Have You Lost Your Ability To Differentiate?

This Week's Simple Tip: It's funny how some things stand out so clearly in your mind. I can recall a dinner discussion when one of my sons, around 8 years old at the time, picked up on a conversation at the table and said "we really only have very few needs." Talk about a wake-up call to how many times we say "I need this, or I need that!"

I think one of the most valuable lessons we can learn through this pandemic is what is truly a want versus a need. With my graying hair and broken dishwasher, I have learned these are much appreciated "luxuries." Yes, the dishwasher saves me time and sanitizes the tableware, but when forced to live without it, I can easily survive. I am not suggesting we give up our "luxuries." Instead I am proposing that we put things in perspective and truly appreciate "necessity" vs. "want" vs. "valued possessions." I fear that maybe our modern civilization has lost its ability to differentiate. As Buddha said, "Our needs can be fulfilled but our wants are endless - a bottomless pit. There are needs that are essential, fundamental and that can be obtained and this we should work towards."

This Week's Focus:

This week, take a hard look at what is a want versus a need in your life. Be grateful for all that you have, and think twice the next time you feel that you have to fulfill a need. Maybe there are others out there you can help with an essential need.