SUBSTANCE OVER SUBSTITUTES

lately I've been stuck with this thought of how easy it is to be defined by the things you surround yourself...in a world full of `stuff', its not hard to attain or be caught up in collecting things that has some sort of relation to who you can be as a person..for example, if you want to be seen as hip or cool, all you need is the right outfit and be invited to exclusive parties or be seen with equally `hip/cool' people...you can buy fast cars and mansions just to have that life that many can only dream or even envy...but the more i think about it, there really isn't a substitute for character and integrity...who you are deep inside..i too was a victim of this...i lived to have things around me thinking that this is who i am...not knowing that deep inside that i was struggling to find my identity..my character...deep inside i was just a lost, faceless individual longing to be accepted...thinking that by having stuff, will make more popular..more talked about..or even maybe more loved...I've come to realize that i don't have to be the most up-to-date dude or have the latest clothes to fit in...I want to be the guy who is surrounded by people not because of my `things' but by the character instilled in me..by the choices i make..and by the positivity i radiate...i want to build enduring characteristics that wont fade or falter in time..because `stuff' will go obsolete and fashion will go out-of-date but a good heart and character i will always have regardless of the seasons in my life...