In our modern society, many people turn to purchases in order to bring them happiness and to boost their self-esteem. As an 18 year-old growing up in a society where material items often contribute to social status, I’ve grown up believing that I needed physical items in order to be happy or desirable.

In today’s market, new items are constantly being thrown on and off shelves. In order to push inventory and drive business, the fashion industry has created 52 seasons of clothing despite there being four actual seasons. This means that every week what is considered trendy, shifts. Companies like Apple release a new phone every six months, and without a doubt, people fall for this marketing ploy. Once the new phone is released, people instantly feel the need to upgrade in order to have the latest and greatest.

This mindset has made people believe that if they are able to own all of the newest, pardon my French, “shit,” they will be able to attain happiness along with promoted social status. This idea has been engraved in our minds since we were young. As children, we always wanted to have the newest toy. If you were the first to get your tiny little hands on the new Barbie or Lego set, congratulations because now everyone looks up to you; queen bee, king of the jungle. And as a young adult, this idea begins to revolve around social image. Teens are constantly changing their style in order to wear whatever fits the trends and makes them appear in the way society deems acceptable and attractive. Those who follow the beaten trail fit in, receiving social titles of popular and chic. Those who forge their own path don’t; society deems them as strange and outdated.

Recently, I have learned about a lifestyle called minimalism. Many people believe that minimalism is having bare walls and nothing more than a bed and a chair. However, it is the belief that if everything you own has a purpose and a brings you joy, you no longer need to contribute to consumerism in order to find happiness.

I have become increasingly overwhelmed with the societal pressure to follow the trends, to fit in. As a result, I am giving up my place in our consumerist society; not as me giving society my white flag, but rather raising a flag of defiance in the face of our monstrous, consumerist society. I am going to get rid of every item I own that does not serve any purpose to me. I am also going to limit myself to 40 articles of clothing which includes tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories. While I am still going to go out to lunch with my friends and fuel my coffee addiction, I am no longer going to fall victim to the trends of our modern society instead I am going to make a conscious decision to not participate in the fast driven consumerist society which has taken control of my life.