As we head full swing into the Christmas season so too does our spending on gifts, food for celebrations and the accumulation of stuff designed only for use at this time of the year. I am feeling that less is more this season and don't want to fill our home with all of the Christmas paraphernalia I normally pull out of the garage at this time of the year. I have made a space today for the tree which will go up tomorrow and I will clear the mantle for our Christmas card display. A space will be made on the dining table for a Christmas candle and a vase of flowers and that's it. No wreaths on the front door, no decorations around the windows and walls and no outdoor lights. Our Christmas will be about our family and spending time with loved ones, family and friends. Gifts will be exchanged, but I have tried to fill needs this year and not pass on unwanted gifts that will just add to another home's (or ours) clutter!
A timely request for me to review a new book 'Shiny Objects' is a perfect reminder of our relationship with acquiring material objects. Author James A. Roberts explores the behaviours of consumption and explains tools and methods to help break the cycle of mindless consumerism and be truly happy with less. He also details how our obsessions with 'things' impacts on our health.
In the beginning of the book one paragraph that impacted on me was:
"When asked what we really care about and what we consider to be the most life-giving elements of our existence, the vast majority of people respond in terms of the lasting value we place on our relationships with family and friends. And yet our consumer behaviour contradicts such professed values. Our real habits - the time and resources we devote to accumulating more stuff - tell a different story.'
This paragraph made me question my actions and if they really reflect the values I truly care about. James then goes on to say:
"It's time to bridge the gap between what we say and what we do. It's time to recommit ourselves to the kind of pursuits that are the true source of our well-being: spending time with loved ones, reaching our full potential as human beings, and participating actively in our world."
At this time of the year I think now would be a good time to recommit yourself to spend less, acquire less and focus on your family and friends.
Although most data and facts presented in Shiny Objects reflect the American's lifestyle, Australians share similar behaviours when it comes to consumption and the facts are quite startling! James explores the thinking behind the American dream, our relationship with possessions and money. The belief that we need more to be happy is proven otherwise with results from a study on life satisfaction from groups ranging from 'rich Americans' to the Amish and African Masai. The Masai live very simply with few amenities and yet they are just as happy as the rich American. James concludes that luxury is not a requirement for well being.
Shiny Objects presents 25 ways you can 'tweak' your environment to encourage desired behaviours and achieve financial tranquility. Amongst the 25 tweaks are some suggestions that we already practice, but there were a few we don't (like borrowing more books instead of buying...James says we need to break the mindset that we need to 'own' most things) and some that I hadn't thought about like communicating more with my partner about some purchases.
I quite liked this book and thought that James presented his research well in an easy to read format. Again it is a good book to read at this time of the year and offers readers solutions, explanations and information. Whether you are looking to understand the behaviours that drive your purchases to achieve your 'material' dreams or looking for guidance on ways to reduce spending, save money and simplify your life, Shiny Objects may be a book to look for on your local book shelves...or better still...the library!
Please note: This book was given to me to review by TLC Booktours. All of the opinions expressed are in my own words.
Thanks for visiting,
Amanda x
P.S I have been having a wee blogging break and I apologise for not advising my readers. I'm back now!
