Lately, I’ve been buying a lot of things: a nice watch, some cool folding knives, some tools, and outdoor gear. It’s fun! But as I give in to these impulse purchases, I notice that the thrill doesn’t last that long, and it leaves me wanting more. And of course it dawns on me that this is a lesson I’ve learned a thousand times. Buying things rarely gives me any kind of fulfillment. When we buy something, it gives us a temporary boost—a bit of excitement, anticipation, some hope that it will give us something in our lives that feels missing. Maybe we hope the new purchase will help us to feel cool, capable, lovable, adventurous, fit, peaceful, connected, or find a sense of belonging. Maybe we think the purchase will help us achieve some goal or life change we’ve been struggling with. The lesson I have to remember is that …