HOW many of us go on social media and are annoyed with other people posting up their so-called success that is based on materialism? From fancy cars to Gucci clothing, lavish houses and getaway vacations, there are many young people who see this as ‘making it’.

Materialism is in fact the attitude of considering material possessions and physical comfort over spiritual/ ethical values. There is no fixed definition of success as everyone has his/her own idea of it. For me, success is obtaining a Master’s Degree in Social Work and helping as many persons as I can through the things I do (for example: my column pieces).

Materialism was learned when we were children; perhaps it was the barbie doll that meant more than sharing with your sister or listening to your parents boast about their house and bank account. I think our parents failed us when they taught us that having more than they have is more important than becoming more than who they are.

Unfortunately, there are also some persons who grew up with material possessions and their way of overcoming it defines their efforts in earning it as an adult. Having a house does not necessarily mean you have a home; having a car does not necessarily mean it can take you to your true destinations of happiness; an overflowing bank account does mean you can buy all the things you truly need in life; While owning and accumulating wealth is okay, it is more important that you do not lose who you truly are in the process, or allow it to stunt your growth as a better individual.

Here are some ways we can try to control our materialistic sides: (a) Obtaining tangible assets– better decision making skills, better habit responses and emotional intelligence are only a few things that we can focus on. It will lessen the need of being pressured to obtain material wealth. (b) take up a path of being compassionate. If you’ve read my column on compassion, you would recall me stressing on our need to help those who need our help.

If someone is struggling by any means and you know you are able to help that person better his/her life, then help. Being compassionate truly makes you feel selfless and better about yourself. (c) money and wealth should be a form of freedom from poverty and lack of resources not a chain that ties you down and stifles your growth. If it does not serve as a form of liberation, then you are doing it wrong. (d) most importantly, I’ll tell you the same thing old Guyanese people would say, ‘yuh can’t tek it with you.’

Death is certain for all of us, none of the things we work for won’t be able to fit into our gold caskets. I have heard of flashbacks of our best memories of life right before we die and if that is true, I think that is more deserving than anything else– make more good memories!

If you have been reading my column pieces, you’ll know that Rupi Kaur is my favourite writer; here’s a poem she wrote that helps me to overcome my thoughts of materialism, to focus on more spiritual and ethical values of life:
“Most importantly love
like it’s the only thing you know how
at the end of the day all this
means nothing,
this page
where you’re sitting
your degree
your job
your money
nothing even matters
except love and human connection
who you loved
and how deeply you loved them
how you touched the people around you
and how much you gave them.”