Hyper-Consumers!

America has become a nation of 'hyper-consumers!' And, NOT because of the $$$ we have to support our addiction to new toys, extreme vacations, gambling, et al. And dont forget our 'drugs,' both illegal and prescription, many just to handle the stress in our lives for both the mental and physical problems that we incur! Ppl are out buying the latest whatever, usually on credit that they will never pay off, but keep 'revolving.'

I am appalled every time I go grocery shopping at all of the 'choices' that consumers have when buying a product---not just 1 or 2 brands or types (flavors, etc) like we once had, but now so many variations of the same product that it takes me several minutes to 'wade' thru the viewing of the aisle of 'choices' just to find the original brand that I have always bought!! I have kept up on technology in general as I have gotten older, but am still in shock when I go shopping---which I admit I have always hated, but more so now!

Another set of ridiculous choices are the number of different auto brands out there, mostly all looking about the same with the basic hi-mileage, streamlined design not varying too much between each other. But still, look at the number of choices of brands/models available to decide on----lets go back to Daddy Hank Ford and the single Model T that is only black!! Well, not quite---where I live everybody buys 'white' cars!!

At one point in my life, I had the American dream----4 BR Santa Fe house on 1 acre in the mtn canyons next to Nat. Forrest, 3 cars (1 custom van), 1 motorcycle, horse for daughter in 4H, Scouts & Pop Warner for son, family skiing in the winter/camping in the summer, etc. All of this 'stuff' were 'fun distractions' but didnt make my (or my family's) quality of life any better---just kept me enslaved to a hi-stress, demanding job that I didnt like to pay the bills!! Then reality hits (as it does when the kids grow up and ppl grow apart with all the 'busy-ness') with layoffs, kids leaving home, divorce, etc.

I said all that to say this. I have found out over time and with job changes that scaling down my living style (2 BR/2 BA Manuf. home w/ only 1 car---all paid off!), buying more what I 'need' than just what I 'want,' and as a result my reduced living expenses have brought me into a less stressful lifestyle. No debt! I now have both the time & the $$ to invest in and nurture family relationships, not just those many consumer 'distractions!' Ppl & relationships are what count---NOT just stuff! These things will endure and leave a true legacy for our future generations....