Author: Anthony

Posted on

“Personal Bubble” Theory

At some point in mankind’s history it was decided that the acquisition of wealth would be a driving factor in our lives. Over time, slowly but surely, this became THE driving factor in many of our lives as influenced by the very principal of capitalism. This doesn’t bother me so much. If climbing the corporate ladder is what makes one passionate, then go for it. Seems like a pretty empty existence to me, but to each their own.

What does bother me is the fact that they do this by standing on the shoulders of the middle class (us) by influencing us to keep, grow, stay in, and maintain our “personal bubble.” That is, they influence us to consume. To continue to constantly acquire material goods. To even expand the space in which we live so that way we can continue to grow our hoard. To influence a sense of “pride of ownership” so we intentionally keep others away from our hoard, our space, our bubble.  They have us believing that expanding our personal bubble is what makes us successful, that this is what happiness is.

Not only is this NOT happiness, it is detracting us away from the riches life has to offer. By focusing on our property, our bubble, we are losing our sense of community; we are not establishing and maintaining strong connections with our neighbors. We are disconnected from actual people. As a result there is mass discontent in the world as the many small factions of people don’t understand each other. And how could they, as they were all too busy focusing on expanding their personal bubbles. Real connections were never made so real communication was never had; we know only what the media has influenced us to believe.

This is exactly what the upper class want. Because not only do the rich depend on our continuous consumption of things we don’t need for their profit, but they also depend on us not communicating with each other. Because if we DID communicate with each other, we would establish working relationships with each other, then we would learn that we do not need them.

 

 

I imagine a world of perfect communication with all people. This would lead to perfect kindness and care. Everyone is each others keeper. The idea of “private property” doesn’t exist. All resources are shared. We work only to do our part in contributing to our community, and to better ourselves. Don’t need a lock on the front door. Everyone is welcome everywhere. Since there is no such thing as personal property, “theft” has no meaning. If someone goes into my home and takes a 55″ TV, they are welcome to it; obviously they need it more than I do. Imagine this world I speak of. With shared resources there would be no rich fat cats making money off us. In fact, there would be no separation of the classes to even get to the existence of rich “fat cats.”

Posted on

Extend kindness this Holiday Season

I think …… we should take a different approach toward this Holiday season this time around (and going forward for that matter).

Usually, we spend the season all in a crazy rush. We are shopping, planning, shopping, planning, planning, shopping, cooking, planning, meeting, shopping, shopping. Then by the time we get to the holiday we are exhausted. We don’t even want to eat the food we prepared. We do anyway, we eat too much, get tired again, take a nap, then BOOM, holiday over. Barely had time to connect with our friends and family. Is this really what we want? I don’t think so.

Instead, lets take it a little easier this year. No running around. Much less consuming. In fact, little to no shopping at all (yeah I said it). Give loved ones our time. Have some real communication, less planning.

Furthermore, lets devote some time to extend kindness to our fellow man. Whether it is by doing volunteer work for the poor, or just here and there during our everyday activities. Take the time to give time, help, or just some kind words to people. To ALL people. To the people around us, and to the people who need kindness so desperately.

Is this not what the holidays are really all about anyway?

We are all different people, with different belief systems. Varying values with regard to politics. Varying social classes. Varying lifestyles. I am understanding and respectful of all of these, but I believe we ALL can get behind, and practice acceptance and kindness.

Can’t we all just practice kindness?

Posted on

Minimal vs Frugal

It has come to my attention that there is a common misconception out there that being minimal is being frugal, being conservative. Nothing can be further from the truth.

To be Minimal means to only acquire and retain that which adds real value to our lives. Beyond that, there is no pre-determined limit as far as how much that is. It changes from Minimalist to Minimalist. Truthfully, there is no reason to even SET a limit. A minimalist focuses on people, and experience.

With that being said, a Minimalist may not hesitate to buy a round of drinks for him and all his buddies during a night out with friends, as this adds tremendous value to the occasion. A Minimalist loves to buy huge elaborate gifts for people if they know the receiver will get much value from it. A Minimalist could be inclined to drop serious dough on an all expenses paid trip to the Bahamas. These are all wonderful spoils that minimalists can enjoy and bestow on others.

Speaking for myself personally, my philosophy of minimalism is completely contrary to frugality. It focuses on living in the NOW, using our resources to get the most we can out of life. Filling our lives with experiences that give us purpose, growth, and joy. These experiences often cost money.

Spoiling ourselves is what makes life worth living! And thanks to minimal living, we have more time, money, and energy to do just that.

I have seen too many people who spend no money on any spoils, live a mundane life, no growth, no passion, just a desire to grow their bank accounts, try to pass themselves off as Minimalists. This is not being minimal, just cheap.