not need a house full of stuff to be happy.

      XoXo

      Delete

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