The toxic culture of "better"
3 Sep 2019
Where does happiness lie? When striving for it, why does it always seem out of reach?
Clutter is caused by many things, but acquiring is a big reason we have too much stuff. We acquire things a lot of the time because we feel we need The Thing because it will make our lives better. From the pretty new notebook (I'll get organised) to the new shoes (I'll look taller and trendier) to the new rug (the other one didn't match the sofa properly) and the new kitchen storage (glass will be safer).
Are you afflicted by this? (Hint: we all are to some degree!). What can do you do about it? Is it okay? Is it not? Why?
This week Bec and Tara throw all these questions into the pot and mix it up for you to taste.
Show Notes:
Why are we all striving to be better? Do we think it equals happiness? Is happiness a destination on the horizon where people have the perfect amount of stuff/ time/ status?
Striving for better comes from comparison.
Our consumerist society and the economies of our western culture rely on us as humans being dissatisfied and continuing to buy more/ want more/ want better.
Wanting better comes from recognising the gap between where we are and where we think we’d like to be.
The Story of Stuff: Annie Leonard
How does wanting more/ striving for more fit in with your values?
Environment
Family/ connection
Mental health
What is the answer -
Gratitude
Mindfulness
Define what you want- stop moving the goal posts
Choose experiences over things
Try using things til they’re broken - eschew fast fashion
Recognise feelings of comparison and stop them - divert attention
Stop hanging around people that are all about ‘the things’
Paradox - striving for better to be happy but the striving and wanting make us constantly unhappy