What Happens When You Expose Yourself?

By being exposed to things, we come to think these things are more important. What are you exposing yourself to, and how is it impacting how you feel about yourself? Can you see the danger here? – Chris Brogan

First, you need to subscribe to Chris Brogan’s Newsletter – If you are already a fan of Chris – you know he is an author, and rockstar in the social media world. His newsletter talks about more than social media – it talks of putting what he stands for into practice in the day to day world.

I love it.

Exposing Yourself to Stuff

I’ve talked about my struggle with my eyes before, but this line just resonated with me… its not just about lusting after body parts.

I have an issue with ‘lust’… Period.

Lusting after stuff I don’t need, new cars,  iphones, Bigger house, brand names, what the next door neighbor has.

I come by this naturally.

How Lust Has Played Out in My Life

I actually listened to Christmas music this week – Only two songs, because it got old quickly, but still – The reason I loved Christmas as a kid – and still do?

I get stuff.

Let me quickly clarify: I don’t think there is anything wrong with getting stuff.

But you haven’t seen how my family does ‘Christmas’. Cram 25 people in a room and each of those people has brought at least one gift for everyone else (if not 2 or 3). It gets crazy fast.

Somewhere 30ish years ago – if not longer, my family exposed themselves. They opened their brains to a message that says “you need to show love and give love by spending tons of money on one given day of the year”.

By the time I was 18, I had nearly $10,000 in debt. Me. Personally.  The thought that I was exposed to had taken hold in my life – and became one of my operating beliefs. It morphed into… “If I want it I can have it, all I have to do is put it on a card.”

Do I Need All This Stuff?

I don’t need lots of stuff to be happy. The time I enjoy most at Christmas is not the marathon opening of the presents, but the time we actually get to hang out with our family – going to dinner, playing games and talking.

I think those things are the real stuff of life. Not the trinkets that could well be gone or lost or broken before next years Christmas Bonanza.

Leo Babauta just wrote about the lust for new things over at mnmlist.com and he has a great list of ideas on how to be aware of  “Lust o’ the eyes”.

Let me ask you: Where does Lust expose itself in your life?

photo by lucyfrench123

Tagged as: Chris Brogan, Lust of the Eyes