Sustainable Happiness: Consumerism Won’t Make Us Happy - Here's What Will...

December 23rd, 2016

By Carolanne Wright

Contributing writer for Wake Up World

As Americans, we seem to have lost our way where happiness is concerned. Over the last hundred years, we’ve become confused about how to create true joy in our lives — and we’re miserable for it. Long hours of work to buy stuff that, truth be told, we really don’t need but feel compelled to purchase. This fallacy of “consumerism equals satisfaction and contentment” didn’t just spring from out of nowhere. Rather, billions have been spent by the advertising industry to cultivate that myth. Nor is our special interest-driven political machine in the U.S. helping by its relentless push for continued economic growth, which we’ve been conditioned to believe is necessary for well-being.

What is conveniently overlooked in this mad rush towards consumerism and perpetual growth is the effect both have on the environment, our families, communities and feeling of belonging — not to mention our health. Where does it end?

Fortunately, a quiet revolution is taking place behind the scenes: sustainable happiness. Instead of consumption and expansion, the idea of sustainable happiness is based on building “a healthy natural world and a vibrant and fair society.” It’s not at the mercy of good or bad times, but endures because this form of happiness is supported by the fundamental aspirations of being human. Loving relationships, thriving ecosystems and human communities, meaningful work and simple practices like gratitude, all come into play.

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