Let’s face it: we’ll always crave more until we learn to truly value what we have in the present moment.
I often tell myself that I want my kids to have a better life than I did. I want them to experience all the things I missed out on during my childhood—the extras, the opportunities, and the open doors. Every parent wishes for this; it’s a noble aspiration.
But, honestly, it’s a bit of a delusion. The reality is, I yearn for stuff and cash because I’ve been convinced that it will bring happiness to my family and me. Advertising has spun a web of discontent that pulls me into a spiral of wanting more. Part of me believes that if I was slimmer, if my kids were more involved in activities, or if we only dined on organic kale from the fanciest grocery store, we would achieve some kind of blissful existence where everything is perfect and smiles never fade.
But we all know that’s not the case. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the notion that life will be better if we just had this or that. The absurdity is that once we get those things, we’ll just move on to the next “if only” moment. Expecting that things will deliver happiness is misguided. Wanting things is natural, of course, but they won’t solve my problems. My life is okay; it’s merely my perspective that’s off.
The Dream of Homeownership
Take me, for instance. At 33, I’m ready to ditch this apartment living and buy a house. My parents never owned one, so I’m eager to have a space of my own. A place where I can make changes without worrying about a security deposit, complete with a yard for my kids to frolic in and maybe a cozy porch where I can sit and wait for them to tire themselves out.
However, owning a house comes with bills, maintenance, and the joy of mopping floors. If something breaks, there’s no landlord to call at 2 a.m.—it’s just us, and let’s be honest, those repairs cost a pretty penny and take up valuable time that most parents are short on.
The Illusion of a Better Life
There are always two sides to every story, and it’s easy to get lost in the fantasy of what we desire. A new car, a different job, or watching our kids hit milestones—we convince ourselves that these changes will improve our lives. We dream of a time when our worries will seem trivial, and life will be filled with lilac-scented air and freshly laundered clothes that magically fold themselves.
But that ideal life isn’t waiting in the future; it’s right here, right now. It’s all about our perception. Sure, I could focus on how my husband tends to be socially awkward, or I could cherish the moments when he has me laughing so hard that my sides ache. I could bemoan the paper-thin walls that allow me to hear my neighbor’s cat doing its business, or I could appreciate the fact that my tiny apartment cleans up in no time and has an on-call handyman when something goes wrong.
Recognizing the Pros and Cons
Aiming for personal growth and better circumstances is commendable, but it’s crucial to recognize both the pros and cons of our desires. A bigger house sounds fantastic until you realize it comes with a hefty cleaning schedule. But hey, if you do have a spacious home, can I crash on your couch for a bit? I’m really over my neighbor’s cat!
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Conclusion
In summary, life is about finding balance. While it’s natural to want more for ourselves and our children, we must also learn to appreciate the present. Happiness doesn’t come from things; it comes from how we choose to perceive our lives.