Less is More.

This idea seems to be a contradiction to most ideas in society these days, which I find a little sad. We've been told time and time again that we need to work hard so we can have stuff. More and more things, and that all equates to more happiness, right? Well, according to my elementary social class, we are just as well off with the physical basics of life, which is much more simple than we've made it out to be. Food, shelter and clothes. Maybe even more well off than on would think. Mo' money, mo' problems, according to Notorious BIG. Maybe he was on to something.

Does happiness come from having things? I know that while everyone is whispering in your ear that it does, I am going to disagree. If anything, I think it does the opposite. "You'll be happy if you have the newest 3D TV, or the fastest car known to man, or the sweetest speed boat, or the fanciest clothes, the most bling, the nicest stuff." The nice thing about stuff is it is exciting to enjoy. For a few hours. Then easy to move on. Think about a birthday or Chistmas- you have this huge influx of things to enjoy, and you do... Temporarily. Has the new x-box really brought you joy? Or just another dilemma of where to focus your attention?  

The more you have, the more you are being distracted from what really matters. Back to the physical basics- food, shelter, and clothing. Beyond that yes, there are the emotional needs of humans, which do include more than just the food, shelter, clothing list. According to EQI, we have 10 basic emotional needs 

1. Accepted 
2. Believed in 
3. Cared about
4. Forgiven
5. Loved
6. Safe
7. Supported
8. Trusted
9. Understood
10. Valued

Looking at that list, the closest thing I can even relate to having things is #7- being supported, but that could be a bit of a stretch, as the list is relating to emotional needs, not physical needs. So along with our basic physical needs, the equation of happiness coming from things is incorrect.

The life where friends and family and relationships (and the basics) are the focus equates for a very happy life. Yes, sometimes it's hard, as relationships aren't disposable like material things are, but in the end, it's much more rewarding and gives lasting happiness. So don't let the materialist mentality of the rest of the world convince you of "true happiness", but remember what really counts in life. Your dog doesn't care about if you have the most expensive watch, but he/she cares that you take the time for walks and playtime and dinner. The best things in life are free! Enjoy it! Love it!

I know this did not really have much to do with anything design or building related, so on a side note, minimalism is very stylish these days.
 
"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have." -Hyman Schachtel  

xo Jena