Stereotypes That Ruin Your Life
by Our world is full of stereotypes, standards and concepts.
"Lifestyle", "Quality of life", "Living high" – sounds familiar?
People judge people by commodities – cars, houses and household items. The set of basic values is turned inside out when ignoring friends and family becomes norm and we fall captives to the material things. We enter a rat-race struggling to keep pace with others, struggling not to lose face and to stay "on top".
Yes, we all live in a material world and nobody says material values should not be diminished. It is only a question of price we pay for it. In other words, what lies on the other hand of the scale?
It happens too often, that we’re scared to admit it, unwilling to confess it, or simply unaware to what’s going on.
The most dangerous part begins when we lose the sense of reality and money become an aim and not the means. When all we’re after is to get more, bigger and better. When we forget what we live for and but never forget to check our bank account.
What else matters in this world, when I am this close to having a Lamborghini? So what if it takes me a year of deadly work? So what if I don’t see my family, and my own reflection in the mirror scared me? So what if I can’t have a minute of coffee with myself in the morning, being constantly on the run?
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A couple of friends of mine, who live in the US, can serve as a perfect example for “happiness-chasers”. They work hard day and night to maintain their huge mansion and support their grown kids (who still live with them). Generally speaking, they keep up with the said “lifestyle”.
These guys could have moved into a smaller house and go a bit downhill in their monthly budget. But, alas, no! They’re not ready to cut down the slightest bit of their expenses. I saw this couple in person. To say they’re happy? Nay. To say they’re satisfied? I may be not a competent judge, but I wouldn’t say either of them is satisfied. The petite lady dreams of having the mornings to herself rather than wake up at 6 a.m. and rush to the office. The thing is, that they definitely can afford one-spouse-income-lifestyle, denying themselves only a few of their life amenities.
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Golden balance is the keyword here. Living too high on the hog vs. being homeless. Working day and night vs. being bone idle.
Why go to extremes?
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Another friend of mine, uses the theory of milestones. He says the following: “Life offers us too many opportunities we just cannot ignore. However, before taking one chance or another, I stop and take a step back, like a painter who views the picture in front of him and makes a notch of what should be done next. This is a milestone, a stop, a short break 34use to keep myself from running. Don’t be a DOER without being a THINKER, first. Your energy sources are limited, you can’t just do everything in life. So, choose carefully”.
My life experience proves these words to be wise and far-sighted.
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Isn’t is a shame to feel miserable just because you have only 42′ LCD while your neighbour has a bigger one? Just wonder, how many people are always unhappy with what they’ve got and crave for more. When “more” is not enough, there’s always more than more. This is a spiral with no end. Well, actually, it does have an end. A painful one.
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