In an increasingly-consumerist world, most of us have our wishlists — on Amazon, GifTag,Wishlistr…or simply in our heads. Some want to own the Bugatti Veyron and wear a Tecnica Skeleton Chronograph wristwatch. Some wish they could live in a 15-bedroom mansion. Some want to hoard the most expensive gadgets and amenities money can buy. Some wish they’d win the lottery.
In a time and place where we are surrounded by “things” — where our wants far outweigh our needs — sometimes I just wish that life were a tad easier.
I wish I had peace of mind — that the ending of one day and the beginning of another weren’t a blur.
That I could control the pace of my life without the rush of going from point A to point B. That I could savor the little moments and not be caught up in trivial things.
That I could look at the bigger picture and let the little things go. That I could recognize that peace lies within me and I am the only one that can channel it or block it.
I wish I would be more gentle to those around me, especially my loved ones.
That I would tell my husband more often how much I appreciate him. That I would not snap at him on days that I felt beat down.
That I would call friends over more often…just because…not only on special occasions.
That I would spend some quality time with former and current colleagues who are (and have been) so good to me.
I wish I were more patient, not only with others -– but also with myself. Give people the space they need and recognize that I am no superwoman.
I wish I could give more and ask for less. I wish I took out time to share my blessings with those less fortunate. If only I could take five minutes out of my hectic schedule each day and do one good deed. Just one.
I wish I were more appreciative — of people and of life. I wish I’d say thanks more often — not just as a knee-jerk reaction, but really mean it.
I wish I’d make time to appreciate the beauty of a sunset, the chirping of the birds that’s lost in the din of traffic, the wild flowers along the sidewalk, the clouds playing hide and seek…I wish I could be one with Nature and say thanks for all the exquisiteness around me.
And I wish all of the above knowing that there are no elves or fairies who will make my wishes come true.
It has to be me. I have to make the time to turn these wishes into reality.
There are so many little things that we forget or dismiss in our quest for things that really don’t matter.
Deadlines, office pressures, the never-ending workload will always be there. And I’ve been through enough jobs to know that no one is indispensable. We stress out about commodities but have not time for people.
We want the best of amenities, but don’t spare a second to appreciate the best of Nature.
We celebrate gadget launches with so much zeal, but forget to celebrate the spirit of life and the people who make it worth living.
Take some time this weekend to rethink your journey.
I know I will.
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We are one of the few fortunate ones to have such a wishlist. It just seems foolish to not make these things happen when there is an opportunity to do so. There are millions who can’t even afford to have a wishlist longer than 3 items – food, shelter and education.
Don’t sell yourself short, Mansi. You and Brijesh are marvelous at taking the time to stop and smell the roses. As inviting as these wishes are, as a conglomorate they are a bit "pie-in-the-sky" in terms of reality. And, as you yourself note, no amount of pixie dust or minions of elves doing your bidding will make any of this happen. Only you can. But, as well, one needs to be realistic. In my doterage I’ve come to realize that balance is so important.
When I was about eight and a half months pregnant a friend, who already had two small children, visited me and took a look at my home and said, "In a couple of weeks you can kiss this neat little house of yours goodbye." Well, you know what? I didn’t have to do that entirely. Yes, at times the house wasn’t perfect, but at times it was. Most of the time it was OK.
I think that sums it up. That’s just the way life is. It sometimes seems perfect. It sometimes is far less than perfect. But, in the balance, if we’re one of the fortunate ones (and I do believe those folks I know personally are among that class) are lives are blessed and I, for one, am grateful for that.
Thanks, Ronnie. You help me a lot on a daily basis just by virtue of coming over and talking, or ensuring I go on our lunch-time walks. Small, simple things. It helps to be surrounded by genuine, loving people like you. I certainly feel blessed.
I wish our society’s culture were more supportive of simplicity. Speed and possessions do not equal genuine growth.
No they don’t, Katie. But cultures change with individuals. If we started adopting a simpler attitude to life and the people around us, I bet, in time, our world-culture would be more accepting and appreciative of the small things. Thanks for visiting.
I appreciate your recognizing the capacity of individual actions to impact social change. What skews that for me is the disproportionate power of certain individuals and the thoughtless (i.e., nonreflective) behavior of those who buy into the latest trend. I encourage you to read something I wrote in 1987. Yes, 23 years ago, I already was concerned about some things that ring particularly true today. Here’s the link to Too Many Machines:
http://katiegateswrites.blogspot.com/2010/06/too-many-machines.html
I’ll be interested in hearing your response.
Best wishes, Katie
I have read it twice now, Katie and will comment on your blog. It’s amazing that you wrote this piece in 1987!
Mansi, Thanks so much for the nice, long comment you left re Too Many Machines. Your mentioning that you "had to take a walk" reminded me of the walks I often take up in the Los Feliz hills and what happens too frequently when I see a fellow walker approaching. Fellow walker says "Hi" enthusiatically, and I say "Hi" in return. It is only after we have crossed paths that I notice the bluetooth and realize that person’s salutation was not directed at me, but rather at someone else in his/her "social network." Alas. I just read your 24/7 piece, which gave me that nice "like minds" feeling. It also made me think you might enjoy these two pieces I posted a while back:
http://katiegateswrites.blogspot.com/2010/04/im-t…
http://katiegateswrites.blogspot.com/2010/03/reme…
Enjoy! Now I’m off to read your latest entry. I hope, too, you’ll return to my site, where I post something fresh every Wednesday.
hope u’re wishlist comes true. 1st when i saw the link on indiblogger forum i thought this was a humour intended post (like mine). but it was really good!
check my wishlist : http://sasikumarv.blogspot.com/2010/01/are-you-th…
Thanks, Sasikumar. Did God answer any of yours?
What an amazing and beautiful post!
I bet if you were to print this out and read it before sleep, you would notice it happening more and more. It is an inspiring list of who you are as a person
Thanks, Maryellen. Appreciate your kind words. I spent the weekend doing a lot of what I mentioned in my post. I plan to make the “doing” a part of my daily routine. Thanks, again, for stopping by.
Awww Mansi, It is up to you!! You can make the choices to make a difference in your life. Take control of living each day to the fullest & everything else will fall into place. You are a special person & you can do anything you set your mind on.
My one wish; That there is a shift in consciousness in the world that brings us all closer together. A shift that will bring the world more harmony, peace & most of love for one another & love for this precious planet of ours.
Hugs,
Bill
Thanks, Bill, for your kind words. And yes, I know it’s up to me…it’s just a matter of setting priorities and recognizing what truly matters.
hmmm… worthy point
ppl do tend to loose themselves in this maze of a world
even my next blog post is somewhat similar to this…
so somewhat same pinch…
Thanks, Rishi. Send me a link to your blog post when you’re done
Oh you said it, Mansi. People say it’s up to the individual but I don’t know, unless you shed all belongings and run to the hills, it sure seems hard – dare I say, impossible? – to make a wishlist like this come true.
Right now all I want is a dog and an easier commute – and both seem nearly impossible.
Boy, I’m a downer tonight….
You’re practical, Lisa
But all of us strive for improvement…having a list just helps make the efforts more focused.
oH, absolutely. I couldn’t agree more. Which is why I’m shopping for motorcycles and researching dogs… love ya!
If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride! As long as those wishes are materialistic, this adage would be true. But how many of us wish for something as essential as ‘peace of mind’ and as natural as ‘appreciating life’. This one made me introspect a lot. Thanks, Mansi
Here’s a surprise for you
You have been tagged!!! Tada!!
Cheers!
Hop over at http://debosmita.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/not-so-womanly/ to know more about it. And you HAVE to do it. (please?)
I have to think about this one — will certainly detail my not-so-womanly habits but it’ll take some time. Thanks for tagging me