Americans have been taught to live based on sayings such as:

“Work smarter, not harder” or various other quotes about hard work ethic and the American “hustle”. Always striving for more.

Well, that’s all good and well- it has worked well for us up to this point. We are the greatest country in the world, but at what price? Sometimes a shortcut is not always the answer. We are losing sight of what life is really about- the journey.

I do truly believe that there is no substitute for hard work. However, in a culture of NOW we think we have to get everything done NOW and that’s placing a huge strain on people. More people are working 50 to 60 hour work weeks than ever before while forgetting or being forbidden to take time to even stop and eat lunch. Losing sight of what’s truly important. I believe it’s truly starting to get to us. We are always in pursuit of MORE, but when will we realize that MORE will never be enough? I have been victim to this mindset throughout my life, and am trying to change my mindset- I want to be more thankful for everything already have.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have” -Friedrich Koenig

As humans begin to live longer lives, we have to decide what we want to fill those lives with. If we continue to fill voids (longer lives=bigger voids) with material items and always want more, we may find that no matter how much we continue to consume that materialism breeds only short lived happiness. A short spike in dopamine and then poof it’s gone like it never existed. I’m not saying we should stop consuming altogether- no, this would bring the economy to a screeching halt and that wouldn’t do anyone any good. I’m just saying that we should slow down and really evaluate before we buy. Buying a responsibly sourced shirt vs. a shirt you may wear one time is more like a “longterm dopamine infusion”, because you can feel good about your purchase every time you put it on.

Shameless plug- 100% recycled material shirts coming soon to the Pasture shop.

“Does this item bring you joy?”

As corny as it sounds… Marie Kondo is on to something. Except I would argue we should take a step back BEFORE we even buy things. We “vote” every day with our purchases. I would argue that it’s best to “vote” for companies that make every effort to create a better future for both our planet and ourselves- makes sense right? As Jake said in our last blog- sometimes it’s better to save up and buy the quality item that will last you a lifetime. It’s funny to think, but I legitimately have jackets in my wardrobe that I could see myself owning until they give out or I pass them down to the next generation. I can’t imagine needing a warmer jacket or a “more technical” jacket- they’re already perfect, so no matter what new “tech” they release next year I hope I can resist the urge to buy another. Only time will tell.

Waiting to make your decision to purchase also allows you to decide whether you truly align with the ideals of the company you’re buying from. For example- there are many companies that make amazing products, but their leadership team may lack the morals that you value coughLululemoncough. You may decide to go with a company that shares a passion for the environment instead, like Vuori or Allbirds. With all of this said, let me circle back to the title.

If we take care of each other AND the planet AND the other animals (don’t forget- we humans are still animals) around us we may be able to find true happiness much more easily.

Within the last few years I have felt apathy creeping up on me- you really have to work to fight that shit off. We are faced with SO MANY DECISIONS every single day, and we are expected to try and be as responsible as possible when making each and every decision. It’s really difficult. Not every decision will be the right one- but it’s about the journey. Learning from our mistakes. Knowing that next time you will make the right decision. Soldiering on for not only yourself, but those that come after you.

I, for one, know I am happier when I feel that others around me are happy. If we take care of each other AND the planet AND the other animals (don’t forget- we humans are still animals) around us we may be able to find true happiness much more easily. We can start this by making responsible everyday decisions- because we do have a choice.

I don’t truly know the solution to this problem. I do think recognizing we have a problem is a good first step and I will continue to step- placing one foot in front of the other because all you can do is keep going.