Why do people insist on placing importance on things that really are not that important? I suppose we all have our own idea of what is a priority and what is not, but there are some pursuits that I firmly believe will never make one happy.
One thing that I think people place far too much importance on is money. Yes, I realize it's necessary and of course I would love to have more of it at times -- I can't deny it would make life a little easier in some ways. But I am not about to pin my hopes of being happy on the idea of having more money. Money does not equal happiness. Money cannot buy happiness. "More" is not always better. The more you have, the more you want. Isn't it better to learn to live with less? To appreciate the true non-material blessings we have and not worry so much about the "stuff" we think we need or want? You can't take it with you -- the money or the stuff.
Sometimes it is frightening to think about the future and what it may hold. How will we afford college for the kids? Will we have enough to retire? Are we prepared if an unexpected tragedy strikes -- is anyone? For me -- this is where faith comes into play. You can't just sit around and expect God to take care of everything for you. What you can do is believe that if you live your life to the best of your ability according to what you know is right - God has a plan and will provide for you. It won't always be easy and it's not supposed to be. But I think there is a certain peacefulness that comes with learning to accept our trials along with our successes -- to accept that things aren't always going to be perfect.
I'm rambling about all of this because I live with a pessimist. It's difficult and downright depressing some days. But I can't let it bring me down. Someone around here has to have faith that there is in fact, a light at the end of even the darkest tunnels. My children need to realize this too -- I will not let them learn to feel despair -- because even in our darkest moments, there is always HOPE.
This time of year, I admit that even I tend to have moments of wishing for more. I feel like we can't afford to do for others what I would like to do during the holidays. But the truth is -- maybe I just need to be more creative. To remember that gift giving doesn't have to be anything big or cost a lot of money. It's about letting others know you care and appreciate them. And I don't know about you, but sometimes it's the smallest gifts or acts of kindness that touch my heart the most.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I notice many of you are posting daily gratitudes on your blogs. You inspire me and remind me each and every day that we all have so much to be thankful for. I am grateful for so very many things, but high on my list is my wonderful friends near and far.
I hope you are having a happy and productive week! Chat with you soon...
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11 comments:
Oh dear don't get me wrong, I love cheezy... So I put "cheezy" things on my blog. But really there isn't nothng cheezy about that ticker(I just had to say that). I love that ticker. Just like I believe I will love that twilight movie. I just wish I had a button and t-shirt, because I would wear them with pride, and just plain love wearing them. LOL
As for your dh, just stick your tongue out at him. LOL It might not cure him, but it might make you feel better for a couple of minutes. hee hee
Yes, it is hard in times of financial struggle not to put emphasis on money because we need it to survive, it is necessary for our existence in a sense. Sometimes money can envelop us so much we don't even realize it. I look at it like this.... if we are struggling to make ends meet and we are not overextending ourselves or buying things we don't need, then our want for money isn't one out of greed. It is hard sometimes to know what God wants for us...and dealing with all the sacrifices in turn only makes us stronger and we learn to appreciate the little things "like the corn-nut that came out on it's own" "We went to DQ after and celebrated!!! Talk about the "little things" HOPE....hard word to hang onto...but well worth it.
I so agree with everything you said and in a way I am in the same boat as you are... but I have given up try to cure someone elses pessimism...I am just trying to focus on things that are not negative...
I so agree with you, we struggle more and more. I'm just glad I'm healthy and happy. I for one do not have to have the best of everything, and do not live beyond our means. I rather be happy and poor.
Rita I live with a pessimist too. Matt even has to take anti-anxiety meds and stuff for depression so it's very hard to remain upbeat especially with all you see on the news and in the papers. I've always told Matt I married him for love and God knows if it wasn't for that...Sure as heck isn't his $$(or lack of). Money doesn't buy happiness you make that yourself and can find it free if you only look around you.
I agree, but the world has out so much enfusis on MoNeY. (spelling?) The Media has shoved it down our throats and it kills me.
It has made me stop and think what is important and it is FAMILY and FRIENDS.
By the way........GO TWLIGHT. Cant wait till tonight.
Great post..I so agree with you..
You are so right Rita ... things do have a way of working out, whether it be tomorrow, next month or 10 years from now. Many times in my 46 years of life I've 'wanted' more or felt I 'needed' more .. and I was not able to 'finance' more. And the funny thing is .. that feeling of need & want did pass, life did go on, and I was ok. Being around others who are not happy unless they are miserable can be poisonous (sp?) at times ... kinda seeps into us. You are one of the most positive & genuine people I know. Your words of kindness, reassurance and friendship are a blessing in my life.
Bless ....
I am with you there, Rita. Brian is a pessimist, too, and I'm constantly having to remind myself not to fall into that trap of worrying and negative thinking. Thanks for the reminder - it's nice to hear from someone else.
I live with a pessimist too. Drives me crazy!! I think that sometimes having less money is actually a blessing. Because i think money brings out the greediness in people. I posted about this in my blog-I am scaling back christmas this year. And I have decided that all the "electronics" on the kids list will be bought used. Because it is ridiculous to pay so much for something that won't be "cool"n a year or 2. I sometimes wish I was rich. It would definitely eliminate all the arguments about money. But Then I think of all the new problems it would create and I always come to the conclusion that being "poor" is not so bad. The bills are paid, we have our health and that is what is important to me. And that is what I am thankful for. I wish so bad that I could convince my family to go "homemade" one Christmas and just give things homemade. but I know that will never fly around here!!
Wonderful and truthful post! I agree about living with less. I agree that money is NOT happiness. It just seems the more we have the more we spend. So I'd rather focus on less things and more people!
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