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View submission: Do you ever feel depressed?
I try hard to be precise using words, and to me "depressed" is a clinical term. Sure, I am saddened at times, because I was once subject to impulse buying and over-consumption too. It's sad to see people in economic distress of their own making.
But I'm not depressed, because I KNOW anyone can simplify, can become more aware and intentional when making purchases. And I'm here to help, with both sympathy and solutions. It's not a difficult process to begin. It begins with your intent to take back your own agency.
I'm sure it would be harder if my wife wasn't on the same page with me, and I had no friends who agreed in philosophic support. Fortunately (or by divine providence), we came to voluntary simplicity through small group discussions at church that took place over years. I'm living in community with a whole pack of "small footprinters" who are always looking for new ways to reuse, repurpose and recycle.
About the streaming thing ... I love good stories. I LEARN things watching movies and tv shows. I also make a game out of always having a "mute" button at hand, and muting the sound BEFORE they can start selling crap to me. Brand placements within shows don't really work on me though. If I can spot them, it can't have a persuasive effect. My wife and I sometimes make fun of things like fast food commercials. We both worked in tv, and understand you would NEVER want to actually eat that sexy-looking stuff. It's sprayed with silicone to create shine, and stuffed with dry ice to simulate steam. Just like the rest of life, if you can dispel the unhealthy illusions, they lose their influence over your behavior.
There's nothing here!