One year my dad sat at the Thanksgiving dinner table to find three of his four grown children single. Dad proceeded to challenge us by saying we were not invited back next year unless we all had dates.
Challenge accepted.
Turns out my dad ate his words for Thanksgiving that year. The following year, we all had significant others which we had chosen to spend the holidays with.
Looking back, we all laugh at our dad for wishing for something that would end up pulling us apart the next holiday season instead of bringing us closer. It was a classic case of wanting what you don’t have.
Do you ever feel like you have a battle with always wanting what you don’t have?
In my early twenties, I constantly had a goal I was working towards. My husband and I always wanted to buy a house with a pool in the backyard. So much so, that we decided to leave our life in sunny San Diego to hit the road for “valley of the sun” Arizona. We knew this is where we could afford our dream.
We now own that house with the pool in the backyard. Once we got here, I was shocked to find that I was onto my next goal within minutes of moving in.
What is more important? Having the perfectly decorated home or affording outings with my family?
I decided to end my project list of materialistic wants and enjoy going out for adventures. We went on family vacations instead of wanting to pour money into finishing the backyard. One year later, our backyard is still incomplete but we have the memories of our family weekend getaways! I would be lying if I said I did not cringe every time I see the dirt section of our backyard. I even leave friends houses wishing I had their perfect mantel arrangement or wine fridge but then I remind myself to be present and enjoy spending time with my family.
I challenge you to stop and breathe in that fresh air every once and awhile. We are so blessed to have this life. Lets not get so wrapped up in saving your last penny for that flat screen for the family room or “honeydo list” that we forget to enjoy today’s sunshine.
