Enough is Enough
We're bombarded daily with messages telling us what we need to feel satisfied, fulfilled, and happy. On some level we know this isn't true, yet we get hooked into believing that "more" might be the answer. Are we really seeking happiness, or just filling a void we can't seem to define?
This time of year, the messaging intensifies as businesses push to remind us of all the things we need this Christmas. Black Friday has expanded into Black November where everything I could possibly want is on sale. In this consumeristic frenzy, the question lingers - when is enough enough?
It was only a ninety-minute flight, yet in that short time, the ads that interrupted the rom-com I was watching informed me that I needed better shampoo, a better car, a better body and a better life insurance plan. Having been out of an English-speaking country for ten months, I groaned as the all-too-familiar - though mostly forgotten - messaging hit me loud and clear: "You don't have enough. You aren't doing enough. You aren't enough." Ugh. "This again?"
I'm conflicted. On the one hand, I love new things - innovation is exciting, and new technology and gear is cool. A fresh sweater on a rainy bleak morning can truly lift the spirits. But on the other hand, I resist the exploitative, capitalistic beast that drives consumerism - at the expense of individuals, relationships, and the environment. It constantly shouts: "More! More! More!" while touting false promises and cheap tricks. For what it is implying is that without the excess, I am somehow "less than"; that without the perfect hair, the latest car, or the most shrewd retirement plan, I am inferior, perhaps even unacceptable and even worse, unloveable - ouch! My human desire for belonging and connection becomes another resource to exploit.
I've dabbled in simplicity and minimalism in my home, and I genuinely prefer having less stuff to manage and maintain. But the "moreness" messaging isn't limited to material things - it also pushes for productivity over rest and performance over contentment. Of course the target to achieve the demands of "moreness" is always moving, so the system sets us up for failure at best, with chronic exhaustion a guarantee. I rarely make it through a day believing that I have enough, have done enough or am enough. The messaging is relentless.
There is a saying (Chaucer? Buddha? Mary Poppins?) that claims, "Enough is a Feast". The idea being that if we have just enough - if our basic needs are met - then we have everything we need and there is no point in pursuing more. In this view, enoughness is about being content with what we have.
But for me, a feast suggests something more than simply being satisfied (a sandwich can do that). A feast suggests abundance, excess and plenty of leftovers. "Enough is a Feast" actually reminds me that I am surrounded by abundance. It's not just about having enough to get by; it's about recognizing that when I believe I have enough, I have everything I need to be fulfilled and satisfied, and also I am able to give back to everything that is around me. This mindset fosters a spirit of generosity which is the most powerful act of resistance to the "moreness" messaging.
It's not "I have just enough", but "I have more than enough, it's easy to give abundantly."
It's not "I do not do enough" but "I have accomplished more than enough. I can share what I have done and be content with that."
It's not, "I am not enough" but "I am everything. I am accepted, I belong, I am loved and am overflowing with that love towards others."
Enough is enough! It is more than enough!
With regards to "stuff", I'm a work in progress, however, there are a few intentional things I do (particularly around this season) to lean into the spirit of "enoughness". Some of these I'm learning translate into my ability to practice rest and contentment as wel.
Daily Gratitude. I don't understand the magic, but it's powerful. It gets my eyes off what "isn't" and opens them to what already "is".
Take Stock. I open up cupboards, closets, the garage and write down everything we already have - clothing, games, shoes, toiletries, art/ craft supplies, tools, gear, toys, sports stuff. Trust me, it's shocking!
Use it up. This seems like a no brainer but somehow actually using up the food in my freezer and pantry feels revolutionary. It's truly (though bizarrely) counter cultural to use up what we have. So enjoy it, swap it with a friend or regift it. Get creative and repurpose or upcycle it. The possibilities are endless, thank you internet.
Be Proactive against Moreness. I recycle flyers instead of bringing them into the house (this goes for coupons too). I try to limit shopping as entertainment in November and December when the displays are so sparkly and appealing - it's too tempting! Of course making lists and sticking to a budget for seasonal food, gifts and activities is just plain smart (though a weak spot for me for sure!
I have more than enough to give, share and be content with. My life is fulfilling and satisfying just as it is. I am loved, accepted and overflowing with abundance. This season, I plan to pull my chair up to the table alongside others and together enjoy the feast of enoughness.