Madeleine Somerville is a green-living columnist who also writes about the stuff in our lives. She talks about how acquiring things becomes a never-ending cycle, especially as homes grow bigger. (In 1950 US homes on average were 983 square feet, and in 2011 American homes averaged 2,480 square feet.)
Somerville cites a study that shows that acquiring more stuff leads to stress, and she shares how living in a one-bedroom apartment has left her happier and less stressed than she was in a four-bedroom house. I know I say this a lot, but it rings true again and again, less is more.
Holidays are arriving soon. Be thankful with what you do have and be with people you love. That’s priceless.
To read the full article on “Buying begets buying: how stuff has consumed the average American’s life” by Madeleine Somerville.
Elesheva, I always appreciate your columns, but this one on less mess (fewer things) and less stress really speaks to me as we are trying to downsize and move from present home into an assisted living facility.
Keep up the good work and your always good advice.
Love from us both, Judy and Charlie