Wanting What You Have

Wanting What You Have

Author: Karen http://www.midlifesequel.com/


“Happiness is not having what you want, it’s wanting what you have.”
Over the past week, I’ve been reminded of this quote for three reasons.
The Tiger Woods fiasco that has surfaced is surely a reminder that even when people seemingly have it all, it often isn’t enough. In his case, he has more than most of us could ever dream of – money, fame, talent, ambition, fans, a healthy family…and yet he clearly doesn’t really want it because his actions have put much of it in jeopardy.

Second, a friend of mine brought it up. She was talking of how when we were younger accumulation was the name of the game. A bigger house, a nicer car, more stylish clothes. Somehow, much of that desire has gone by the wayside and now many of us are taking the time to enjoy what is already within our grasp.

The final reason that this is on my mind is the holiday season. I love to buy presents for those in my life and that won’t change, but the nature of the presents for some is starting to shift gradually. I understand that my kids are not in the same place as I am with this, so they will continue to get the stuff they love – mostly electronic games, movies and clothes. I’m not instilling my midlife simplification on two teenage boys; it would definitely not be fair. But I am considering when I can give the gift of experience or beauty instead of materialism. For example, tickets for events, gift cards for dinner, beautiful blooming plants and baskets of unique food are on my giving list this year, especially for those who I know are rethinking the stuff in their lives.

As we move into the holiday season, I hope to be able to say that I had a wonderful time not because of what I got, but because of what I have. In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to hold onto that which is dear to us. Most of us have all we need to be happy in life, sometimes what we need is a little reminder of that fact.

You’re welcome…