Recently I find myself pondering over just how much our overly
commercialized culture here in the US pushes towards constant upgrades versus
settlements. In fact the very word ‘settling’ carries so much baggage, social
judgement and negative connotations already. I’m left wondering how much we’ve
internalized this way of thinking and at what point does it define who we are
as individuals even?
Window shopping is a way of life for us….keep looking and keep
buying knowing you can get fully refunded if you change your mind-Right? &
The choices are endless and tempting! After all who doesn’t want to keep
believing there’s something bigger and better waiting for us just around the
corner.…just there for the taking…the bigger house, the fancier car, the more
satisfying job, the better lover…and even the better you! We’re seemingly
always a few steps away from making it all a bit more perfect-No?
Regardless there is little need for commitments in our lives since so much is ok to return if we’re not 100%
satisfied-Right? Culturally there is even the fall back option for suing when
things don’t go as promised. Of course for me this begs the question that does this
constant chase for something else leave us ever actually truly satisfied? When we
get what we want do we stop to enjoy it or do we feel the anxiety buildup inside
egging us to run away before feeling trapped or suffocated by the ‘great’ only
to risk losing the ‘greater’ that is perhaps elsewhere waiting for our picking?
During my travels to other countries and cultures sometimes
this difference in folks around me is almost palpable; I have to say I see less
of this need to keep the search constantly going. People seem to be actually
‘settling’…(Imagine that!)….for the beautiful house, the fancy ride or that amazing
significant other and they seem thrilled and grateful to have gotten there.
They don’t seem to feel the need to continue looking for more once they’ve reached
their important goals and needs. They seem instead to nurture, grow and cherish
on what they have already built….to make a home, to create a family, to
strengthen their relationships with friends and neighbors; I see folks care for
and truly relish on what they have accomplished. Is that such a terrible thing?
Beyond just my speculation in the presence of such folks it’s hard not to enjoy
a shared energy of happiness and contentment that they have mastered via
settling….they seem to approach life in strides peacefully accepting the ups
and downs also as part of their journey with the loving support of a strong
network of loved ones around them that they have invested in mutually. Seems this
definitely leaves them with more space within for something grander….to be
present and to actually enjoy the moment they are in perhaps.
I realize that the rat race will always go on with or
without us. Sometimes it totally makes sense to jump in and run with it, to
find our place or mark in it too….but perhaps it’s also important to know when
not to lose sight of the original goal within the mayhem-No!?
For me it took
the sudden death of a parent to separate what matters from what’s just
distractions along my path….for everyone else out there I send out prayers always
to get us all there to what matters sooner and easier.
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| Learning-Living-Life-Inspired! <3 XO :-) |
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