Image courtesy of Colpo di fulmine
Find me a person who is unhappy with their life and I’ll bet you there are many others who would be perfectly content to fill those shoes.
My wife and I were shopping for a shed at our local ‘SUPER’ hardware store just a few months ago. Out in the parking lot were all they had available. Some were made out of wood and others were plastic. There were different shapes and sizes and things that made each one unique.
While we were looking around I started to think, “You know, these could make a decent living quarters for a person of simple taste.” I started to inspect the details, “It looks like they’re sealed from the rain and there are some vents. Look, a small window for sunlight.” Then I was visualizing a place for a small mattress and a table and chair. There was no doubt that a human being could have all they’d need to do much more than survive.
We decided on a shed (a plastic model) and then took it home to put together. It was about 5ft by 7ft and just perfect for our needs. At $500 we were happy to have a place to store our bikes, tools and other odds and ends. But then I started thinking about the house thing again. $500? That’s your mortgage. That’s it!
Now let’s not get carried away here. I don’t realistically see myself living in a $500 plastic shed. But if you were to step it up a few notches I could see it as a possibility; at least if I were single. Once you get married and even more so with kids, this daydream becomes more of a fantasy. But I was just thinking hypothetically here.
Then I had read this post on treehugger.com. I had heard about this women when it first hit the news (here’s a video) and it encouraged me to go deeper in the thought. Here’s a woman who lives in a nice wood home that’s smaller than a parking spot in its footprint who is perfectly happy. Her heating bill is $6/month and her electricity comes free with the help of her solar panels. She has no mortgage and works part time for money which she barely needs.
This is a fantasy in and of itself. All of us, at one point in time, become tired of burning ourselves out so we can barely pay the mortgage of a house that has more space than we truly need. We pay our bills and feel like it’s an uphill battle. So the idea of cutting our ties to this taskmaster that is modern living is appealing on so many levels. I think for most of us it would not be a good fit, but just the thought may give some a minute of hypothetical bliss.
But I think the greater point here is this:
You could have another human being living in an identical sized building with the same basic amenities and yet have a completely different news story. “Woman forced to live in a shack the size of a parking space. She can only get part time work so she has to rely on solar panels just so she can turn on the lights.”
See my point? Depending on the perspective of the individual, the same scenario can be painted in two completely different ways. Of course, the difference here is that of one person choosing to do something and the other being forced to, but the point is still valid.
Perspective is everything.
This can all be used to guide us in the simplifying process, but it can also be a great tool for just enjoying what you have, RIGHT NOW! Tired of your job taking up a lot of your time? Many people would kill for a steady job that pays the bills. Wish you had more money? I bet you there are millions of people out there that wish they had your wealth. Struggling with relationships in your life? I know there are many lonely people out there that wish they had someone to struggle with.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t try to improve you situation and reach new goals and success in your life. I just think we could use a little perspective adjustment now and again so we don’t miss out on the wonderful things we are able to enjoy at this very moment. Chances are, you have everything you ever truly need to be happy. You just need to remember how blessed you are and why today is a beautiful day!
Wonderful post, Eric.
“Chances are, you have everything you ever truly need to be happy.”
You just need to remember how to be happy.
As somebody who has spent many weeks throughout my life living in a tent, I’ve occasionally considered what it would be like to live in a tent and do occasional work around the community to pay my way. I’m not sure I’d ever get away with doing it (I think friends and family would have something to say!), but for a month or so it would be an interesting challenge.
Like you say. Occasionally, we must adapt our expectations.
Jamie
Jamie Harrop´s last blog post..A Connection Forces Me to Subscribe to Your Blog
The other day, someone commented that one of the reasons people read my blog is because they find my relationship with the Urbane Lion so uplifting. I said “But, we just lead an ordinary life.” She said “Do NOT underestimate ordinary.” I am already truly grateful for my life with the Lion, but this comment made me even more grateful.
Urban Panther´s last blog post..There is no Alice in the kitchen
Great point Eric. There is nothing wrong with wanting to achieve more, but I agree that you need to be in the state of gratitude.
I was thinking about this the other day and I was picturing this woman in Africa with her kid on the back, working all week in the field and barely getting enough food to feed the family.
I know if you compare my lifestyle to the rest of the world, I’m pretty much living like a KING. Good read.
Urban: I love that story. We should never lose appreciation for the every day.
Eric: Great post. Perspective is everything. I found myself with the exact same thoughts while idly looking at sheds myself one time. Too many of us have far more than we can ever appreciate. Recession or no, I think we’re living in a time of abundance, we just need to trim a lot of fat.
Writer Dad´s last blog post..At Least I Don’t Have Zits
@Jamie: I’ve done some camping myself and must say that it makes for some enticing ‘simple’ experiences.
@Urban Panther: “…but this comment made me even more grateful.”
I’m glad the post added to your joy!
@Atiff: Exactly. One man’s garbage is another man’s treasure. I think that applies here?
@Sean: “I found myself with the exact same thoughts while idly looking at sheds myself one time.”
You too? That’s funny!
“Recession or no, I think we’re living in a time of abundance, we just need to trim a lot of fat.”
Very well said. Eric.
Amazingly apropos…As I slid over to CNN to glance at the doom and gloom headlines something caught my eye….an article about downsizing from the traditional American lifestyle to a home of 100 sq. feet.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/10/22/tiny.houses/index.html
Digging in I found myself wondering how much this could apply to everyday living….less can indeed me more.
Sheri
http://www.everlastingdesigns.net
@Sheri: Thanks so much for the link. I checked it out and found it quite inspiring. Eric.