Wednesday, August 11, 2010

the 'stuff' of happiness


On the heels of books and films such as 'up and away', 'eat, pray, love' and a recession that I lovingly refer to as 'the flu', it's no wonder that people have taken a step back to reconsider what is truly important. In my opinion when you can turn something that could be potentially devastating into an opportunity to reevaluate your life, then there's nothing more empowering than that.  I stumbled across this article in the New York Times today and it made me think about all of the 'stuff' I'm constantly lusting after {hello}. It's totally fun to feel pretty and channel your inner Kardashian and Carrie Bradshaw, but it's also important to understand that the 'stuff' will never bring you the long lasting happiness that we're trying to buy and the distraction that this stuff brings, can get us further away from what we're seeking.

Feeling trapped in the work-spend cycle, this Californian couple started reading inspirational blogs about living simply and decided to made a change. They found a blog that challenges readers to live with up to 100 personal items, which for them ultimately looks something like this:a 400 sq foot apartment in Portland, Oregan, no cars, four plates, three pairs of shoes, two pots, and bags and bags of 'stuff' that were donated to charity. Not only do they no longer have over $30 000 worth of debt, they're happier than they've ever been.  Coincidence? I don't think so!

The same can be said for this guy who moved from San Francisco and now lives in a trailer park in Malibu. He surfs almost every day travelled the world making a documentary entitled 'Happy' and found that the one common element amongst happy people, were their strong relationships.

Whilst I know that the chances of you and I ultimately rewriting our lives in such an extreme way are slim, there is something to look at here. Let's make sure that we're focussing on the values that really bring us joy, not the stuff the distracts us from each other.

Love life, not stuff! - Tammy Strobel

love tash xo

13 comments:

  1. So true, when I think about things that truly make me happy (though chocolate is some pretty good "stuff") I think of the people in my life who bring me happiness. Such a sweet post, thank you!

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  2. Great post at a perfect time. Thanks!

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  3. So great!! Read the exact same article today...so inspirational, loved reading your take on it too!

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  4. Great post...its so true. And something we should remind ourselves about regularly.

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  5. wow! how excited are we to see that doc.!? amazing tash! everyone needs a little reality check now and again about true happiness. you make me happy :)

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  6. I so agree with you :-) While I'm not planning to go that extreme anytime soon, I do think that reducing the amount of "stuff" in your life will reduce stress. I would rather have less things and not be worried about debt than have all of the "extras" but be sick over money!

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  7. what an excellent article! My fiance and I are making a big move to califronia in a few months,i plan on weeding out all of our unecessary "stuff" so there is less to move.

    i'm following her blog rowdykittens now too :)

    <3 gina

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  8. its inspiring but so extreme, i don't know if i could DO it. but i do like the idea of it!

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  9. I love this. So true! Thanks for this post.

    xx

    http://novembergrey.blogspot.com/

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  10. simple but profound thoughts, tash... you made a huge impact on me today thank you.

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  11. I caught that article too. Fascinating and I have to agree. I've got a bunch of crap piled up here and can't help but thinking back to 5 years ago when I lived in the same place but with only my bed, a dresser, a couch, a tv and my computer.

    10 years ago had half the clothing. okay the shoes were still here, but half the clothing.

    Just the other day said to the chef...dude, something's gotta give. I feel a goodwill haul coming on.

    and for the record: i'd live in a trailer in malibu. i think they're only $2500/month...

    xoxo,
    carrie

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  12. I love this post. It is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing.

    http://mylifeisafashionshow.blogspot.com/

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