Rethinking Consumption: How to Choose What Fills You

As the holiday season approaches, we’re surrounded by the constant hum of “more.” More deals, more wish lists, more reasons to buy. It’s easy to feel that satisfaction is just one purchase away. But what if, instead of adding more, you focused on what truly brings meaning into your life?

Consumption isn’t just about what you buy. It’s everything you allow into your life. From the media you scroll through to the routines you follow, even the people you spend time with—each is a form of consumption. Every choice shapes who you are, influencing your mindset, your energy, and even your values.

As you move through this season, ask yourself: What am I welcoming into my life? Is it bringing me closer to the person I want to become?

This isn’t about restriction or denying yourself pleasure. It’s about selecting with intention. True abundance isn’t about quantity but quality. It’s in nurturing habits that support you, relationships that deepen your connections, and moments that create joy. Imagine curating your life with the same care you’d put into choosing a gift for someone you love.

Consider your habits. The smallest routines—from how you start your morning to the last thing you do before bed—add up over time. Are these choices fueling you or depleting you? Try a simple shift, like replacing the urge to check emails first thing in the morning with a few moments of quiet, setting a calm tone for your day. Replace one habit that no longer serves you with something more nourishing, like a few minutes of stillness, a daily walk, or a more balanced diet.

Then, think about your relationships. Each connection is an investment of energy. Focus on those that uplift you and remember that it’s okay to step back from relationships that no longer align with the life you’re building. Quality over quantity is just as valuable here as anywhere else. Instead of spreading yourself thin, choose to show up fully for the people who matter most.

Next, look at what you let into your mind. Social media, books, podcasts, binge TV shows, the news, endless to-do lists—these can clutter your mental space if you’re not careful. Consider taking a “digital detox day” once a week, unplugging completely to reconnect with what’s around you. Set boundaries with what you consume. Choose content that inspires, educates, or simply brings you peace.

Finally, remember that consumption also means how you spend your time and energy. Are you filling your day with activities that enrich you or just filling it up? Aim for fewer distractions that fill up quiet moments and more experiences that feel real and fulfilling. Consider turning one “busy” moment, like commuting or waiting in line, into a time for intentional reflection. True fulfillment comes not from adding more but from embracing what is there.

_______________

To make mindful choices in what you consume, here are a few questions to help you align with what truly matters. Use these prompts as a quick check-in, no matter what type of consumption you’re considering:

• Does this add value to my life or simply fill space?
• Will this bring me lasting joy, or is it a fleeting urge?
• Is this aligned with the person I want to be and the life I want to live?
• Am I consuming this for comfort, or because it genuinely serves me?
• Will this help me create meaningful memories, experiences, or connections?
• Am I choosing this for myself or because it’s expected of me?

This season, let your focus shift from adding more to embracing what adds value. When you choose mindfully, you may find that what matters most has been within reach all along.