Relax…!!
I recently spent some time at a family dinner over the holidays, and because it was held at my older sibling’s house, the food was close to perfection: a big fat turkey and brisket along with the most incredible side dishes like grilled artichoke, broccoli quiche, “grandma’s coleslaw,” along with the best wines and champagne. And the piece de resistance : homemade hazelnut chocolate tart.
Because there were about twenty-five people there this year, dinner was in the form of a buffet. As I was waiting in line to snag a piece of that amazing chocolate hazelnut tart, a distant relative sidled up to me and asked “How are you,” and I responded “Great.” He wasn’t through yet and followed up with a grave look on his face, as if someone died, and said “How is it going?” I knew he wasn’t talking about my health, which is fine, but I wasn’t exactly sure what he was talking about, so I said “I have no idea what you are talking about.” He is not an intimate relative, he is not a business partner (I don’t have any), so I was a bit at a loss, though I had some inkling what he was aiming at…He responded by saying those dreaded words we all hear all too frequently these days: “The economy,” whatever in heck that means! My response said it all, along with the look on my face (I can’t hide my real feelings, never could), when I said “Oh that!” then I quickly added “just fine, thanks for asking.”
Just for the record, the association between economic prosperity and happiness has yet to be proven. In fact, a recent study released on the internet rated the levels of happiness in countries around the world. Guess who came in Number 1 and Number 2? Okay time up: Mexico was Number 1 and Colombia was Number 2. Surprised? I’m not at all. I have many friends from Colombia in Miami, and I have been around enough Mexicans to see a culturally enforced norm of happiness and smiles regardless of circumstances: We’re talking basic, fundamental joy in being alive.
Here’s’ a novel experiment for everyone this week: Try and be content with exactly what you have without striving for more.
Get back at me with the results.
I do agree that I need to relax and take it easy as I am so stressed lately, but that is due to the fact that I have fallen into debt (laid off and living on savings and credit cards) and that is NOT relaxing on any level. I don’t think anyone is debt can be relaxed as I am no longer in any type of comfort zone on any level. What’s your thoughts on that?
I don’t agree that you have to feel badly about your economic cycle, but I completely understand why you do.
Your situation will certainly change with time, and in the meanwhile you might want to count your blessings in life, such as health, family, friends, and just getting up to enjoy a beautiful day.
I understand what you are saying, buy still don’t think that it is that easy to not think about my current situation and only focus on other aspects that are better.
True I am blessed with a lovely wife and child, but when thoughts of not being able to provide for them mount on a daily basis – not much can alter it – – as our current financial situation isn’t getting better.
It’s seems very easy for those that ‘have’ to talk about what those that ‘don’t’ have should be doing. I am not saying you are one of them, but in general – it seems to be the normal response i receive…meaning don’t worry and focus on the good.
Anything worthwhile is not easy, and maintaining a positive attitude when things aren’t how we like fits the bill.
Try and go easy on yourself, you are being challenged like every living human being.
And btw, how can you be so sure your finances will not get better?