Perception is a funny thing. It's easy to judge from 30,000 feet up. As much as I'd like to say I don't judge....I DO! I'm human, not a saint and definitely not fully enlightened (although I'm working on it) but still a LONG ways away :). We (my family and I) lead a pretty happy life. We put in the time and energy to make it that way, but it's not like we have it totally figured out. Granted living in the place we do, makes it a little easier. How can you live up here and not be happy?!? Big mountains, skiing out the backdoor, lots of snow, lakes to play on in the summer......need I go on?
The reason we moved here and not the city (which would have been easier) is that we value this quality of lifestyle. Not that it doesn't come with it's own costs, some pretty steep but in the end TOTALLY worth it!. I see families moving up here, quitting the rat-race and making the same conscious decision to instill mountain and small town values in their kids. As parents it was one of the best decisions we made!
The reason I'm bringing all this up is that recently a "friend" (i use "" because I'm not so sure that's the correct word anymore) of mine was telling me how amazing our lives looked and how lucky we are (not in a very nice way) and I thought to myself...WE ARE BLESSED, no doubt, but it also made me think that it's not like we got lucky. We made the conscious decision to choose this lifestyle. For a minute her comments kind of upset me because looking from 30,000 feet up our lives do look freakin awesome (and they are, but we face the same struggles everyone else does). Then I look at her life which looks amazing too, she makes tons of money, has a fabulous job, lives in the city and has toys galore but...... she is miserable. Obviously it's not the situation but the person. She has the means to quit her job and move if that's what she thinks would make her happy but I just don't think it's in her, she'd just rather complain about how much better everyone has it.
I think she was trying to make me feel guilty for living the way we do but we're happy either way. No amount of money, big houses, fancy cars, toys, clothes, will make her happy. It makes me sad for her. I wish she could find some happiness within, that's all I can send her! I try to be a friendly ear but maybe it's time to let this one go....start that stupid song "Let It Go"!
Sending love, happiness and gratitude!!!
Sending love, happiness and gratitude!!!