Our Desires Can Run Our Lives
Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010
by Susan Thom
Way back when we were kids, certain things caught our eyes and we asked mom, dad, grandma, aunts, whomever we knew, if they would buy this treasured item for us. It could be a kaleidoscope, a skateboard, a basketball, a certain doll, a football, anything we desired.
Our desires to own these items can run our lives to the point of cutting people' lawns, watering the older woman down the street's garden, or cleaning the garage or basement. None of which would have been our choices had we not had a desire for the money to buy what we wanted.
There are relationships budding and becoming the priorities in many lives. Some talk of marriage and having kids and owning a home. Unfortunately, we have brought a generation into being that can't afford gas prices, electricity, food, baby items, insurance, cars, home owner's insurance and a mortgage.
And this also applies to college graduates, so a diploma isn't always enough to sustain a lifestyle and family. These kids are becoming lawyers and doctors, and paying half their salaries on nannies and playchool. How many are accepting their parents' generosity and love by allowing them and encouraging them to move home for a while.
I personally think there is an advantage to group family, and learning what it's like to have grandparents and aunts and u ncles. I don't think anything is as important. If everyone pitches in and lives calmly together, I think it's a great thing. Especially in this day and age, I think we can all use the help.
Desires no longer run most of our lives, because we can't afford to make them come true. Some have two or three jobs. This doesn't do a whole lot for enjoying nature and having much of a private life. We get through because we believe things will eventually change. We'll make more money and we'll be able to afford our desires.
The time for being motivated by a sports car, has changed to being motivated to work. Life was a lot simpler when I was growing up, but my dad still had a hard time making ends meet. No Nintendo, no cable, no cell phones, and yet bills still took up the majority of his pay. The job of being responsible always was heavy on his mind, and he worked hard.
I wish the kids today would realize how important it is to get set up in a position to make enough money to support themselves. The nice comforter you love; mom and dad bought. The cappuccino machine you use every morning; mom and dad bought. The way the house always smells so fresh, and is nice and clean and cozy; mom created.
Two friends may say they'll chip in with an apartment with you, and one or both back out at the last minute. You need to depend on yourself, and your own means. Make sure you can afford to live on your own. if it's possible to stay at home, save your money for the future.
When it comes time for one to move out on their own, those responsibilities will be yours. Sheets, pillow case, curtains, condiments, food, pots and pans, dishes, glasses, taster, microwave, silverware, utensils, etc. this money had to come from somewhere. Mom and dad may set you up, but there are many who have to save up for it themselves.
Car payments and insurance get turned over to you. Utilities will have to be paid. Rent needs to appear from somewhere. A vacuum-hmm, never even though about it. Brooms, mops, dish drain, shower curtain, regular curtains, cleaning products, all the things you didn't expect. Now the dress you were saving up for, is on hold indefinitely.
I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that if there is a certificate or degree attached to someone who went the extra mile and put in the time, they may get a better paying job. We can't leave our futures to chance anymore. Jobs aren't easy to come by, at least the better paying jobs. No one should be out of control of their lives, especially due to financial problems.
Do the work now and reap the rewards later. When you can afford formula and baby food and clothes, toys, and all the other things you will be responsible for. That's when you can put the books away. You can use the time you would have been at a second job, to play with your family. Realizations have to be made.
Just because you're walking around school with your head in the clouds because you're in "love" doesn't mean you're soon not going to need money to live. And it's not going to come out of those clouds. I hope every high schooler thinks about their future and protect themselves with some sort of document that can give them a fair shake.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)For my Susie--I love the style sue has and I love the content--I have followed sue Thom from first article to this one and they only get better and better--Sue writes from the heart and from experience--she brings with her honesty and lots of talent. I am proud to say that I have know Sue Thom for many years and I have seen her blossom into a dynamic writer and I am anxiously awating for her to publish her first of manybooks. I know Sue is going to be an incredable writer for years to come, Great Job Sue and I'm watching you--love you--OK now how do I send this comment?? xxYour MariaxxPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi maria-my biggest fan.thanks for the compliments, and for stopping by and reading.a little diversion here and there during the day can't hurt, just read an article:)love you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
I agree with the comment above! I have followed Sue for a long time as she has shown through her writing her inner struggles as she works her way through life. She has shown great character through this process, and she is obviously in a better place now than she has been in a long time. I am proud to call Sue my friend!Please log in to respond to this comment.hi bruce,thank you for reading and commenting.you've been a big help for the past 3 years.i love this site, and i love to write, so, you're stuck with me:)thanks for always being there, even when "there" hasn't been a good place.i value our friendship, and thank God for bringing so many good people into my life.my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Great article Sue. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing. Linda DPlease log in to respond to this comment.hi linda,thank you for reading and responding.i'm glad you enjoyed the article.i appreciate your support and your time,my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
Hi Sue.Great article ... as always.Hugs,DiannePlease log in to respond to this comment.hi diane,thanks for reading and commenting.i'm glad you enjoyed it.my best to you,suePlease log in to respond to this comment.
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