Leo Babauta knows the reason advertising works is because many people are trying to fill a void, but he believes the tools for true happiness are not found in material possessions at all.
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The reason advertising works on most of us is that we feel there is something missing, that if we could only do or have X we could be happier, that we need whatever happiness they’re offering.
If instead we could find completeness, find happiness, find contentedness … advertising wouldn’t work. We’d say, “Thanks, but pass.”
And here’s the thing, of course (you knew this was coming): you already have all that.
You just need to realize it, and internalize it.
You have everything you need for happiness, right now. The typical desires for more money, a nicer house and car, nicer clothes and gadgets, a big-screen TV, a super-successful career or business, etc. … none of that will get you happiness.
Happiness is simple pleasures, is spending time doing what you love and spending time with those you love. Happiness is realizing the world around us, no matter where we are, is a miracle, is beautiful and filled with sources of joy.
Do you have eyes? Then you have the tools to enjoy the sky, the water, greenery, people—all miracles, all wonderful. Do you have ears? You have the tools to enjoy music, and laughter, and conversation. Do you have taste buds? You are blessed with a symphony of wonders, in berries and chocolate and popcorn and pure water and mint and chocolate chip cookies and spicy Thai food.
These are the tools for happiness. Use them, and realize you are blessed beyond belief.
Live life by appreciating every moment as a miracle, and you’ll want for nothing. Appreciate the people around you, for the crazy complicated uniqueness they are, and you’ll need no further entertainment.
You have it all. So when someone offers more, you can now say, “Thanks, but pass.”
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.
– Lao Tzu
This post originally appeared at mnmlist.com. Reprinted with permission.
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Photo: fauxto_digit/Flickr
1. I TIVO everything and fast forward through commercials
2. I don’t get the news paper so no adds
3. What I do get in the mail,I use to line the bottom of the bird cage
4. If I’m looking for sales, I’ll check the ads at the front of the store
5. youtube, I wait for the count down to skip the ad.
6. I pay $2 a month so I don’t need to see the ads here