Life has changed so much in the past year or so. We have had to stay home more now. Less socializing. Many have lost jobs and income. Many have retired and are looking at a new life style.
BUT - we have also had more time to reflect on what is really important. We have had more time to truly love and enjoy the people around us. We have had an opportunity to learn new ways. We have had an opportunity to be more frugal (chosen or not) and maybe save a few dollars. People are learning to garden and provide for themselves. Life has changed - but it doesn't have to be a bad thing.
ENJOY what you can and what you are given. ENJOY it to the fullest - you do not know what tomorrow brings. Last evening I looked out and was in awe of the most incredible sunset. The sky looked to be ablaze. This morning I went out in the sunshine and heard ALL the birds singing their songs. It almost sounded like a spring day. The sun is shining, temperatures are going up and the snow is melting.
BEAUTIFUL!
We (society) are quick to judge people today - it has become what people do. I do not understand why that is OK. Looks can be deceiving. Some folks worked hard and had much for years - and are suddenly without a job. So if they show up at a food give away in a nice car and nice clothes - they are judged as not needy. People see someone in older clothes, driving a ratty car - they think poor. WHY?
I never made a lot of money - we had enough - but I always had nice clothes and looked polished. I bought those clothes for pennies at thrift/yard sales. No new car until later in life - but they got us where we needed to be. I could have been judged both ways.
People have asked me over and over for years - why not move - you can afford more. First, gee thanks for telling me you think what I have is inferior in your eyes!!!!! Second, mind your own business! My home is paid for, easy to take care of, and WHY do I need bigger and more?
This morning I was looking through pictures of homes of the rich and famous - oh my! There were sure some big old fancy and expensive places. Millions and millions of dollars. 10 - 20 - 30 - 40 - 50 millions of dollars. I do not understand WHY anyone needs that - except they can! OK. That is how they choose to spend their money and that is their choice. Do I understand it - no. Do they care? No. Is my opinion important? No. Their choice, their money, their debt, their world.
Money and choices can be a matter of perspective. A half million dollars for a house can be average in some places (location matters) - and in other places it would buy a mansion.
What is rich to me - is poor to someone else.
PERSPECTIVE
Many of the upper middle class has now become middle or upper lower - do to change in finances. (Gosh I hate those labels) They may have a hard time adjusting, but for some of us it is all normal. We all have to learn to deal with what life throws at us and work to make it wonderful.
No matter how much you have - life is still a miracle and it is still beautiful. Look at the basics and spend more time enjoying them, than what you may NOT have now.
Appreciate each and every day you have with people - than can change in an instant.
Enjoy your freedoms and your health - it can all change.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature - it is a gift from God. It truly amazes me how many people, never stop to listen and see!
Take time for the little things - they truly aren't little. Be appreciative of what you have. Learn new ways when necessary and go forward with zest an vigor. Quit bit**ing about what is now gone - get up and do it again or adjust. Make adjustments where needed.
You woke up today - the sun came up - and you have been given another day.
Each day is a GIFT - the ultimate gift. Make it the best!!
Do something, learn something, give something, help with something, enjoy something.
You ARE blessed!
Each day is a gift from our Creator! We are compelled to make the most of each day and also to care for our bodies as we are the temple of Elohim. Things sure have changed (and probably will continue to change) for lots of folks. I was amused by the cheek of people asking why you didn't get a "nicer" home. If you are happy there and it is safe and warm in winter, cool in summer, why should you pick stakes and move? When I worked in the interior design studio/furniture store in Brownsburg, the owner was sneering about some lady living in a 1200 square foot home. Hey, I live in a 1200 square foot home! They built a massive McMansion for her son and then lost it because they couldn't pay the bills. I'll keep what I have, thank you ever so much. Do you remember in one of Ann Landers' columns that she would respond to nosy questions with "why do you ask?'.
ReplyDeleteMaybe folks will discover contentment. Maybe not. Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Enjoy this sunny day!
AMEN!
DeleteI know it always amazes me. I am happy, and what would I do with a bigger house - good grief it is just me (and kitties!). More to upkeep and pay for. Like you - no thank you, I am fine!
I worked in HVAC and in the custom cabinet business for years and it was always amazing when they guys came back and we ask about the houses they went to up North. They said they were huge and basically empty. No furniture except beds - couldn't afford it. It was a prestige address. How shallow!
I could be happy with a box on the floor and beans to eat if I had health and my family and babies. It doesn't matter one iota to me. I came with nothing - I will go with nothing. We all get the same 6' hole!
It is a beautiful day. ENJOY
Good post Cheryl. When we left Florida and moved to Illinois we wanted to down size. I actually had my 5 year old nephew ask 'why did you buy such a small house'. I looked at my brother and said he heard that from some ONE. 2 people who past middle age do not need more than 1200 sq ft. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Yep, he heard it somewhere!
DeleteI can't imagine cleaning, heating, cooling and maintaining a lot at this point in life.
I will keep what is mine and let everyone else enjoy the grandness of big!
Warren Buffet still lives in the same residence in Omaha, Neb., that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, the equivalent of roughly $285,000 in 2020 dollars. Once it's paid for, it's all yours and that is what is important to me. :)
ReplyDeleteAgree - the list I looked at today had one that made me smile. SHAQ lives in a home valued at 285,000. Not millions. He could, but he doesn't.
DeleteBigger is not always better.
What a great post, and so reflective of the way people in today's world judge one another. I will say that, while I downsized in lot size, I added in a more usable interior. I was 1800 sq. ft + unfinished basement in my single-family home built in 1913 that required more maintenance that I was prepared to handle in widowhood. I'm now in a 2300 sq ft townhome. I went from 3 bedrooms and a small den to 2 large bedrooms and extra full guest bath, large family room off the kitchen and finished "bonus" room (full lower level, outside of the mechanical closet) that I use for my office. But, I now have no exterior maintenance, other than the flower boxes that sit on my deck rail (optional, but where I plant my herbs and a little color on the exterior side). I don't have to deal with lawn maintenance, snow removal, exterior painting, or gutter cleaning. In retrospect, as much as I love this place, the stairs (3 story from the garage and bonus room to the bedrooms) will become an issue the older I get. And then there's the cold weather ... Florida is looking pretty good after last week!!!!
ReplyDeleteMaintenance and yard work are huge things to think about. That is wonderful that you don't have those worries. Good for you. We all do what is best for us. I can't imagine moving - but may have to some day. I know maintenance may get the best of me as I get older.'
DeleteThat is sure we something we all need to think about - things change the older we get.
Stay safe.
I just loved everything about this post Cheryl! Bless you!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
DeleteBlessings to you
What a wonderful post. I just remember al the years we wee so horribly in debt and I thought we would never get out, the stress was so awful. I am so grateful for the blessings I have now.
ReplyDeleteIt sure can be stressful. Being happy and stress free sure beats that feeling.
DeleteAll of this is so true.. my husband always tells people we love living in the hood. I'm not so sure how people know how much money you got either Cheryl. My mom used to say, to my brother when he told her just to spend her money, are you going to pay for me a new furnace/air conditioner?
ReplyDeleteI hope we get to stay here like Mom for the rest of our lives but who knows..we will deal with that as time goes on.
Yep, same here. People think they know more than they do!!! So many assume so much - and actually have no clue.
DeleteWhat I have has to last my entire life - so.
I hope you get to stay as well!
Another thoughtful post, Cheryl. It's all about perspective!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. Yes it is!!!
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