To be happy with what we have...sharing an article I read.
Dec 18, 2013 08:27:06 #
Nikocarol
Loc: NM & FL
In a brief encounter with an eight-year-old boy, Marianne Bachleder heard some words of wisdom that she carries with her to this day. In this world of consumerism and greed, she is reminded to be happy with what she has. Marianne Bachleder spent 30 years in corporate banking and since retirement has been heavily involved volunteering for local non-profit organizations. She is the proud mother of a Washington state firefighter, and she lives with her husband of 40 years in San Francisco.
I am a docent at the California Academy of Sciences. A few weeks ago I was visiting with a lovely Indian family about the Academys Swamp exhibit. Their young son was fascinated by the albino alligator and asked many questions about him. As the family was leaving, I asked the boy if he would like a sticker to put on his shirt. He quickly chose an alligator sticker. The boys younger brother spent time going through all the sticker choices before choosing a butterfly. The boy who had chosen first then said softly to his father, I didnt see the frog sticker. I would have chosen the frog. His father immediately urged the boy to ask me for a second sticker. The boy said, No, Im happy with what I have.
I was stunned. Such wisdom, grace, and gratitude, all from an eight-year-old boy. Too often, we forget to be happy with what we have and in our forgetfulness we spread the infection of discontent. Its a mistake easily made in a world where everyone is expected to pursue every wantthe newest gadget, the latest update.
I recently purchased my first laptop computer. In discussions with the salesperson, he casually said, Well, within two years, youll probably want a new one anyway. Why would I want a new one if my old one was working? Why wouldnt I be happy with what I have? Perhaps, want is the key word. I wont necessarily need a new laptop in two years but I will probably want one.
All consumerism, all advertising is based on the assumption that we are not happy with what we have. Or, if we are happy, that we can be made unhappy by dangling something shiny or edible in front of us.
A poet friend of mine says, In days past, the word consumption was used to describe tuberculosis, a wasting away of the body; today, consumption is a wasting away of the spirit. I need to protect myself against this spirit sickness, this constant lack of thankfulness. I may want shiny things, but I dont need them. What I do desperately need is the peace of mind found in moments of contentment and gratitude. I need to identify each of my wildcat urges to purchase or possess as either want or need. My needs are basic, predictable, manageable. My wants are chaotic changelings, disturbers of the peace that can never be satisfied.
I will tend my needs, I will whittle my wants, and I will say often, Im happy with what I have.
I am a docent at the California Academy of Sciences. A few weeks ago I was visiting with a lovely Indian family about the Academys Swamp exhibit. Their young son was fascinated by the albino alligator and asked many questions about him. As the family was leaving, I asked the boy if he would like a sticker to put on his shirt. He quickly chose an alligator sticker. The boys younger brother spent time going through all the sticker choices before choosing a butterfly. The boy who had chosen first then said softly to his father, I didnt see the frog sticker. I would have chosen the frog. His father immediately urged the boy to ask me for a second sticker. The boy said, No, Im happy with what I have.
I was stunned. Such wisdom, grace, and gratitude, all from an eight-year-old boy. Too often, we forget to be happy with what we have and in our forgetfulness we spread the infection of discontent. Its a mistake easily made in a world where everyone is expected to pursue every wantthe newest gadget, the latest update.
I recently purchased my first laptop computer. In discussions with the salesperson, he casually said, Well, within two years, youll probably want a new one anyway. Why would I want a new one if my old one was working? Why wouldnt I be happy with what I have? Perhaps, want is the key word. I wont necessarily need a new laptop in two years but I will probably want one.
All consumerism, all advertising is based on the assumption that we are not happy with what we have. Or, if we are happy, that we can be made unhappy by dangling something shiny or edible in front of us.
A poet friend of mine says, In days past, the word consumption was used to describe tuberculosis, a wasting away of the body; today, consumption is a wasting away of the spirit. I need to protect myself against this spirit sickness, this constant lack of thankfulness. I may want shiny things, but I dont need them. What I do desperately need is the peace of mind found in moments of contentment and gratitude. I need to identify each of my wildcat urges to purchase or possess as either want or need. My needs are basic, predictable, manageable. My wants are chaotic changelings, disturbers of the peace that can never be satisfied.
I will tend my needs, I will whittle my wants, and I will say often, Im happy with what I have.
Dec 18, 2013 09:06:35 #
After a week of rushing around finishing my gift purchases and selecting a few for myself along the way, your message is so perfect. Think that I will start a diary of wants/needs so the facts will stare me in the face. Thank you for your post. Sandy
Dec 18, 2013 10:00:04 #
Nikocarol
Loc: NM & FL
Glad you liked it Sandy...Merry Christmas!!
CSand wrote:
After a week of rushing around finishing my gift purchases and selecting a few for myself along the way, your message is so perfect. Think that I will start a diary of wants/needs so the facts will stare me in the face. Thank you for your post. Sandy
Dec 19, 2013 08:44:59 #
Your comments are right on target! If you think about it a moment most of the problems everywhere are based on not being happy with what we have. This is truly an inspiration for everyone!
Bill R.
Bill R.
Dec 19, 2013 09:43:39 #
waremick wrote:
Your comments are right on target! ...
Bill R.
Bill R.
Not to be a curmudgeon but the comments were made by Marianne Bachleder http://thisibelieve.org/essay/101944/
Dec 19, 2013 10:09:50 #
Dec 19, 2013 10:11:34 #
oldmalky
Loc: West Midlands,England.
GC-FineArt wrote:
Not to be a curmudgeon but the comments were made by Marianne Bachleder http://thisibelieve.org/essay/101944/
That is what the opening said in the first 12 words, did not
claim it as her own.
Dec 19, 2013 10:19:09 #
Thank you for posting this. I for one am happy with what I have.
And happy to live in New Mexico also.
And happy to live in New Mexico also.
Dec 19, 2013 11:10:31 #
Nikocarol wrote:
yes, not written by me.
Maybe it was not written by you .. but you posted it and I applaud your post!
Dec 19, 2013 11:19:58 #
oldmalky wrote:
That is what the opening said in the first 12 words, did not
claim it as her own.
claim it as her own.
You're absolutely right but I was addressing the comment made by waremick. Sorry for any confusion.
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