Have you ever had something sweet and just loved it so much that you went back for seconds? Maybe it was ice cream, or the phenomena of snacking on potato chips? You just couldn’t stop eating them! Then comes the sickening feeling. It can be a physical effect of being sick or the mental one of chastising yourself for overdoing it!
We all seek pleasure. We want more and more. More food, more sex, more stuff, and attention. Better electronics and updated systems call our name. We desire to look better and be smarter so we buy more cosmetics, lotions, and potions. We buy book after book and take courses galore. We seek the better house even though the one we have is just fine. It’s all very natural to want more, but can be self defeating.
In the process of seeking more we are running ourselves ragged. We can’t stop long enough to enjoy our jobs or relax. We want more for our kids and it costs to have them in activities. As a result we work more and put pressure on ourselves. We eat fast foods because it is easier that taking time to chop, dice, and slice things. We don’t have the time to cook plus we are tired. We are chauffeuring children around town so we need better cars, more time, and end up with crabby and entitled children. And we become resentful and sick. We get competitive to the point of never being satisfied. Stop. Look. Listen.
Look
We seem to lose our way. Perhaps it is time to learn something new by taking in less. Less is best. We don’t need so much. Having one or two nice things that we can wear well is quite satisfying. Quality time with a friend is so much nicer than running around and rushing through 3 other social contacts or obligations. Enjoying a simple meal of soup & a light salad is tasty and enjoyable.
Let the kids play tag in the backyard. Better yet, play with them or go out and watch them. Have them play hopscotch or walk to the local tennis courts. I am sure there are old rackets around somewhere in the garage? Find time for an old fashioned backyard party to clean up the yard. Work makes everyone humble and appreciative. It isn’t all bad and calls for teamwork.
This weekend I set aside a few hours to catch up in the office. I methodically went from one unfinished project to another, and got lots down in a short uninterrupted time. I didn’t need to be there for hours or rush around; it felt good to be productive. I came home and mended something from the pile that has been on my ironing board for weeks.
Stop, Look, and Listen to yourself the next time you are bored and consider what the alternatives might be calling you to do. Less may be best. Stay home, enjoy the yard, call in friends, and just enjoy one another. Clean out the junk drawer and play with the “ball and jacks” that has been there for ages. Be content with the smaller things in life and enjoy your time without rushing around.
Peace for the day and have a great week!
Tomorrow I will tell you about my famous Chenille Housecoat and why I preserve it!
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