The holidays are here and during this time of year it easier than ever to buy into the more mentality. What’s the more mentality? The thinking that if having something is good, having more of it will be better. We see this played out all over. A large coke is no longer enough. We must have a Big Gulp. Supersize has become a household term. Large warehouse stores encourage us to buy everything in bulk. Commercials convince us that having the latest gadget will make our lives better. Sale gimmicks like "10/$10" or "Buy 3, Get One Free" entice us to purchase more than we need.
Think with me for a moment about the truth of having more. How do you feel when you walk into your overstuffed closet? What about driving into your overflowing garage? Do your feel satisfied or overwhelmed? What about the kids? How do they feel when they try to open their jam-packed drawers or walk into a playroom full of toys? There is a cost to having more. Often times having “more” means feelings of overwhelm and an increase in stress levels. Here’s an acronym I came up with that helps me when I find myself getting pulled into the more mentality.
Management
Opportunity
Requiring
Energy
This holiday season I encourage you to consider the cost before purchasing. Give experiences rather than things. Make memories not piles. Provide for those in need together instead of adding to one another’s clutter. May you richly bless others this holiday season.
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Mother Teresa
