Materialism re-visited

It's currently winter here where I'm based. You'll agree we're in the winter season. Now you'd probably agree that in our lives as well we have seasons. Not the ones got to do with nature but the ones that relate to the different phases in our lives. It's famously mentioned in the bible as a season to sow and a season to reap. Or seasons in the sun - as the once-famous boy band Westlife sang it :) 

As I continue onward my journey of this strikingly eventful life, I often reflect on some of the seasons gone by and observe the current season. One that stands out is my relationship with money. My girlfriends and I were having a light chat on our group about using the latest iPhone where our conversation hovered around whether we can or cannot be bothered about upgrading. Then it moved to materialism and hence inspired this post. 

Years ago, I was in the season of being frustrated with the way people around me used money. Many focussed on possessing luxurious cars, jewelry, or taking one mortgage after another to satisfy home re-furbishing plans. It seemed like I was headed in living a shallow life. I set on to move away from it to look for a deeper meaning. A sort of life where money wasn't the denominator by which you're worth is measured. Money wasn't the only factor that triggered my change in direction but a major contributor as one of the reasons. My choices led me to the other end of the spectrum. My frustration was so strong that I decided to willingly give it up in the form of opting for a life where I'd be taking a vow of poverty. Truth be told - that life wasn't for me either. I slowly began understanding what I'd like to choose for myself. The experience of having nothing and then being in the position of choosing which way I want to go led me to realise a deep appreciation for using money in moderation.

Earlier I'd be consumed with wanting to fit in my peer group by buying things that are manufactured by popular brands. To say I've bought my winter scarf from carrefour would have been inferior. I did continue buying my scarf from carrefour and I tell you - It was gorgeous and did its job of keeping me warm. So does my current scarf. I paid barely anything for it. I don't specifically have anything against stores like H&M or Mango or the accessory store Parfois. It's just that now I ask myself the question confidently - Why should I pay $20 for something I can get for the same or better quality and colours in $4? 

This reminds me of the mittens I bought last year from a Chinese store for $6. I had bought $20 gloves which didn't keep my fingers warm. It's currently subzero temperatures in this wonderful winter we're having and my $6 mittens keep me so warm - I can't stop being grateful for this wonder. 

Do I have to use makeup items from Sephora or Mac and the like? I've experienced that makeup from the drugstore can enhance my looks very well making me look sharp if I just learn a few tricks on how to use the product. I feel more confident that cost isn't always directly proportional to quality. 

I am reminded of a friend who has a very good quality among others. He works at a bank in a very good position and earned plenty. He can afford a Givenchy or 212 deodorant easily. It wouldn't pinch his pocket. But he chose to use a Zjaja deodorant from carrefour - A really good Polish FMCG brand. He probably uses it coz it doesn't have any strong fragrance and does the job of a deodorant and costs probably $3. 

As I look back on possessing as much I did a few years ago and thinking about the things that made me want to give up money altogether, I see a new meaning in how I can use it wisely. The experience of going to the other end of the spectrum and finding my middle ground has gifted me with a fresh perspective. They say money is the root of all evil. Is it really? That guy or gal who said it perhaps didn't know the whole truth. I strongly believe that the manner in which one uses money influences whether it is the root of evil or a channel for good. I feel proud to declare that when I am to possess plenty, I know where and how I will use it. 

I could say we become wiser as we grow older in knowing what we really need and how much we need to spend on it. Do we really? Does every one? I hope my post nudged you to ponder on how you use money. Is it a means to an end? If yes - to what end? Is it an instrument of pompous prestige? Is buying expensive items your drug to satisfy the inferiority complex that you've probably not admitted to yourself yet? While you chew on that, I'm off  - wishing you goodnight or a good day.