"Peace comes from within - do not seek it without" - a quote from 'Buddha'
Wow, how powerful a quote - it reminds me that my contradictions in life about wanting inner-peace and contentment and yet wanting a successful business that will allow us a more than comfortable income can't always co-exist. O.k. - well, then, how do we break it down? How do I find the balance?
Lets see - by understanding my ultimate goal and keeping faith and focus towards that goal which again, is NOT riches and success - but IS contentment, happiness and inner-peace, I can start to categorize Material versus Spiritual (in other words External versus Internal).
O.k., so why DO i want money and success in my life? Why do I see - but I don't seek? Why do I feel, but I don't act on those feelings?
Well, I want the money and success in my life because I feel that money will open doors for my family and myself to enjoy more of what life offers. I feel that we are missing out on vacations, and opportunities to experience the world around us. Not to mention my children's educations and life-style. I've always dreamed of a cottage and re-decorating the house. Am I asking for too much? Absolutely - I've got the 'give-me overloads'!!!
Why? Why am I seeing these things as the answer to my happiness? They are all external (Material). They are the sugar to the coffee and the gravy to the meat - they are not necessary to create happiness as they lack volume, passion and spiritual connection.
When times are financially tough, we become overwhelmed and feel somewhat defeated. We try to do our best, but just can't figure out how to climb out of the bag. We're sitting in the bottom and can see the light at the top, but just aren't sure what steps to take to climb up and out. Sometimes its just so hard to get past the stress of trying to work out bill payment schedules and just barely making ends meet. Sometimes we're so tight that its hard to buy a new pair of shoes or basic living items, like a toothbrush (crazy, I know - but its happened). I can't imagine going into a grocery store and buying exactly what I'd like to - without worrying if the dreaded word "INSUF" will flash up when you put through your debit. Talk about making my heart sink!!! Of course, it would be nice to have the luxury of not worrying about whats in the bank account and being able to buy what you want and more importantly what you need!!!
Another word - need!!! What do we truly NEED to be happy or content? What do we THINK we need to be happy and content? Trust me. I constantly have to challenge myself as to the meaning of 'want' and 'need'. When I'm out at the mall or at a beautiful home decor store, I must struggle that my WANT doesn't override my NEED! I guess we all have to do that. IT's better to head to the Mall - go for what you came for and get the heck out!!! I know I need new shoes so that my feet stay warm and comfortable at work, but I'd really love to buy the sexy sandals (which I would wear a few times over the summer.) I need new dress pants (again, for work), but I'd really love to buy those cute jeans and top. You get the picture! Without the extra - NEEDS are number 1.
On a deeper level, I do know I NEED someone to love and to be loved by someone - wholly and completely! My husband, Spencer, is the rock in my life. He's my best friend and truly is my soul-mate. For this I am truly grateful and know I have been blessed to receive such a wonderful gift in his love! This is a WANT that turned into a NEED and I got it (or him, should I say).
Bottom line - there's so much to complain about, but if we're given one, two, three fantastic blessings in our loves, well, then shouldn't that be a start? Shouldn't that make us feel on top of the world and everything else should become secondary? It does, when I remind myself to remember how lucky I am and that love is the greatest gift of all (internal) - not diamonds and vacation homes (external!) Mmmm... that really gives me something to think about.....
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