In this era of instant gratification through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, there has been a spike in the importance of material possessions and wealth not seen since the 1980s. We all know these platforms are often used to exaggerate or fabricate the joys and successes of the content creators’ lives. This, in turn, perpetuates insecurity and inadequacy in the viewer. Although we click like anyway. 

I, for one, gave up my attachment to ‘things’ many years ago, not specifically for any spiritual or moral grounds, but more so from the constant losing of my possessions through lack of mindfulness. In saying this, apart from a few precious items I own; my Grandfather’s wristwatch and leather jacket, a wristwatch my parents gave me for my 18th birthday, and my own journals of poetry, I have come to a place spiritually where I see everything else I own as just ‘things’— things that I can do without, things that will not stop my world turning, heart beating, and lungs breathing. 

Though there are times when one feels inadequate in comparison to those around them or those on social media. Money, not unlike possessions, is not something I am preoccupied with or believe will fulfil me, but at times, living poor and on a shoestring can create a vacuum of inadequacy and worthlessness inside oneself, especially when you see friends and loved ones building families and houses whilst you eat plain pasta and tinned tuna for dinner, again. It is when these traps of self-pity and loss of self-value that I find myself falling into from time to time happen I know I must remind myself—money and possessions might make life easier in some respects, though the core of your values and your moral fibre should not be altered by commodities and assets and if they are, than something was wrong from the beginning. Shallow actions and belongings will not allow a person to understand the depths of themselves or others. 

When we derive our value and worthiness from ideals of fame, fortune, and power, we miss the point of what humanity, love, and happiness are—sincerity, honesty, care, and the joy we garner from the little things in life. Sure, money can spread joy and safety through housing, feeding, watering, and clothing those in need; you can donate to charities, you can care for animals, and you can spoil your family and friends. But, these traits must be in the goodness of a person before they had the means to do so in the first place, giving what they can through small acts of care. This could be listening to a friend’s mental health struggles with an impartial and sympathetic ear, helping a colleague with their work or studies, or taking the time to support a friend in an endeavour. It is these little things one gives out for free that contribute to one’s worthiness and value, regardless the zero’s of their bank accounts or brands worn on their back.  

We must not allow our reflections to be sullied by TikTok videos of influencers on yachts and in luxury hotels, or sports stars throwing piles of money into crowds for no other reason than the shallowness of the clout. I, for one, as an artist, constantly sabotage myself and my practice by comparing myself to my contemporaries and their successes. Of course, I am happy for them, but I’m sad for me, and that’s a toxic form of self-pity and laziness that I try to curb as best as I can. Somebody else’s success (whatever that means) should have no negative impacts upon myself or anybody else for that matter, if we allow other’s gains (in any interpretation of the word) to affect our own happiness, than we will forever be snakes chasing our tails thinking they’re food, we will forever be filling our empty cups with nothings, we will not find happiness and content within ourselves, which we deserve, which we have earned. 

written by Thomas Hannah 

Blogger @poemstellium 

@brokesellout