We are happier

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I have touched several times on material possessions in various blog posts.  Minimalism and living with less is important to me.   
This every worsening global economic crisis and changes in social attitudes made me realise that the more I bought, the more miserable and trapped I felt. 
We used to live in a larger house with space we didn't really need which only equaled more stuff, more spending, and more worry.  Enough was enough, we sold up and sold 75% of the stuff. 

Possessions do not make me happy, the initial excitement upon purchase soon burns out.

True meaning and happiness come from experiences. From family and friends. From hobbies. It comes from the things that I do, rather than the things I own.

Brands and big companies want us to feel that we need material possessions.   They want us to spend money, constantly consume, and place all of our self worth, confidence, and happiness on “stuff.” They want us to be on this endless mission of consumption and spending.  





My wife and I often have extensive conversations about life and its meaning and my wife believes in a 3 month rule, you do not use it for 3 months then you do not need it.  What can we get by without? What do we actually really need? 
Well, we've downsized in everyway and now only have what we need.  We have a few luxuries but for the most part we're a lot lighter than we ever used to be.
Downsizing means we have more time, that time is dedicated to ourselves. To hobbies, experiences, and family and friends. We also have more money to spend on doing things like concerts and hopefully this year some city breaks.  Downsizing means we are happier as a couple, we have enjoyed more meaningful experiences together and our relationship is stronger with family and friends. 
Friends of ours are noticing a difference between want and need now. 
I think that minimalism may become a necessity rather than a lifestyle choice. 

My wife and I have decided as we cannot take it with us, we would be better of enjoying a wonderful more fulfilling life. 

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