Comments on: Free Yourself From American Consumerism

By: -> Carnival Of Money Stories #11 – Money Quotes Edition | Bible Money Matters

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:59:09 +0000

[...] presents Just Make It Better » Free Yourself From American Consumerism posted at Just Make It [...]

By: Nicole

Nicole — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:51:49 +0000

Debby,

Thanks for your comment.

“The only thing that counts in the end is what’s inside the head, our spirit, the consciousness.”

I love it when readers can put things better than me!

By: Debby

Debby — Thu, 08 May 2008 06:48:06 +0000

Bravo, beautifully written! I’m glad you’re on the path to finding nirvana of being debt-free. I’m fortunately not in consumer debt (no more school debt either, hooray) but I had a filthy spending habit where I was, countless times, hair’s breath away from reaching a negative on my account. A particular day off from work, I decided it was time to organize and put some structure back into my life. I literally just stood back and realized in HORROR just how much useless CRAP I’ve accumulated, wasted $$ down the drain, let alone being able to recall where in the devil I purchased some of them in the first place. It was sickening. It was unacceptable. I sold whatever I can and gave the rest to goodwill. It took THRICE the effort and time to get rid of the crap than it took to bring them into my home. It took 2 months before liberation. After the ordeal of having to fill up boxes and boxes and boxes of literally “crap,” I shudder to think I’d ever have to deal that again. Never again.

If I’ve learned anything from it, it’s that we come into the world empty-handed and will leave empty-handed. The only thing that counts in the end is what’s inside the head, our spirit, the consciousness. All the tangible, even our own bodies (a protective encasing for our “21 grams”), is just that- stuff.

By: Millionaire Mommy Next Door Visitors & Top Posts « Makeitbetter’s Weblog

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:06:57 +0000

[...] Free Yourself from American Consumerism [...]

By: The Ultimate Crap Detox « Makeitbetter’s Weblog

The Ultimate Crap Detox « Makeitbetter’s Weblog — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:59:20 +0000

[...] Ever since I’ve freed myself from American consumerism, I’ve noticed the feeling of freedom increases with each day. Like any other addiction the more you feed it the more you crave it or the farther you are from it, the more you wonder why you ever needed it. A year ago I would never have guessed the huge release it would bring. My wish list was excessive, as is the majority of Americans, and it was one of the causes of my stress and unhappiness. [...]

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:13:49 +0000

Elu,

That was so well put!

I really want to have that opportunity when I am 40 as well. I think nothing is as valuable as freedom.

Congrats on being able to achieve it!

By: Elu Murugan

Elu Murugan — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:58:08 +0000

This is THE most favorite subject of mine- Materialism. In fact I was just talking about this for few of my co-workers only yesterday. When I mentioned that I am going to retire from fulltime working at 40 (thats in 4 years), they were surprised and curious. I said, its all about the expectation level we set. For me, I just need few acres of land where I can do some plantation or something and spend my life around nature. My knowledge and intentions are clear, simplicity is directly proportionate to the happiness. I was able to strengthen my spirituality after my marriage failed couple of years ago. Its easier to follow this path when there is no dependants involved. Now that I have decided the path, I will prefer a companion with similar thoughts. Being spiritual is the everything in our lives.
I know its not easier for most of as the Corporate Economy and the government care just about peoples spending not the saving. I am sure we have the power to resist these materialistic temptations and lead a very happy, peaceful life.

By: 84 Things To Live By « Makeitbetter’s Weblog

84 Things To Live By « Makeitbetter’s Weblog — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:03:07 +0000

[...] Things To Live By 1. Forgive your parents 2. Pay off debt 3. Lose your image 4. Think critically 5. Find the silver lining 6. Make friends with children, old [...]

By: » Saturday roundup and carnivals - What’s in your wallet edition Early Retirement Extreme: The self-sufficient, environmentally friendly, frugal, and capitalistic fast track to financial independence and a simpler lifestyle.

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 21:14:37 +0000

[...] of everything finance #12th edition contained a lot of recession talk, but I particularly liked Free yourself from American consumerism – another personal [...]

By: Carnival of Debt Reduction #125 - Super Bowl XLII Edition — Broke Grad Student

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:06:13 +0000

[...] at Makeitbetter describes her journey in freeing herself from American consumerism. It’s great inspiration for others who are trying to do the [...]