Counting Down to 25

In less than a week, I will be celebrating my twenty-fifth birthday.

Ah yes, the big two-five. Even in this post-modern age, living to be a quarter-of-a-century in age can and should be considered a big accomplishment. Of course, making it this far in life does not come without its blunders and difficulties. Although, I do like to think that my victory laps greatly surpass my missteps.

Below is a list of twenty-five tokens of wisdom that I have collected over the years:

1 - There are responsibilities that come with being a woman. Traditionally, the woman has been the one left responsible for not only continuing the family line but also to educate her offspring. She keeps the house together and stands by her husband (or partner). Nowadays, however, a woman is also responsible for herself: her finances, her education, her aspirations. 

Also, if she is a feminist, it is her responsibility to speak up for other minorities in the midst of injustice.

2 - Every book makes a difference. Being a Literature major, I am understandably bias when it comes to the power of books. It is a proven fact, however, that reading expands a person's vocabulary as well as his/her knowledge-base. 

3 - Age does not guarantee maturity. I have met some mature teenagers, and I have met some immature adults. Age is but a number; whereas maturity is a cultivated lifestyle. 

4 - Mom and Dad are not always right . . . But then, sometimes, they are. One is never too old to seek and heed advice from one's parents. On occasion, we of the younger generation develop this mindset that anything our parents have to say is outdated and irrelevant to our lives. Such, however, is not always the case. The problems of today are nothing new to the world. Therefore, take into consideration any insight(s) that your parents may have to offer. 

5 - Lipstick and chocolate are survival essentials. In her purse, every woman should have at least one lipstick and a few pieces of chocolate. One can make you look like Elizabeth Taylor in a pinch; the other can either fix your mood or quiet your stomach.

6 - Some people are just cruel. Sadly, there is nothing that can be done about mean people. That is, except, try not to follow their example. At the end of the day, you are responsible for you and your (re)actions. 

7 - Interests and aspirations don't expire. Since I was a child, I can remember wanting to learn how to play the violin. Circumstances in life, however, prevented me from doing so until I was 24. And while I am still quite the novice, the feelings of accomplishment I get from playing are phenomenal. Therefore, don't deter from trying something; especially if you think that you are too old.

8 - Asking for help is not a crime. Seeking help from others is not an insult on your intelligence or skill. Try not to perceive it as such. 

9 - I am not my possessions. Living in a consumerist society, it is easy to fall into the mindset of "I want." However, owning a great deal of something -books, clothing, movies, cars -will not help you become a better person. A minimalist lifestyle is less cluttered, which means less stressful.

10 - Skydiving is a must. Personally, I am a woman who prefers to keep her feet -physically -on the ground. Earlier this year, however, my boyfriend's parents surprised me with an opportunity to go skydiving. Truthfully, I was scared to do it. Looking back on it now, I can still feel the butterflies fluttering in aggravation in my stomach. However, I would not have traded the experience -the fear, the worry, the adrenaline -for anything. Jumping from an airplane at 10,000 feet in the air certainly puts things in a different perspective. 

For a brief heartbeat in the timeline of the world, I was Superwoman.

11 - Profanity is overrated. Heaven knows there is a great deal of damning and f-bombing in movies these days. So much so that I feel quite privileged to have grown up with such classics as Singin' In the Rain (1952) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). However, not everyone was as blessed. Watching vulgar, modern movies and being around people who swear profusely can rub off onto you. 

Using profanity does not an adult make; it will not make people respect you more. Rather, the usage is a sour display of intelligence and maturity.

12 - Have a few cards up your sleeve. Always keep a deck of cards on hand. More importantly, though, know at least three games in which to play them with. (And no, solitaire does not count!)

13 - There is no need to conform. Dabble in different interests from your friends. Challenge ideas that are not your own. Pushing boundaries is as healthy as it is necessary (sometimes).

14 - It's enough to believe in something. From infancy, some of us are raised to be a form of Christian: Catholic, Baptist, Mormon, Lutheran, etcetera. However, some people learn over time that they do not belong in a cookie-cutter religion. Therefore, go out and explore. Become a buddhist, or a pagan. My request: just find something to believe in. 

15 - Alone does not mean lonely. Human are social creatures. Some people are so sociable, in fact, that it is unnerving for them to be alone. Being in seclusion from other people, however, is not always a bad thing. From experience, the act of being alone can often be education -as I learn more about myself and what I like. Don't be afraid to treat yourself to a nice table for one at your favorite restaurant; or to take yourself out to a movie on occasion. 

16 - Grudges are poisonous. There is a saying: 'Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.' Heed these words, for they are the truth.

17 - Be self-sufficient and self-reliant. You’re the only one responsible for taking care of your wants and needs. Having and maintaining your own source of income can do wonders for a person's confidence and freedom. Learn how to take care of yourself, physically and psychologically. 

18 - Have a little black dress. For years, my wardrobe primarily consisted of blue jeans and graphic t-shirts. Having at least one dress in my closet, however, has come through for me multiple times in the wake of a dinner date or special occasion. Moral of the story: you allow yourself to have at least one piece of an adult wardrobe, invest in a little black dress. Everything else will find its way into your closet in time.

19 - Food from the stove tastes better. In other words, learn how to cook. Forsake the ramen noodles and microwavable macaroni; or even a burrito from the local fast food place. Learn how to make such things as soup -using real broth and fresh vegetables -and spaghetti. Start small and work your way up.

20 - Be open. Learn to stand up for yourself when you need to. Don't be afraid to tell people, or yourself, what you want.

21 - There is no 'them.' There is no Big Brother or Big Sister watching and waiting for you to mess up. There is no one out there for you to compete with, no matter what society would have you believe. Why put that kind of pressure on yourself? Do your thing and the world will do its. End of story.

22 - Friends come and go. Not everyone who comes into your life is meant to stay. If someone leaves, don't be offended. As we say in Texas, just pick up your bootstraps and carry on.

23 - When in doubt, go with your gut. Sometimes, logic simply fails. In such cases, go with what feels right and natural. As mentioned before, only you know what is best for you. And only you will have to face the consequences -just in case everything doesn't go right.


24 - Be your own definition of a 'Real Woman.' In the Victoria Era, there arose an ideology best known as the 'Cult of True Womanhood.' In essence, a true woman was meant to be submissive to her husband in all things. This idea transitioned through the years and is perfectly depicted in such 1950s sitcoms such as Leave It to Beaver and The Donna Reid Show. Today, however, the definition of a real woman is flexible. We modern American females have the luxury of choosing to be whatever we want to be; whether that is a housewife, a doctor, a librarian, or a CEO. We get to decide who and if we want to marry, and if we want children. The gender role you inhabit is yours to define.


But most important of all is this:


25 - It's okay not to have everything figured out. You and I can worry about that in our next twenty-five years. 

The Savvy Fashionista: Looking Stylish While on a Budget

Change your appearance and change what you do with your time - 

and your life will change. You are more in control than you think. 

- Unknown

Whether by natural instinct or social conditioning, the average woman is self-conscious of her appearance. Before she even opens her mouth, a woman knows that she is being judged by not only the design but also the appearance of her clothes.

For the young female just starting out on her odyssey through the professional world, money may be too scarce for her to simply through out her old wardrobe of t-shirts and jeans for blouses and slacks. There are ways, however, to look fabulous while also being frugal. 

The tips that will be featured in the coming portion of this post are blended snip-its from the website GoGirlFinance.com. A number of them are economic tactics that I have used myself; and, thus, they are courses of action that I trust.

Establish Spending Room
In a previous post, I mentioned the budget setup known as the '50/20/30 Plan.' To review: some financial aficionados suggest that, first, a paycheck should be divided in half. The first 50 percent should be used on 'fixed expenses,' which are described as the expenses that are consistent each month -rent, utilities, etc. From there, the second half of the paycheck should be divided as follows: 20% for savings and 30% for free-spending. 

While the plan's setup is only a recommendation, it does offer a sense of security: it provides a way of maintaining personal needs (like shelter and food) while also funding wants (like entertainment and fashion).

Sell Old Clothes
Some consignment shops will offer either money or [store] credit in exchange for old, well-kept clothing. While a number of such stores have a policy about accepting only popular brands (Gap, Abercrombie, etcetera), a few consignment shops are willing to accept anything.

Borrowing and Trading
In the beginning, sometimes it may prove necessary to borrow and/or trade clothes with a close friend or relative. 

A former roommate of mine shared in a kind of trade circle with a few of her most intimate friends: Every month, my roommate would bring home a trash bag full of clothes and go through each article one by one. If she decided to keep a piece of clothing, she would put a replacement article (an old shirt or pair of jeans) into the bag before passing it on. Whatever is left in the bag, after it has been gone through by the last person in the circuit, is then donated.

(NOTE: Should you decide to seek a loan in clothes, please be sure to follow borrowing etiquette.)

Identify the Essentials
When rebuilding a wardrobe from (almost) scratch, it would prove beneficial to identify what pieces of clothing you need to purchase immediately. 

If you are a young [female] professional in need of a workplace-friendly wardrobe, consider the following list:

• a black dress
• a knee-length skirt
• a white blouse
• a well-designed bra
• a black blazer
• a trench coat
• a black handbag
• quality blue jeans [one pair]
• black dress pants
• black mid-heel shoes
• black flat-heeled shoes

As the economic situation changes, feel free to add on. Keep in mind, several webpages exist that offer differing lists and suggestions than the one(s) featured above. For further inspiration, consider consulting such sites as Pinterest; or some of the following web-articles:

• "Transform Your Wardrobe" by Nicola Conville
• "Wardrobe Staples Women Must Have Among Their Clothing Items" by Jill Martin and Pierre A. Lehu
• "What Is Professional Business Attire for Women?" by Geneveive Ang

Develop Shopping Smarts
When it comes to being a savvy fashionista, quality needs to override quantity. To explain: Your clothes should be considered an investment. Cheap clothing can often become frayed or deformed after a few tumbles through the wash. And rather than wear something that is faded and torn, a woman will often go out and buy a replacement. Over time, the constant replacement of poorly made clothing can add up to more -over time -than the cost of a better, well-designed version of each article.

Good Cleaning Methods
When it comes to acquiring and wearing quality-style clothing, a new style of cleaning may need to be developed. Adding onto what was said previously: Your clothes should not only be considered an investment, they should also be treated as such. Because of the material, these clothes may have to be treated by hand-washing or dry-cleaning. Be sure to look at the tag of each item for a better idea of how to keep each piece in ideal condition.

Quality Wardrobe Advantages
Having a quality wardrobe can have a positive impact on a person's psyche. Wearing an outfit that consists of well-maintained and well-tailored clothing can build and exude confidence within an individual. Likewise, poorly kept and inappropriately fitted clothes can increase a person's insecurities.

Develop Your Style
While a quality wardrobe should have invoke a sense of elegance and respectability, it should also carry a bit of the wearer's personality. 

Remember: look good, save money, and have fun!

No Ring, No Rest!

For centuries, the feminine sex has been saddled with two weighty expectations: marriage and motherhood. While it is a relief to know that modern American society no longer acknowledges the latter roles as being a woman's only purposes in life, the same Old World pressures still exist. 

And no greater exertion of nagging on the latter matters takes place than during the holiday season.

For nearly two months, young women -especially those in their twenties and in a relationship -are plagued with questions that typically revolve around the themes of marriage and children. The biggest fiends of this emotional flagellation are often identified as worried mothers, pushy aunts, and 'encouraging' friends. And the media, come to think of it, does not help the unmarried individual's cause either -with those looped jewelry commercials sandwiched between holiday movie specials. 

True, there are some modern women who have naturally (or carefully cultivated) thick skin and are able to shield themselves from the pressures of social convention. In contrast, for those of us who have been bypassed by this form of evolution, Thanksgiving and Yuletide get-togethers can be as painful as undergoing a root canal procedure . . . without the Novocaine!

The Hypocrisy
I have never been married; I have never been engaged. For almost three years, though, I have been blessed to have a wonderful man in my life; a man who is kind, respectful, content, open-minded, intelligent, talented, and driven. Since the first month of our relationship, however, people have been asking us such questions as "How long have you two been married?" and "Why aren't you two married yet?"

While I admire the fact that people -strangers -take the time to notice and remark that my boyfriend and I make an adorable couple, I sometimes wish that they wouldn't. The observation is almost always followed by one of the above mentioned questions.

The responsibility falls to the woman to tame the man, to convince him that he cannot live without her. So she dolls herself up and laughs at his boyish jokes; she joins him for a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, or she attends classes to learn swing dancing. After a while, she may even come to reconsider her former beliefs on watching Family Guy or having premarital sex.

But after so much time comes to pass and no ring materializes, the questioning phase begins: "Am I doing something wrong?"

'Adelaide's Lament'
In the musical Guys and Dolls, the character Adelaide is introduced as the fiancee of the gangster Nathan Detroit. His fiancee, mind, for fourteen years! For a woman to wait around for over a decade for a man to finally stand up with her at the altar, some people may argue, is either a mark of saintly dedication or of low self-respect. 

The waiting did not come without repercussions, however. In the play, Adelaide suffered frequently from cold-like symptoms, sneezing and wheezing, accompanied by frazzled nerves and mood swings. According to such medical sources as the Mayo Clinic, all of the latter are expected signs of anxiety.

No, it would not be too far-fetched to say that the song - titled 'Adelaide's Lament' -is an exaggeration. On the other hand: for a number of women stuck in an emotional purgatory, waiting for a proposal, there may be something within the lyrics that stings with truth.

Whether by natural wiring or social conditioning, women tend to be tied strongly to their emotions. As a result, the longer that a woman remains in a romantic relationship, the greater her emotional investment. And as with any investment, the hope is that what 'currency' is put in comes back in greater value (volume) than before. A woman is taught that the biggest return payment she can hope for, in regard to a romantic attachment, is a ring and a wedding. When the return payment is stalled, however, jabs at both her reputation and judgement are likely to come about.

Sadly, not a great deal has changed since the age of Jane Austen.

The Extortion
Culturally, marriage has been turned into a commercialized industry. 

The American entertainment industry perpetually gangs up on women -with such television shows ranging from The Bachelorette to Wedding Wars -and strives to invoke both guilt and shame in the absence of an engagement.

But then, when an engagement is secured, a new kind of pressure emerges: the expectation to have a fairy tale wedding.

In my younger twenties, I had the mixed fortune of working for a wedding publication. As such, I spent many a weekend in the presence of engaged women and wedding consultants. Often what I witnessed seemed less associated with love than it did with image and profit.

Perhaps more myth than truth, a woman -supposedly -dreams of and plans for her wedding starting at a young age. It is the one day, she is lead to believe, that she can feel like and be seen as a princess -just like Cinderella, Belle, and Kate [Middleton] before her. So, naturally, everything must be perfect: the dress, the cake, the venue, the invitations, the flowers, the catering, guest lists, wedding favors . . . Material things, all of a sudden, take up more importance than the thing that supposedly got her to where she is in the first place: love.

Fairy tales can be expensive: According to an article from the Huffington Post, the average wedding in the United States can cost up to $28,427. 

. . . Suddenly, a modest elopement does not seem so bad . . .

Establish Boundaries
In regard to familial nagging, ladies, unfortunately there is little more than I can offer (in terms of advice) other than the words 'grin and bear it.'

No matter the century one finds herself in, the fundamental motive of marriage remains the same: children. Marrying for love, still, is a relatively new and revolutionary idea. For the American woman, it is a luxury she should not underestimate or abuse.

As the popular saying goes, the only behavior you can change is your own.

Therefore, consider these words next time when faced with questions or guilt concerning marriage:

• Is he truly 'the One'? Divorce is an ugly affair. Therefore, make sure you know who it is that you intend to marry. Also, understand from the beginning what it is that you are in for: marriage is a commitment, not a convenience.
• The biological clock is an exaggeration. Yes, a woman has a better chance of starting a family before the age of thirty; but don't have a child while you are still a child yourself. True, no one is ever ready to be a parent. Despite what your mother (or mother-in-law) may want you to believe, she can wait a year or two more to have a grandchild to spoil. After all, you are the one who is going to be changing the majority of those dirty diapers . . .
• Are you in a position to get married? In the days of yesteryear, the bride's parents would pay for her wedding. Nowadays, for many, it is the bride herself who is responsible for the bulk of the expenses. Be honest with yourself: Do you have a monthly income that can finance a wedding? Remember: The average American wedding can cost thousands of dollars. Do you want to start your new life off as an indentured servant to a credit card company?
• Have you fulfilled your ambitions? True, a woman's life does not end after she is married; or even after she's a mother. However, there are some things one should consider doing before 'settling down.' Get that college degree, or go backpacking through Europe. Spouses and children, while both gifts, can make youthful aspirations a bit harder to accomplish once they arrive.
• Respect yourself! Love is a beautiful experience; but no man is worth the loss of one's sanity and self-respect. Resist becoming the permanent girlfriend, live-in or not. If your intended mate gives no sign of permanent commitment, consider that it may be time to leave him and move on.

And what of the television, you may ask? Turn it off. 

Books are better for you anyway.

Oh, Shailene! (or "Feminism, and the Bad Wrap")

Shailene Woodley

Admittedly, I am an admirer of actress Shailene Woodley. Earlier this year, wrapped within the hype that surrounded the release of her movie 'The Fault in Our Stars,' it was discovered that she was a hardcore minimalist: First, the world learns that she makes her own beauty products and bottles spring water. Then it is learned that Woodley gave her house in Hollywood to her grandmother while she (Woodley) willing chooses to live out of a carry-on suitcase.

But then a new story surfaced: In May of this year, Eliana Dockterman -a reporter from Time Magazine -asked Woodley if she considered herself a feminist. 

Woodley's response was such:

"No because I love men, and I think the idea of ‘raise women to power, take the men away from the power’ is never going to work out because you need balance . . . My biggest thing is really sisterhood more than feminism. I don’t know how we as women expect men to respect us because we don’t even seem to respect each other. There’s so much jealousy, so much comparison and envy. And 'This girl did this to me and that girl did that to me.' And it’s just so silly and heartbreaking in a way."

As a feminist who respects and admires Woodley, I was devastated.

Where We Disagree

First of all, the majority of us DO NOT hate men. (Actually, a number of men in this world subscribe to feminist ideologies.) And if we do carry a sense of resentment toward the male gender, it is usually toward a certain kind of man. For example, I have no respect for males who take part in and promote the hook-up culture. To me, that means that they look down on women -holding little to no respect for a woman's well-being or virtue. (Note: I also have no respect for the women who take part in the hook-up culture because, those that I have observed, have little to no respect for themselves.) I also have no respect for men who abuse familial or political power to destroy the happiness of others.

Which leads into my second point of defense:

In relation to power, I only wish to take power away from men who enforce patriarchal ideologies and practices. For example, Boko Haram and ISIS: I firmly take a stand against these radical groups that thrive on destroying life and enslaving women. My stance is strong against sex trafficking and genital mutilation -although I recognize that both of these evils are not always caused by men; but they are normally endorsed by patriarchal societies.

Thirdly, we feminists are a sisterhood. True, we may not always agree on social and cultural platforms. At the foundation of it all, however, we are united. We feminists do not demand equal rights; we desire equal value (as men). And while some women may brutally criticize other females, that is merely a display of immaturity; it is not a representation of feminist values. It is just as heartbreaking to a number of us that such behavior persists.

"Dear Shailene..."
In short, Shailene Woodley appears to be speaking out against something that she does not fully seem to know or understand. We feminists are not terrorists; we are social reformers. (For example: If it weren't for feminism, there may not be female actors on stage or in movies today.) We stand up for the dignity and value of not only women but also other under-represented groups and interests -such as illegal immigrants, the environment, and much more. 

To say that you are a feminist means that you [possibly] take a stand against a number of the following: gender discrimination, social oppression, sex trafficking, child slavery, education deprivation, female illiteracy, child brides, ethnocentric crimes, religious persecution, political under-representation [of minorities], genital mutilation, habitat destruction, global pollution, social stalking, sexual victimization. . .

If the media stories are to be believed, it is my understanding that Shailene Woodley stands against a number of the social and global issues that I listed above.

Therefore, If I were to write her a letter, I would tell Miss Woodley this:

Dear Shailene,

Guess what: You are a feminist. Welcome to the sisterhood.

XOXO

Minimalism: The Silent Revolution

A dog owns nothing,

yet he is seldom dissatisfied.

-Irish proverb

Minimalism, otherwise called 'voluntary simplicity,' is a lifestyle that I have only become acquainted with within the past year. And while I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, or even a faithful practitioner, I do feel that what knowledge and experience I do possess can be of assistance to others. For minimalism, I have come to believe, is the first step -the key ingredient -in achieving the Platonic notion of transcendence.

Need vs. Want 
The biggest part in the minimalist transformation, the initial step of it all, is to throw off the shackles of consumerist society. By doing this, one must become skilled in distinguishing between personal wants and needs.

When one lives in a society that has mastered the art of manipulation through lights, images, and sounds, it can be easy for the average brain to be tricked into buying or doing something that will -supposedly -bring happiness into one's life. But what happens when that new novelty item -that new iPhone or car -losses its sparkle and shine? Well, according to Society, it is time to buy something newer and 'better' to curb the boredom. 

Soon, however, the process tends to repeat itself.

In 1943, psychologist Abraham Maslow established a hierarchy that organized the basic needs that all human beings seek to attain in order to achieve full contentment. This model has since become recognized as 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs' -a map to happiness that is designed in the shape of a pyramid, with the bottom of the base representing the most basic needs and ending with the more complex needs at the top.



As shown in the chart above, Maslow divided his hierarchy into five categories: Physiological Needs, Safety Needs, Social Needs, Esteem Needs, and Self-actualizing Needs. In order for one to pass onto the next level of happiness, it is theorized that one must have a firm foundation in the previous level.
 

The Physiological Needs are usually the easiest to attain; especially in first-world societies. Likewise, Safety Needs are not necessary hard to come upon. It is usually on the third tier of the pyramid that a number of people stumble back, hard and fast. 

In order to find social acceptance, especially acceptance amongst one's peers, a person may go out and buy a new Prada bag or a new sports vehicle. But this form of materialistic competition can be not only costly but futile; especially as most things tend to become obsolete, in time. (And really, considering their track record of misery, who wants to keep with the Kardashians?)

From the 1950s to the present, it has been estimated that the average American household has more than doubled in size (in terms of square-footage). This expansion in architecture, however, has nothing to do with with a burst in population. No, no. Rather, houses are growing to accommodate the average family's possessions.


Growing up, my family and I moved numerous times. Every few years, we loaded everything from the welcome mat to the washing machine into two full-size, eighteen-wheel trucks. 

As an adult, relocating from one city to another for graduate school, I carried enough baggage with me to fill a ten-foot truck. 


Both then and now, I remember throwing up my hands and yelling, "Why do I have so much stuff?!"


Hence my attraction to minimalism, and my willingness to spread this non-consumerist ideology.


Challenge Yourself
For first-time minimalists, there is a 30 day challenge that one can experiment with: 

At the beginning of the month, find three (3) cardboard boxes. Label each one as either "Keep," "Donate," and "Trash." Each day, for the next month, place one (1) item into each box. At the end of the 30 (or 31) days, return the "Keep" items to their rightful place in your home; take the "Donate" items to a local Goodwill or family shelter; and discard the "Trash" items into then nearest waste or recycle bins.

And then, repeat. Repeat, repeat, and repeat the challenge until your home feels less suffocating.


Budget Paychecks
One of the reasons people choose the academic majors and professional positions is for money. Money, typically, that is used to buy a great many things that we are almost convinced will make up happy; or prestigious amongst our family and friends, if nothing else.

Money is never a good reason to put up with a job that you despise, or to attain pointless knick-knacks.  For as the old cliche goes, "You can't take it with you."

Apply the 50/30/20 rule to your next paycheck: Separate half of it (50%) to spend toward your fixed expenses, such as monthly utilities and student loans; and then divide the second half the amount into 30% and 20%. The largest part (the 30%) can be used for recreational uses, while the remaining amount (the 20%) should be invested in a savings account for emergencies.

 

Move Downward

Not comfortable about having a great deal of space in your house? Considering downsizing to an apartment; or, downsize your size of house.

On Netflix one afternoon, I happened upon a documentary titled "Tiny." Apparently, linked to minimalism is another small revolution called the 'Tiny House Movement.' Especially along the west coast of the United States, there are individuals who are willingly choosing to live in a house that is barely larger than a 1960s Volkswagen van. While this idea may seem intimidating (and borderline claustrophobic-inducing), it challenges the belief of how much space a human being truly needs in order to survive, or to be happy.

Revolutionaries Unite!
As mentioned in a previous post of mine, Plato picked on the human race (particularly women) for lacking transcendence. In his mind, transcendence meant the ability to break away from such earthly ideologies as the over-possession (or obsession) with worldly goods. And while I certainly do not agree with Plato on a number of grounds, I do believe him to have been on to something: What good comes from possessing more than one needs? 

In truth, living in overabundance and beyond means invokes stress and shortens lifespans. So, having too much can lead to stress that can lead me to live an even shorter life to enjoy the things that I am killing myself to have? In what universe does that make sense?

Although it presents a struggle, going against the consumerist beliefs that I raised to value, I choose to pursue minimalism.