Monday, August 2, 2010

I don't even think I know any Jones'

Do not overrate what you have received,
nor envy others.
He who envies others,
does not obtain peace of mind.
~Buddha~

I came upon this quote, and it really struck a chord with me. 

My hubby & I have really been "struggling" with us, as a family,  and us as a society as of late, in regards to material objects, and how it relates to personal happiness & personal well-being etc.  I have to interrupt my own story here with hubby's version of the quote...

You can't live your life in someone else's pocket.

Ok, not really the same but I think I know what he was getting at...

I'm not proud to admit it, but I definitely overrate what I have received. Daily. I'm fairly sure that we all do.  And I am also fairly certain that at some point or another, we all envy others.  It's human nature and part of our society & every day life in this day and age.  Gotta have more than the Jones'.  Must have that new car, that new jacket, the newest tech toy, the hippest gym membership, the spa days, the best this, that and the other...you KNOW what I am talking about. 

Now, like I said, this is our society.  I think it's a somewhat healthy part of human nature to want things.  It fosters drive & creativity, teaches discipline and manners.  But when the want is never satisfactory and the things are never enough...what next?  I bet you want that peace of mind.  Heck, it's down right tiring trying to keep up with the Jones' ! I know that I want that peace of mind.  Not just for myself, but my family too!

It's a time honoured phrase you hear out of your mother's mouth, your friend's mouth, your spouse's mouth...be happy with what you have.  And that is easier said than done.  I say it to the boys all the time...and can't even take my own advice! That may well be a lifestyle shift.  A shift of focus. 

So this is my new personal challenge,  no more overrating, no more other people's pockets, no more Jones'
Ok, ok, we all know I can't just say that and do it.  Can you? 

I'm not saying I won't buy that new jacket, or want to go to the spa...I'm just saying...baby steps....peace of mind.

4 comments:

  1. don't tell him so but he is a smart man.

    ReplyDelete
  2. who buddha? i think he knows that. i just know you cannot be talking about S.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Me likes this post sooooooooooo much. Picture me raising my arms up super high over my head when someone asks me, "How much do you like this post?" And I reply "Soooooooo much."
    I agree. Agree agree agree.
    We are so caught up in consumption and I am continually trying to teach my kids about needs vs wants and how there are other kids in the world that, heaven forbid, don't have a play station portable. *insert audible gasp*

    Contentment. That's what our focus should be.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh Dawn, my dear...so very true...we need to be satisfied with the things we are blessed with...sometimes hard in this world in which we live...I know, I know...this coming from a girl in my line of work...but please know that I say this in complete sincerity...if we have our health and our family, the other thing seem always to work themselves out...missing you...Rosie

    Oh, the next time you have time...and are in my neck of the woods, I have a few book on depression glass I have put aside for you at the store {yup, still cleaning the back room}...If I am not in, just ask at the counter, they will have your name on the bag...enjoy my dear...

    ReplyDelete

Love you in advance for your wonderful comments!