The Unwanted Upgrade: A Lesson in Mindfulness

Recently, I found myself wandering through the mall, and before I knew it, I was trying on shoes. The moment quickly escalated, and I told the sales assistant I’d take them. As she packed up my old, perfectly good shoes, I paused and realized: why was I buying new ones when I already had plenty at home?

In that moment, I wrestled with the discomfort of changing my mind. I had just committed to a purchase I didn’t truly need. The logical part of me reminded me that it’s okay to rethink decisions, especially regarding consumerism.

As I walked away with a half-smile, I reflected on how often we feel pressured to upgrade. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking new is always better, but it often leads to overconsumption and clutter, both physically and mentally.

This ties back to the idea of choice. Many of us find ourselves tethered to debt, jobs, and lifestyles dictated by an incessant need to consume. There is so much marketing and selling going on to keep this cycle spinning: work, consume, pay debt, and ease the pain with a vice. It’s hard to be guided by God's gift when we delay breaking the chains of what doesn’t benefit us. Each day that passes, we become more committed to these routines, making it increasingly difficult to change. Before we know it, we look up and realize we’ve been in the same job or spending cycle for decades. It’s no wonder so many people feel miserable and are at health risks due to poor eating and fitness habits.

It’s crucial to recognize when something isn’t working for you and to move forward as quickly as possible—be it a career, a location, a habit, or a tradition. The sooner we let go of what doesn’t serve us, the easier the detachment will be. We don’t need as much as we think we do, and learning to say “no” can be incredibly liberating. I believe in working where your heart is; when your heart leaves, take your physical body along with it quickly. 

Recognizing when something isn’t benefiting us—be it a job, a spending habit, or even a relationship—can lead to a more mindful and fulfilling life. Stopping these cycles can be challenging, and sometimes it takes multiple attempts to really let go. But the clarity that comes from resisting unnecessary upgrades is worth it, allowing the gifts within us to flourish in a way that honors our true selves and the divine.