choosing to live

for a couple years now, I have been struggling with finding a way to be HAPPY with what I have. With the world constantly throwing out NEW and GREAT things ------ THINGS... I feel like I HAVE TO HAVE THEM to be happy...

Now this is completely MY fault. Instead of trying to pair down and enjoy the simple things, I let myself get caught up in the new and next big things. The picture ABOVE is a good example. Like how I tied that in? :)

Just right now, I was simultaneously looking on Facebook (which I was trying to look at less of) and also looking online at Nike, REI, Zappos and Amazon for new running shoes. I have probably 3 pairs of running shoes in the garage, but they aren't "Good Enough Anymore." Everyday, new shoes are coming out and I feel like my old white plain shoes are lacking. However perfectly functional, the world has brought me to believe that I need (NEED) something new. and RIGHT NOW. 

I actually have a sticky note here on my desk, (I can see it now) listing all the things I "Need to Buy" once I have the funds. Now don't get me wrong, new things are awesome. Not anything about getting new things. I am just saying that I have an issue with always wanting more. Spending my paychecks on something new. When I don't spend, I feel like I am missing something. Saving isn't something I do. 

I have decided to challenge myself. Instead of buying, I am going to clean out. I am going to go through my life and clean out. Obviously things are clogging my view of what is important in life. I need to break free from the constant need of new clothes and new shoes. I need to wait. To save, to pray, to think about it. To stop and actually think about it.

what a concept. To tie in the photo above. It is time for new things. But not buying new, but changing the way I see the items in my life. As things. If I was to leave this world right now, None of them would come with me. Instead of placing my happiness in clothing, food, shoes, and home supplies... I need to find happiness in my life.