Most of my generation just wants every nice thing: clothes, new technology, cars. Most want things that cost a lot of money. Nothing is super cheap anymore. When I see someone with expensive things I cringe. I ask myself, " Why would someone pay that much money for an object?" Are these things really worth having in our life? I personally don't think so because there is so much more out of life that you can get when you aren't worrying about materialist items. To be honest, fancy things just do not make me happy. I am not materialistic and that is okay.

The things that make me happy are the things that you cannot buy (other than food because let's be honest, we all love food). They are the experiences that you get to make with others. The time spent with the people who love you. You can't trade those in. They are priceless. I would rather have those moments spent with others than getting a new pair of shoes. We could be cooking, watching a movie, or whatever it may be and it is the simpleness of that activity that can bring joy into my life. It is because those people care so much to bring me into their life to enjoy activities with me.

Not being materialistic means that I will have more money for the future. I'll be able to have money saved up to live on my own after college and not have to feel like I am starting from the bottom. It is hard being a young adult, but if we start early we can prepare ourselves for the impossible. I'll be able to have money for bills and expenses. That sounds pretty good to me. I'll have more money for what I will need. If I need money for something important, I'll have it and won't have to feel guilty about spending any money.

It also means that I appreciate hand-me-down items from family or friends. There is so much history to a piece when you think about it. How much someone loved it and took care of that item or the memories it brought them. I used to get hand-me-down clothes and would be so excited just to see what was given to me. It is kind of like opening a box of treasures and seeing the "gold". Some of the best surprises of my day were from hand-me-down clothes.

Having money to buy things isn't everything. There is more to life than buying fancy things. Do things for yourself. Spend time with family. Cook that meal you have been wanting to make. Do the things that can bring so much more into your life. Happiness comes from within and finding joy in the little things. They become more important than worrying about having the newest and greatest thing. I have learned that what I can do for myself and being aware of the world around me can change my mood in an instant.