'You give up a lot when you try to be a writer. Money, the things other people have, even family - you can pretty much kill all that goodbye. But there are compensations. Your life's maybe not as wide as most people's, but it's deeper, and sometimes it's more interesting. You're always trying to explain and describe things to yourself, and so you see things other people miss and feel things most things people are too busy to bother with' (A Good Student by Elliot Mabeuse)
From what I observe in the society I live in people are preoccupied with lives that make them miserable and frustrated. They're not sure if they even like their spouse/partner, the new car that made them so happy 2 weeks ago didn't 'do the trick' either. We are told that life is made special by little 'moments'. In terms of consumerist society 'moments' mean purchases: cars, holidays, jumpers, restaurant meals etc. In this context the term 'moment' is perfect for industries; unfulfilled, their consumers seek more and more 'moments' in order to fill a void. 'Life is made bearable by short-lived, empty gratifications' seems more accurate here.
So what of those of us who seek more than a 'new-dress-induced-adrenaline-rush'? Are we resigned to perpetual unhappiness, pale skin and naff clothes? To be honest, I'm unsure but I seem to receive small comfort in knowing that I've not been mugged of £1000 for a week in Turkey where I discover that my partner and I still have nothing to talk about. I feel comforted in the knowledge that I haven't attempted to place a 'band-aid' over a something by means of meaningless consumption.
For now I can only draw this vague conclusion: I am not sure why I am routinely vexed but I am certain I know how NOT to 'cure' it...but...what if the only way to kill dissatisfaction is seeking 'moments' I am - in the context of the society I live in - told will make life worth living? Have those Topshop 'black abstract lily print trousers' been the answer all along?
