The purpose of advertising is to alert the populace to the existance of products and where to buy them. It is important to remember that advertisers, wishing to maximise sales and profits are inclined to offer enticements and promises beyond their remit.

"We're not selling a product, we're selling a lifestyle"

No they're not. They are selling products fit for purpose (hopefully).

Amid the bombardment by advertising campaigns, it is essential we each pick our own way through without being seduced into thinking we are buying a whole new life with the purchase of a new dress, shoes, sofa, car. Romantic isolation will not be banished by the procurement of a bottle of perfume, whosoever labels it.

The belief that life is transformed by purchases is the pursuit of a chimera leading only to emptiness and disappointment. Purchases can be enjoyed along with the style,comfort, convenience and satisfaction they bring. The trick is not to expect more. We are each responsible for that discernment needed to hold on to perspective. Happiness is not 'out there', it's innate. Real happiness, real contentment, real satisfaction cannot be bought. It is quite different from the brittle glee in the wake of yet another shopping trip. This is a state destined to shatter, on discovery that someone else has a better, more expensive up-to-date version of what we thought would deliver the world to our door.

Real happiness is not empty. Born of joy, it is full and enduring and provides a centre to life. Joy engenders internal strength and enables us to draw our own self-containing boundaries. True reality, it is quiet, non-acquisitive and sustaining. Bathed in joy, the need to look further disappears. And (joy of joys!!) it is found everywhere - in the tang of the sea, a baby's smile, children playing, wind rustling through leaves, the rain on your face, the first flower after the snow, the snow, the sun on your skin and so on and so on ... As the Persian poet, Hafez, wrote:

"Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets to find you"

This recognition can only come from experience. I have trodden both these paths and there is nothing inherently wrong with either. The problem lies in making a blind investment without recognising the mirage for what it is. Once immune to the hype, it's amazing how quickly taste changes. Yes, I've done both and discovered the assured payback of joy - wholesome, peaceful and infinitely less expensive. I believe the choice I have made reflects discernment born of maturity - at whatever age.

An earlier discovery would have been nice!