Do I Really Need This?

We are bombarded with advertising at an alarming rate. Whether through TV, radio, internet, movies, or print we are constantly being pitched some product or service, or, argggg…“lifestyle”. It is the job of advertising to create a “need” and then swoop in with the product or service to satisfy that need. In order for this to work one has to buy into the idea that he or she is in fact lacking in some way. We have to agree on some level that indeed we are not as happy as we could be. Advertisers come at us with subtle and not so subtle messages enticing us with promises of being better versions of ourselves. Naturally we lap it up as there is always a seed of doubt in every human being telling them they could do better or be happier. The obvious issue with this is that most of products we are pitched are just concerned with surface level things like appearance or status; quick fixes for a society driven by instant gratification.

This approach has worked for thousands of years because it plays on human insecurity and the need to be accepted by the group. What I wish to propose to people is to take a closer look at what you are allowing yourself to believe. Depression and dissatisfaction with life are major issues for a lot of people. I want to remind everyone that this perceived lack is being created in your mind with the help of a constant drum beat of advertising telling you that your life could be so much better if you just bought “X” that you don’t measure up and therefore need their snake oil.

One of the side effects of living in a society that constantly pushes a “you need this” narrative is that we become programed to be unhappy or dissatisfied. There are many people out there that are especially vulnerable to these messages of inadequacy. We look around and think everyone else is doing fine. We think I am the one with problems while in fact everyone struggles with these same issues at some time or another. You are not alone.

The point of this writing is to encourage people to look closely and objectively at what you are allowing yourself to believe. Ask yourself what does happiness mean to you? Is it realistic? Is it obtainable? How much am I being influenced by outside pressure? Probably the biggest question of all is to ask do I really need to add something to myself to achieve happiness and contentment or is what I seek within, and is it more about unlearning what I have learned through years of conditioning. You are perfect, you are beautiful, you are life.