A great friend of mine about 3 years ago told me that we should eliminate the word need from our vocabulary. “It makes us sound weak, as if there is something outside our control that we cannot live without” he said. Although most people don’t think in such dramatic terms, he was right.
Another good buddy of mine just a few days ago also brought up this concept of wants vs needs. He spoke on the fact that there are only very few things we need and that most things we think about can be put in the want category. I think more often about the dream car or bike I want than where that thing would be getting me. I think more often about food that tastes great rather than food that has all components needed to fuel me for the day.
It seems like our big pictures are often clouded by the desire to show off or experience luxury. Now in itself, this isn’t necessarily a problem, but when the desire to show off or live cushily becomes a need in our lives; then we will experience issues. Things will be of less or greater value not based on function, but on clout or something of the sort.
This obviously leads to a life of people-pleasing and “chasing the bag” as the kids say. So what can you do to not fall into this trap? Well for one, you can start by eliminating that pesky word need from your vocabulary. Instead try, “wouldn’t it be nice if” or the more regal “you know, it’d suit my fancy if”.
If you think you might already be trapped by the trappings I would advise that you spend some time, a day or a week or even longer, and try to live as minimally as possible. You might miss things like a weighted blanket, or endless shows on netflix or youtube but you may realize just how good life is.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a comfortable life, but seeing things for what they are, can really put things in perspective.