Living A FUNtastic Life (Part 3)

Every day, we are bombarded with billions of dollars worth of advertisements.

They occupy our minds. Pass sublimal messages to our hearts.

Carry xxx brand. Wear this… Put on that… Dine here… Live there…

Have bigger boobs… Slimmer body… Be this… Do that… Have more…

Why? So that we can be happier?

These advertisement have lied to you and me.

There is not a single company that has done a clinical test to prove that their products have helped their consumers to be happier.

Why? Because they can’t.

How do I know?

Think about it. We have more material luxuries and comforts than our ancestors.

Are we happier?

Research has shown that materialism led to lesser satisfaction with life.

In other words, materialism not only do not increase happiness, it may lead to more unhappiness. (1)

In another research, the researchers discovered that materialistic people are more likely than non-materialistic people to suffer from a variety of mental disorders. (2)

In other words, if I pursue materialism, I may have a higher chance of going mad.

The foundation for achieving more happiness is to simplify my life.

When I have fewer luxuries to pursue, I have a lesser chance of being discontented and unhappy.

With lesser burdens and baggages to carry, I have lesser worries. I can enhance my enjoyment of life.

More importantly, I will not pursue non essentials. They may give me temporary happiness but will create long term problems for me.

I will learn to focus on values that will give me lasting satisfaction, happiness and fulfillment.

Simplify your life now.

Go4It!

I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Please go to ‘Notes’ found below my profile picture.

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com

Visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com

Please read them and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!

1. Zeroing On The Dark Side Of The American Dream; A Closer Look At the Negative Consequences Of The Goal For Financial Success, Nickerson, C. , Schwarz, N., Diener, E., and Kahneman, D. (2003), Psychological Science, 14:531-36
2. Life Values And Adolescent Mental Health, Cohen, P., and Cohen, J. (1996), Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum

Question:  How can we simplify our lives?