Positivity: Possessions
While it is nice to have things, the reason for the having is far more important.
The things we have, the possessions we own can be a source of good in many respects. And there will always be things we need versus things that we desire. Things can be a source of positivity, but it is not the thing itself that has that power.
The material things we have generally fall into three categories. Things we need, like food, clothing, and shelter and the like; things that make life easier or more convenient like transportation, computers, mobile phones and various data devices; things we want, like boats and fancy cars and game consoles and other toys to enhance the lives we live.
We all want different material things. Whichever of the three categories they fall into, what we want is different. We don’t all want the same clothes, we don’t all eat the same foods and we have different needs for the where and configuration of our shelters. Among the conveniences we get into the popular Apple vs PC debate, some people want motorcycles and some want sedans. Even the additional things we want vary, because we all desire different toys to enhance our lives.
The important thing is that no matter which of these three categories we look at, the things we want are of less import than the feelings they will generate. Things give us feelings, which we often overlook or disregard. More often, though, we think the having of certain things will make us feel a certain way, which is actually backwards.
When it comes in particular to the desires we are frequently led to believe that the thing will make us feel a certain way. Having the thing will make us more popular or better regarded or will improve our life in some way, and thus make us feel more happy and joyful and excited. But in truth, when we feel more happy and joyful and excited by our lives it actually gives the thing desired the value, not the other way around.
When you give and feel more positivity you get and feel more positivity. When we want more things or new things or designer things it is important to feel gratitude for the things we already have. When we have no gratitude for the things in our lives we are unable to draw new things.
Why do you want a new car? Because it will make you feel safer and freer, maybe? Why do you want a new home? Because it will make you feel more comfortable and more content, perhaps? The thing itself is not what is important, it’s the emotion generated by the having of the thing that matters.
Gratitude for what we have now is important to having newer or different things. Additionally, it’s hugely important to recognize that we are not in competition. We don’t all want the same things, so why do we so readily believe that we have to compete with one another to acquire and have them?
The important question is how will having these things make us feel?
Finding positivity is not hard, it just requires action. Knowing that we all want and need things because of the feelings they create within us, we can be grateful for what we have now. When we are grateful for what we have now, but acknowledge what having different things will mean to ourselves on an emotional level, we empower ourselves. When we feel empowered, we often spread that feeling to others around us, and as such can build more positive feelings. We can use the positive feelings this generates to dissolve negative feelings. When we take away negative feelings, we open up space to let in positive feelings, and that is something we can be grateful for. Gratitude leads to happiness. Happiness is the ultimate positive attitude. Positive attitude begets positive energy, and that is always a good thing.
This is the one hundred fourteenth entry of my Positivity series. It is my hope these weekly messages might help spread positive energies for everyone. Feel free to share, re-blog and spread the positivity.
In relation to Positivity, check out my Five Easy Steps to Change the World for the Better.
