I, too, miss those days...

Peggy Kaplan of What If... has a great post up: Strangers in a Strange Land. Really great thoughts there (go check it out). Here's a small piece of her post:

I think part of our detachment from others comes from an unhealthy relationship with materialism. Every waking hour must be spent in the pursuit of more money, more assets, more "stuff."

Who has time to get to know the neighbors? To sit for a few hours over a cup of tea, or take long walks and discuss age old issues?

Hmmm... My thoughts exactly. I call it the Rat Race -- that elusive race many of us seem to be participating in -- whether passively or consciously. How, exactly, do we *win* the rat race, by the way?

Some years ago, I found myself competing furiously in just such a race. I recall putting myself on *pause* one day (after many years), and began to take time out to really think about where I was headed, rushing about so furiously. And the 'why' of it... It wasn't getting me where I wanted to go. I didn't long for a larger home to clean, or a fourth car to insure and protect (add a bigger garage to store it, too)...

No, I wanted none of those things. I simply wanted a more simple life. One where I would have time and energy to meet with a friend at a coffee shop if I felt like it that day... I didn't want to *squeeze* it in amongst all the other *musts.*

That year, I came to the conclusion that my *musts* were mostly a result of needing to make money to pay for those *musts.* But I was so busy working that I could no longer enjoy even a peaceful existence.

Those of you who know me will also recognize this: that was also the year I made up my mind that I wouldn't be trapped into overworking to pay for things (which I didn't have time to enjoy anyway.) Yes, that's the year I decided to go debt-free. Along with that decision came my commitment to never, ever owe anyone money -- which in turn could trap me into working jobs I don't like, or more hours than is healthy for a soul.

I now encourage others to do the same. I do have one regret: that I didn't do it sooner. :-)

Comments

[Peg K]

Thank you so much for linking me!

I miss other "old-fashioned" activities, too, that seem to have gone by the wayside. Like stopping by a friend's home just to visit, knowing that if they have a bit of free time, that they would gladly welcome you.

Good to know that I am not the only one who wonders how we got to this place of worshiping high end autos, homes, vacations and clothes ... and ignoring spouses, children and friendships.