A new way of thinking

There are a few things I've learned while adopting my new lifestyle and one is that you have to truly change your way of thinking. This applies to purchases and purges. The hardest part about this is that I have found most purchases and possessions hold an emotional attachment or involvement. I believe this is the ultimate reason that our consumerism has become such a problem. Some call it "retail" therapy but does it really make us happy or, when the initial high goes away, are we left depressed and broke. I question my emotional reactions when considering a purchase...why is this item needed, will it make me happy, why will it make me happy, will it make my life better or easier, and the list goes on. The same questions can be asked when purging but instead of the why it's the how. How is this dress I haven't worn in three years needed, how will it make me happy...because, um, it makes my cluttered closet more asthetically pleasing with its beauty? Granted, there are always those items that hold sentimental value as well and keeping those is a personal choice, although I'm sure grandma would prefer you live an uncluttered life instead of suffocating yourself in a house filled with mementos. Once we face the emotional aspects of consumerism and delve into the whys and hows, minimizing becomes more simple and once you start it's like a snowball effect, nothing can stop you. Think of it like removing a bandaid, the anticipation of the pain is much worse the the actual pain. Unless you're addicted, then it may be time for an intervention...