My youngest sister and I were looking at homes online today. Sometimes we like scrolling through pictures of different properties and gathering ideas for what we would like in a new home. With prices being what they are today, I don’t think my husband and I will be moving any time soon, but it is still fun to look and dream. For example, I would love to have a walk-in pantry or a bathtub in which the water will cover my entire body when I sit normally (because even when I scrunch in and contort my body, I still have major parts that are left out in the cold in my current bathtub).
But I also found it interesting that I struggled with conflicting feelings as I scrolled through the pictures of these homes. On one hand, I think it would be awesome to have the money to consider homes well above the million dollar mark. On the other hand though, some part of my brain sees that desire as selfish and negative.
Our culture promotes the idea that bigger is better. Faster is better. More is better. I think this can be a dangerous way to think. If we think we can only be happy after we buy a bigger house or a faster car or another new purse, we set ourselves up for trouble. It is so important to appreciate what we have and it is hard to do that if we are only focused on what we want next.
I believe in an abundance mindset, though, where you embrace the idea that you are capable of creating more through consistent effort. Obtaining things or creating experiences is not negative or bad. We are able to create a life tailored to our desires when we have an abundance of money; we are able to decrease our stressful; and we are also able to help others.
I am still trying to find the best balance in this area of money and desire, but I suppose it is within the conflict of feelings that growth is able to happen. It is within the space of feeling uncomfortable that we can challenge ourselves to think about new ideas and perspectives and figure out what we truly believe.
At the end of the day though, two principles hold true.
- Always be grateful for what you have.
- Always be learning and growing.
