Yesterday, I celebrated my favorite non-denominational holiday, and it was nothing short of exquisite. Although I didn’t share my dinner with anyone special (or anyone for that matter), I reveled in the fact that all across our nation, people were putting forth positive energy in an appreciative and thankful manner.

However, something quite disturbing happens when the clock strikes midnight. The message of being content completely turns on its head, and the insatiable need to consume becomes the code of the new day.  How this tradition of “Black Friday” became a staple is somewhat of a mystery, but when any guilt can be removed from the buying and selling of goods, it seems Americans react in a most obedient manner.

I am not socialist or communist, but the idea of consumerism, while seemingly benign in theory, seems quite dangerous (and wasteful) in practice. Although the video above is an extreme example, the need for “things” seems for most to supplant the need to grow internally, whether from an intellectual, physical or spiritual standpoint. Amassing a mountain of merchandise will never adequately substitute for being, and it is in this that the adage “money can’t buy happiness” firmly resides.

Although I am not being paid an exorbitant amount of money per annum, I feel that my compensation is commensurate with what I am asked to deliver for Corp, Inc.  But, how is this number derived? It would seem the amount is relative, based on what others make for similar work. However, when looking at highly-paid individuals, whether they are successful entrepreneurs, entertainers, or even ultra-successful professionals, the relativity proverbially flies out the window. Though this exponential increase (re: chasm) between what most earn and the select few is questionable, I am not here to judge, nor am I trying to paint some type of political message (see above). Rather, what I want to express is that the odds of becoming one of these select few is difficult, so it would seem in one’s best interest (statistically speaking) to temper the need to consume with the need to grow. And growth ironically, requires almost no capital; could this be then seen as consumption’s polar opposite? Or am I comparing apples to oranges? Another thought for another time. The point is, do not fall prey to the blind need to consume. Gifts are fleeting, while growth lasts forever.

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