When we are young children it is easy to be drawn in by glitzy, bright, and charming things. That is why children can put the wrong things in their mouths like non eatable items. As we get older, we are still enticed by things that appear to be one way and are something different. That holds true for products, people, and jobs.
We all experienced toys that we thought were special. As a small child I wanted the Ballerina Doll that was on television. She twirled and danced in in the commercials and had beautiful costumes. I was so disappointed when I got her that Christmas. She was hard plastic with mobile joints and weird hair. She only twirled if I twirled her and I couldn’t figure out how to do that. Of course, there was no music to hear like the commercial played. She came with one outfit and it wasn’t pretty at all. I was so disappointed, but I knew that she was expensive and something my parents went out of the way to buy.
Years later, my son wanted a play saw; he was about 3. It made a noise if the battery worked and was colorful. He too was so disappointed when it arrived. I tried to tell him that the commercials made things look more exciting, but it turned out to be an early lesson on disappointment.
Later in life, I bought into the theory that my father-in-law was good at repeating. He would tell us if something looked to good to be true, beware! I took his advice over the years and it saved me money, hanging with the wrong people, and getting manipulated. It has always bothered me that I had to be suspicious of people.
The bottom line is that we want to believe in the best of all worlds. We buy into commercials even as adults. We have vanity cabinets full of hair products and potions; we have closets full of gadgets from fast talking sales people. We try new things; we want fun and exciting toys even to the end of our lives.
Just check out the neighborhood garage sale and flea markets to see what I mean. We need to keep our eyes on the important things. What brings us value? Am I with healthy, wholesome people? Am I spending my money on worthwhile things? Am I thinking through the whole thing? Will this item be working for me for a month, a year? Will I be putting this in a cabinet and forgetting it next week?
I was reading an article about a skin product that made one flawless. The bells went off in my head. Nothing is perfect and flawless unless one is a newborn child. We try to become excellent in all things and we are not designed to be perfect in all ways. Reality checks are necessary.
Enjoy who you are and be the best version of yourself. Don’t try to be the “skinny-mini” model a few doors down the street. We have only one body and we need to stay well and care for ourselves, but we don’t have to try to emulate the latest diet crazes or dress in the clothes that are a current fad.
Go forward with care and good thinking. Delight in Living and enjoy the Mini Miracles in your life. Maybe you’ll be fortunate enough to see them more brightly this week. Like yourself and love life!