It’s a hard thing, being ‘content’ in this culture of ours.
Today I leafed through Martha Stewart Living magazine and saw image after image representing the life I wish I had.
Beautifully outfitted women.
Spacious character homes perfectly appointed.
500-thread-count egyptian sheets.
Sigh.
I live in Vancouver. I have a small (but full of character) condo in the gritty neighbourhood of gastown. I saw those images, and longed for
that idealized lifestyle. “Why”, I wondered, “don’t I have a wardrobe full of perfect clothes?” “Will I ever,” I wondered, “be able to purchase a
large character home in Vancouver, given the market?” and “When will I too be taking semi-annual trips to Europe? Or I’d settle even for annual ones!” Frustration, resentment and discouragement set in.
Two hours later, I was overlooking the ocean and the northshore wooded mountains, in the Barnett Marine Park – a best kept Vancouver secret.
With me were my 2 daschunds, and my closest male friend, an intelligent, loyal, extremely interesting friend who loves me through thick and thin.
A seal caught a fish right in front of us and feasted in full view.
We ourselves ate prosciutto, spicy olives and ferrero rocher chocolates.
It was 90 minutes of heaven on earth.
Love. Pets. Clean (reasonably) air. A place that is ‘home’ regardless of the size.
These things are priceless.
This fall, my renewed praxis is to begin each and every day with a moment of reflection of all that is good, meaningful and satisfying in my life, right now, exactly as it is. It’s not easy to reorient myself towards what is priceless (how crazy, that that should be hard!), but I commit to centering myself in all that is priceless in my life. (and if anyone wishes to send me a Talbot’s gift card, I’ll happily accept that too.)
Question: What is priceless in your life?
That’s an easy one…my relationship with my sweetie.
[Reply]
The unconditional love and acceptance of my grandkids; times away relaxing with my husband; music; being able to be outdoors in the country (where I live, as well as other country places.)
[Reply]
My beautiful and amazing daughters!!
[Reply]
The things that are priceless in my life is my friends and family. How they support me and love me with whole hearts!! and of course my lil’ sis’!!
[Reply]
My partner, Blaise, is priceless to me.
[Reply]
wow – no doubt about it: it’s the people in our life who are priceless. Parents, kids, grandkids, friends, partners … I found this quite moving, actually! If anyone else is reading, feel free to chime in!
[Reply]