The Perfect Consumer

What makes a perfect life? Is it money? Job? Love? Real Estate? Education? To every individual it means something different, or even the above mentioned in some degree or another. Since I can not speak for everyone, nor would I want to, I speak for myself.

My entire adult life has focused on just a few things. The things I consider paramount for a satisfying life. A nice home to share with someone I'm deeply in love with and money enough for our needs, both present and future. Rather simple. I don't need much as long as the basic are covered. This period of unemployment has taught me a lot about the emphasis I placed on material things in my life. The reality has been quiet the rude awakening, but in a good way. I'm not ready for the spartan, monastic lifestyle, but trimming back on all the little extras isn't as detrimental as I once thought. Life without money, or even life without enough money has a way of sharpening your focus on just how much unneeded crap one can accumulate if one isn't careful. All those small expenditures really add up over time. I'm actually happy about this discovery and new found self control. I like the fact that I'm no longer a mass consumer, but a thoughtful user of resources. I've learned to live on much less. Of course the struggle to get by is horrible, but I realize once I return to the work force, my needs will not increase much more at all. Yes, I will spend money on things I've had to do without, such as cable and a full tank of gas. I will treat myself to a bit more entertainment away from home within the company of people, instead of parked at the computer for hours on end. I will have to update my wardrobe to replace what no longer fits or suits the job I land. But outside of those few things, no more money on magazines, or little trinkets to sit around and dust. When something needs to be replaced I'll find the best quality I can afford with in my budget. No more purchasing stuff just because I like it or the price was too good to pass up. I'm gonna keep my belt tight and not become a slave to consumerism again.