Downsize Your Life: Why Less is More | Rita Wilkins | TEDxWilmingtonWomen
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- Design your own life like this interior designer did.
Create a simpler more meaningful life. Have more time, money, and freedom for what matters most. For over 40 years, Rita and her team have been improving the lives of thousands of clients through interior design, implementing projects throughout the United States. A graduate of University of Rhode Island, she attended Rhode Island School of Design and North Carolina. Rita has received numerous design awards, been published in national publications and is writing a book: Design as A Business Strategy.
An expert and thought leader in her field, she is a sought-after speaker and coach on lifestyle planning. Having recently downsized herself from a 5,000sq.ft. home to an 867sq.ft. apartment in Philadelphia, she designed a life that she loves - living abundantly with less. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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Don't go to the shop!!!!! Do something else. Go swimming. Go for a walk. Visit your neighbours. Check on the elderly. Be kind to yourself. Save your money. Money is useful. Clutter isn't.
Amen! Amen! Amen!!!!
I’m moving out of a 2BRD 2BA in Atlanta to a smaller city to save on rent. I sold EVERYTHING and have cash instead of stuff. I’m so free!!!!!!
So true. One should teach this in school.
My best times playing with my kids, my dogs & working the garden. Better than a vacation.
@@AnnaSzabowhat do you have now?
My partner and I recently decided to sell our house and move to rural Spain, where we will teach English online and run three rooms on Air B&B. No more early morning commute, fighting for parking space, arriving home on a Friday exhausted and cranky, and living for the (short!) weekend. It's a gamble, but we will live mortgage-free, grow our own food, and spend more time together in the fresh open air.
may i ask where you found that type of work online? I have looked at a few sites but cannot find a real opportunity to do this
That's inspiring and brave
I want to do that but have no clue how to start
Wishing you joy.
Love from India.
Road Runner road runner start by just researching what does it cost to rent an air b&b. Talk to some who do it. It's probably moe of a time commitment than you would think. Downsize and sell all you can. Take courses in running a business. Hire a lawyer, agent who deals with business abroad. Go to Spain and check things out.🙂
I was raised that you live below your means. Reward yourself once in a while but never be extravagant. And always have emergency money.... I follow that plan today.
Yes! This outlook has served me well also.
Is that you Dave Ramsey?
Did this a while back, got rid of 95% of my stuff and I am so much more happier, minimalism is the key to a stress free happy environment!
ANDY WRIGHT how did you start it? How did you get rid of stuff?! I need help I could just walk out of my house and leave it all behind but there’s my husband... Please give me some ideas!!!
ANDY WRIGHT Was it difficult for you? Any tips? Tia!
ANDY WRIGHT controlled clutter for bartering in hard times.
Simply Julie I hope you gave it to the homeless shelters.
yes, i am going through 'its still too much' and i am down to 20 items and i keep on wanting to get rid of more
We buy stuff that we don’t need, with money that we don’t have, to impress people that we don’t like👆 less is more indeed
That is not true of everyone.
I don't think we buy to impress but we buy because we like what we see and we want it....that simple. Stuff owns us......
Fight Club
Well said.
George Carlin stuff look it up
When we downsize, we become the... nightmare of economists/consumerists ! In other words, we become truly FREE !
free from what?
Yes agree, free from stuff that weighs us down and never satisfies our heart’s emptiness. We all NEED God.
Dana Lissy You’re very correct. Where you from? I’d like to know you.
Jeanne Sjoberg God is the greatest .
We want so much, we need so little. -Enlightened master Sri Chinmoy.
You don't OWN things! Things OWN YOU!
Kevin Loving Exactly!! Next time you see something you think you absolutely have to have think about that. Or I’ll pretend I’m in a museum where I can only look and not touch.
Not if you like your things, but in a detached way, meaning you don't feel you can't do without them.
Although most advertisers while use the concept of “it will make you better than your peers “ , it’s a delusion that most of us will not admit to .but applies none the less .
Kevin Loving I like caps lock too
Ooo I’ve never heard this but I like.✊🏼
Just incredible. The less you own the more happiness you will possess.
exactly
Are most of you commenting from middle class childhood homes? I was not. We lived below poverty level and I live below it now that I am elderly. I know stuff doesn't Make you happy but I enjoy the things I have acquired over time. I spent most of my life on low income and sometimes welfare. I was not very happy when just trying to make ends meet. Poverty is not fun. I have a very strong spiritual path so I do accept whatever comes my way, And I am happy but life is a struggle to just keep utilities on and food on the table and medical. I need dental work done into the thousands and there is no way. This lady is well dressed and has her own company. Most of my clothes are thrift shop. All I am saying is it is much different when you have always been middle class or above. I notice that many with this philosophy have never been poor financially.
Truelily7, I can so identify with what you are saying. It is much easier to downsize and let things go when you have the means to replace/re-buy those items if and when that becomes necessary. I am in the same boat with you and am paddling furiously just to stay afloat. Wishing you all the best.
I can relate to what Youre saying. People have no idea what its like to be poor.
Feeling the same way about this. It’s difficult to sympathize with her “frustrations” or appreciate her so called “enlightenment “ because she can still do or buy whatever she wants. It just seems like she wants a medal for doing this, or she thinks she is now an authority. It’s not like her company went under and her house burned down and she literally had nothing and had to start from scratch. She has a successful company and she might be living in a 900 sq foot apartment, but it’s in center city Philadelphia, not exactly cheap. So she is still living the high life. But in her world this is “downsizing “.
Your correct.
The rich hanging out on the other side of the tracks for a while is as old as time.
They can go back any time they want and that makes all the difference.
Many do when "slumming" loses its fun factor.
Then they can tell of their "Adventure" at the cocktail parties and get points for knowing the struggles of the downtrodden.
I was thinking the same. I was born with a life-threatening illness and struggle with health care and, of course, poor health. I did downsize and live simply. Not because I needed a change, but because it is the only way. I'm 55 with over 8.5 years of higher education and I'm required (by law) to disclose my illness prior to being hired. I can also be denied employment because of my illness and have been. My illness is neither contagious nor does it affect my ability to do my job. Denied disability. So I've lived in poverty the majority of my life as well. Still interested in hearing others stories.
We loved our tiny house, and now we love our small house. Getting rid of stuff and embracing a more minimalist approach has been great for us! I enjoyed her message!
I had a three room apartment in a pre-war building in Manhattan. Every closet was packed, bookshelves overflowing, working 14+ hours day for its upkeep and maintenance. After cleaning a deceased relative’s home and selling it, I decided not to put anyone else through it. I still live in Manhattan, but in a single room made into a mini studio. It suits me fine. I work 45-48 hour weeks and rediscovered the joy of my job. Best move ever!
I'm thinking of doing the same by swopping me 3-bedroom house for a 1-bedroom flat so I can work less and have more time and freedom to try other things.
@@spenser9908 How did it go?
Rita's story inspires me to simplify my life and keep what matters.
Dana Dobson love your first name Miss Dana
Dana Dobson True. Where you from?
I've been practicing being a minimalist for a year. Love it!
I think its all about perspective.
I used to want to live in a smaller space with minimal stuff, and that was exactly what I did..but now that I am older, I realise that what I really want and is actually to have less stuff but more space because as with most Asian cultures, my life very much revolves around my family. The family does not just consist of the nucleus family but also ageing parents, aunties and uncles, cousins and their children, as well as neighbours and friends.
So its not really practical to live in a small 'jewel box' where family and friends are not able to comfortably visit and congregate.
In my culture, it is still normal for relatives to come unannounced from out of state and its good manners to offer them a few days stay in your home.
So small living spaces that cater just for 1 or 2 individuals does not really work for communities that have a great emphasis on maintaining family ties.
I guess its great to live in a small space when you dont have parents wanting to stay overnight or a battalion of nephews and nieces who will visit you.
Amen to that sister 👍 Sometimes perspective of bigger space is not necessarily more or less stuff. But for more family members and friends who visit & to have enough space for all of us to commune, in particular aging parents and uncles, who as you said is typical of our Asian culture.
I agree. My goal is to get rid of the clutter so I can enjoy the space more.
Same here. We are of a Mediterranean culture and we like hanging out with family - close and extended and also love having friends. My aging parents are included in all. We love that and of course space helps.
Six sets of dishes just to use poolside and I never had a pool party. Divorce downsizing was a reality check and ultimate relief. Years later still developing 💆🏽♀️🇹🇹 invited people to take any of the expensive things I collected and were now in my way
Thank you Rita, so true; it's not rocket science. I walk the Caminos in France, Spain and Portugal and for months at a time only have 7-8kgs of essentials on my back. The sense of freedom - less is best. I have also totally de-cluttered my home and my shed!! Yes it is life-changing and I am happier now than ever before.
She's older and wiser. It takes many years to get to this profound understanding. I decided this 20 years ago and it is a great feeling.
We did this and couldn’t be happier. Sold our 3000 square foot home and most of our stuff. We are now living full-time in our motorhome and enjoying a life unencumbered by all the trappings or a “normal” life.
'Stuff' never makes you happy. Love, sharing, life experiences, interaction with others is what makes us as a species feel most fulfilled.
love is a fairy tale and experiences e.g. trips are overpriced.
Kim Hazelwood You very correct. Where you from? I’d like to know you.
I wish companies understood this principle. You can't get more productivity out of eternally exhausted employees.
Oh amen,couldn't have said it better my self.
Tiny Home Georgia, Amen!!!! You are soooo telling the truth.
Tiny Home Georgia "AMEN" again from CASPER your friendly ghost writer ((>:)
YES. 👏 I’ve been sorting clothes and gave 6 bags away to an organization that helps the homeless and I feel so good! My environment is cleaner, less clutter and feels lighter. Feels free!! ❤️
My daughter was in the Peace Corps for 2 years in Gambia and she is the same now. I learned a lot from her.
In 2016 I was forced to downsize - and I thought the worst! I am now living the life I love being able to afford to travel and do stuff I enjoy because I have freed up my money! Less is more for sure and I am now going to do some designing for my future life. Forget shopping - live with less and live happy!
I am slowly but surely getting rid of the excess in my home. It's not easy, but I'm determined.
How did it go? Are you still in transition?
Thank you Ma'am for this inspiring speech. I started downsizing my needs 3 to 4 yrs back and now it has become a part of my life.
What a powerful message. Daring and wonderful to redesign and downsize your life for more happiness.
I'm working on decluttering my life now, that includes apartment, debts, and unhealthy things in life. Tough journey for someone that was a shopaholic!
I've been letting go and cleansing and I am loving the experience. I'm releasing.
A Crazy Dream ,
So have I! I donate, consign, and give away. What a great feeling. . .decluttering and helping others too.
@@greyferguson9319 since when throwing your work away is a great feeling?
@@Julie-ev5js One can't right past wrongs. yes. well said. problem with giveaways is that they usually land on landfields. it would be wise to use something until it becomes unusable. this is the only way of saving the planet.
I, too, living on this new journey! I love it! It's total freedom.
I agree with you.
"Can anyone relate?"No! My teenage daughter 20 years ago said one day." Mum, I never see you buy clothes " to which I replied" I don't have money to buy myself clothes. " Sounds sad and it was to a degree. But things never owned me, and I was never weighed down by them. I probably live on 05% of what this women now lives on. I love my life. Ps. I now have more than I have ever had. X
Once a wise man was asked that why we hate DEATH. He replied that We have exhausted all our efforts in decorating this world and have nothing for next world. So we dont want to shift from this world to next world.
Someone asked Mola Ali asws that what gives strength to our body. He asws replied FOOD. Than he was asked that what gives strength to our spirit. He asws again replied FOOD. People said hows that possible? Mola ALI asws replied that when u put food in your mouth it gives strength to your body and when you put food in someone else mouth then it gives strength to your SOUL.
Been a minimalist for over 20 years and I love it!!!!
I love it Rita! You have hit the mark so perfectly here! Great to work with you this past week and i think your message is profound! Keep up the good work on the Best life!
I live in a 435 square foot apartment and have no desire for a bigger place. I absolutely love where I'm located. I have a short trip to work, my climbing gym is a minute walk away, groceries and restaurants are within walking distance, and my family is pretty close by. My utilities are cheap, I have everything I need and want, I don't stress over my few possessions, and I'm very financially secure. Other friends and family members have huge homes, or a lot more nice things than me, but I can't say with conviction that any of them are actually happier. They seem often spiritually unfulfilled and saddled with financial stress.
This kind of thing stuck in my mind the last few years,downsizing life,make it simple and more time to travel and enjoy other part of world ,thanks for the video 🙏🏻❤️
I can relate
Even I am drowning in my stuff and want to downsize
I have seen this video a number of times
Well said
Choose to live with less
I admire this lady. She's an inspiration to all.
I hope she thought of those villagers, too, when she was downsizing and giving away to those who need and sent a bit of her redundant overabundance their way as well. What really gave those villagers the strength to survive in their extreme poverty without despairing was their sense of community; their ability to love and care for each other and to share the little they had.
I'm sure her boy is taking care of the villagers😇
Inspiring, Impactful, Life-Changing! To remove the 'stuff' from physical spaces also rejuvenates the body, the mind, and brings forth new freedom. Thank you, Rita, for sharing your remarkable story and to be living the life you speak of. Hats off to you!
Just love your message Rita!!! It is inspiring me right now today to get rid of stuff I am keeping only because it looks good, "belongs" in a furnished home or was given to me with an obligation to keep it for an undefined long period of time. It feels good to release. Thanks for the inspiration.
More is less, today i live a simple life, ride my bicycle, spend very little money and am happier than i have ever been.
No tv, vegetarian, just a simple me.
Mike Turco it’s amazing what a trained mine can do every night watching the box ! I’m finding out there’s living going on outside the box🙂 I’m very proud of you as a person for taking that step you did . It must of been so refreshing in your mind
Wonderful stuff.
Stay blessed.
sounds like you want some approval i guess?
Good for you. I'm working on it. I given away alot of stuff within last couple of years. I feel better and more air comes out in my living room and the other room as well. Thank you.
Thank you for this. Very impressive to reduce so much and I was glad to hear you say it took a year because it is a painful and surely faltering faltering process. You were fortunate to have such dedicated helpers too.
Yes! Thank you for this talk. I too lived in a huge house but recently downsized to a small condo. I am still adjusting to the smaller space but overall feel much freer.
I lived in Kenya for a year and knew so many people that had nothing but were always happy.
Come to Uganda, im already to take you around
Same here. I taught EASL in Jamaica. Poverty was overbearing when I first got there, but the people, at THAT time we're loving, caring, and a pleasure to be around; and they had NOTHING! My waste was more than they had. Changes your LIFE! I'm happy in my two very loosely furnished unit......I WANT for nothing but have all I NEED! Great talk. Thank you.
Trisha Chamberlain ,
My husband found the same thing when he went to Guatemala on a missions trip, and son also when he went to the Dominican republic. People they met didn't have much, but appreciated what they did have.
Excellent. Good for her! This is a new health movement, the movement of minimalism.
That was the first thing I did...got rid of more than three-quarters of the clothes I had in my closets... really expensive stuff too...dresses that cost over $300 and suits more than$700... etc and etc...true I can't wear a 4 or a 6 anymore... but that's not the point...I only buy what I absolutely need... been on several mission trips... had to pay my own way...more generous now and I am much happier... have a wonderful son and a beautiful granddaughter...I am blessed and so thankful for where I am and what I have... be blessed...
It's not what we possessed outside our heart but it's what we possessed inside your heart. Much love Rita. ❤🌹
Bravo! Travel has an incredible way of showing us what really matters. I went from 2000 sf to 605 sf...and I kept the best of the best. My posessions went far and wide and I still get rid of things, some have sentimental value but I don't want that particular memory any longer. I replace clothes or items when broken or worn out and I no longer buy multiples.
I always wondered how overwhelmed Candy Spelling felt in that large house of hers with a gift wrapping room !!
I admire you for asking for help. I couldn't and it took me took much longer...but it's done now. My best to you! 👏
I also downsized. I found my happiness. I realized that i was filling that void with useless stuff which never made me happy.
It would collect dust. Cleaning is easier. My home looks peaceful and clutterfree.
priyanka sarvaiya So great for you!! 💗
Work in progress for me! xo
I used to own a 3,700 square foot house on a half acre lot. After 2 moves, I own a 1,542 square foot home on .06 acres. I owe nothing on my home, or 6 year old car. I carry no credit card debt. My life now is so much simpler. I am retired so I do whatever I like - volunteer, travel, play Bridge. I now live in south Florida, but I miss Southern Rhode Island, where I lived for 15+ years. I struggle with the urge to buy a small home there, even though I can afford it because I know that buying a second home will add a lot of complication to my life. In future years, I plan to rent for 2-3 months each summer in Southern Rhode Island. It’s much simpler that way.
F
Sounds like a good plan!
Good plan. Mine is the same. Have one small home base in Michigan. Rent one part of the year in different warm parts of the country during the winter.
Good luck Rita, all the best and thanks for your thoughts.
I wanted to don his for a long time. And then, a financial catastrophe pushed me to it. I am at peace with my downsized stuff and living in a small apartment at my own terms. Thanks for your words!!👍👍🙏🏾🙏🏾
This is so inspirational, why do we think stuff/things- she helps me see what life is about. I want to go to the Congo, maybe Senegal. Downsizing is the key, and grew the company. I pray to live with less for more.
I want to use my mind and heart to get into control and disrupt my life for good.
I just downsized from a 1200 square feet home to an 800 square feet home and it feels really great!
Keeping affection for things but losing attachment to things helps in this process. 🌸
I was fully attracted by her talk and the way she presented.
I faced the same challenge. I first moved into my smaller home taking only the bare necessities. I sold items online and through a Consignment shop. I gave away tons to charity and I still had 3 large storage units! It took 1.5 years to clear them out, (covid-related, weather-related delays), but I finally broke free. My simpler life is much more rewarding.
Things dont make us any happier after you reach a certain point or level.
I did it. It took several years because I had to re decide, every time I got through what I thought was the goal, to go further. Eventually, I knew I was going to sell my house and seriously downsize. Then it all went in to high gear and now I'm in my small space and love it. I'm not sure, I'm home, though. I've been resting and, getting acquainted with my surroundings/the area. I have time. Life is a series of decisions. Moving here is just one decision. Downsizing is a 'spiritual' experience. Thank you for sharing some of your experience.
small footprint I've been on my minimalizim journey for about 6 months now. Over & over I purge & re-purge. It helps to designate a container of sorts for a particular group of items. If it doesn't fit in that container, either something already in it has to go or the thing I'm trying to fit in there has to go. We won't even get into how many various robes I had. I found a 3 hook shelf. I now have 3 robes. A terry cloth bath robe, a fleece house robe, & a satin summer house coat for say answering the door when I'm not decent. Still a lil excessive. But. I love & use them all of them. And they all have a home on that hook shelf.
small footprint
Think I'm next
yes clutter +stuff weighs you down and holds you back.
accumulated junk really, worthless stuff really.
I need to declutter.
How do we get it anyway...... stuff......
What we need, live, travel.
I did it years ago and I am also happier!
Me too, I try to eat one meal a day, not buy anymore clothes, things which no need in life. I find it more happy I am.
Going thru this awareness right now, decluttering will downsize my home, yards etc
such an inspiring woman.
Wow, this is so timely! Thank you!
This was so eye opening - thank you xx
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I love this story. I love that you are making more money and working less. I am so happy for you. God bless.
Wish world leaders would take a similar trip to countries like Syria, and downsize the destruction and havoc one section of humanity is unleashing on another.Yes downsizing of greed,hate and violence would be the redemption.Peace to all.
nasreen pardiwala totally!
Mother Muse I agree 😌 tx for your words
Thanks for your words 🤗 I agree
I made the same decision after volunteering in Ghana for a year in 2011.
In one of my visits to a remote village in Uttrakhand I found people living on frugal means but found them to be peaceful and happy & enjoying every small moment of happiness.
It is best to live a simple life. May I have this in mind.
Chic Francisco .Nice to see you here ! I admire your sewings and teaching s!
The simplest your life is, the happiest you are. More time, more freedom, more play less work.
Lovely talk, gently inspiring!
There more happiness in giving than receiving.
Tracie O'Grady unless it’s head then it’s good either way
HahahHhaah
I once was lost
But now I found
Was blind
But now I see
Amen!
I am in the same situation of looking at my clothes and things and just feeling like how am I going to do this when I saw this wonderful Ted Talk
Thank you 😊
Thank you for sharing ! I can relate to your story
Thank you for sharing!
Going to do this. Just putting it off, but you've inspired me. Thanks.
I can so relate. We're wanting to retire and are going tiny in order to do so. It is SO hard to brutally go through your belongings.
My Tiny Retirement Take it a day at a time and it will happen.
My Tiny Retirement Put things you really struggle with that is excess, in a box. Leave it there for 1 month. Have someone else help you with the next part. Without you watching, tell them what's in that box you must absolutely keep. They take those things out & give them back to you. The rest you forgot about, they donate for you. :)
My Tiny Retirement we did it, and started traveling 6 months ago with 2 carry ons, because travel makes up happy. It is liberating!
That's part of our plan. Our tiny house (our cabin) in Maine will be where we "summer" and we're hoping to travel around the south during the winters. I haven't decided yet if I'm excited or scared to death. But I know it's the answer for us. But shedding the belongings, wow. It's cathartic.
Mama Bear good advice 👍🏼
This is timely....thank you!!!
I did the same. But after I gave everything away, i bought a new hightop van, decked it out, and now i live and travel in 68 square feet on wheels. Im gloriously happy.
We knew once the kids were all done with college, we were going to downsize. The house was 3300 sq feet Over the course of two years, I began consigning all of our stuff they sold 70% of our stuff. The remaining stuff went to a pet charity Our new house is perfect for us in so many ways life is better with less stuff and it is truly the ultimate freedom
Wow, what a moving speech and great lady too.
What a beautiful message to those in NEED of additional support with overflowing shortage of closet space, making a CONSCIOUS decision to pass on your goods to ppl who are much more in NEED of your surplus of requirements. I really appreciate the thought process of GIVING, to BLESS another. Especially helping the less fortunate in society.we've got no control in the SPIRITUAL gifts that may cross our PATHS. It's much more than a NEW clothes garment, answered with a all clear from our DOCTORS...is our REAL wealth. A GIFT of good HEALTH we may receive fr above, from our OWN good DEEDS 🕊️
This video provides great insight into the consumerism our world runs on.
Same thing happened to me went on a mission trip in 98 came back changed my perspective started investing in real estate and retired at 53
Thanks for the TEDx talk
Brilliant Ms. Rita.
So lovely smile. I love that last sentence ~
I understand what you are saying about other cultures. But I found in my travels, that those other cultures often SHARE resources and items. OUR culture does not, as a common practice. So there IS a cultural difference in downsizing.
starwish246 in those other cultures they have very little and they still give and give the shirts off their backs. I don’t have much and if I can and also when someone approaches me for help I help it get the things that people need. I see it as if I was in a bind I would hope someone would assist me. If we all put ourselves in other people’s shoes and have empathy than we all have a understanding of what struggles each of us have.
Yeah but even with that, poverty brings a lot of social problems too: poor education, unwanted children from very young mothers, delinqincy, you cannot think is a wonderful world where there is less of everything
This is a great talk. Downsizing is my goal to achieve until 65(I am now 51). I wish I could realise my goal. When my mother died, there was so many staff that I had to get rid of. She used to buy expensive clothes and pairs of shoes. It made her probably be fulfilled for a certain moment. My dad was travelling around the world on business. Therefore, she felt alone. Shopping had been compensating for her lonely feeling. Without our notice, she had debts. She bought expensive staff without telling my dad and borrowed money from a loan shark. When I look back at the time, when she was alive, she did not seem to be very happy to own things. As I knew it and I had to get rid of her staff after her death, I was becoming more aware of downsizing with controlling consumption behaviour. And my dad was diagnosed with dementia 10 years later after her death who passed away last year. Their big nice house turned into a dilapidated house. My dad was not able to remember any of staff that he owned. The only things that I took from there were my sweet memory of our happpy family days. Making the balance between downsizing, consumption behaviour and mental happiness is at the end the key of our life to achieve.
I just read this and I know it’s been 3 years, but I’m glad you took the memories of happy family days. Those are all that matter, in the end
I Love it, thankfully Im awake now I live my life in a peaceful way, living in the Island is everything. No shopping
thank you so much.........
a lesson for all at any age. well done
Very valuable advice & I very much appreciate it!
I became a Minimalist in a spiritual rebirth in 1967 and it goes on. True seekers should "Put away all covetousness and seek contentment..." "He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire." ~ Abdul-Baha, Baha'i Writings