Thursday, January 24, 2008

The other side of the coin


A few days ago Lizzy tagged me to do a post where I thought about something differently.
I have been pondering it and the post I want to do would be far too personal. So rather than discuss what I am feeling specifically, here is what I have come to realize. Instead of focusing on what I don’t have, I am going to do the opposite. Focus on what I do have, because I am truly blessed with so many many things to be grateful for.

It’s not that I normally focus on what I don’t have because that’s not true. But with this one thing, I do focus on the don’t have part.

But if I continue to look at it from that perspective, it will eat me alive. And I like being alive and what a painful way to go, don’t you think?

Life is full of surprises and this is one of them. Just because I think it was meant to be, doesn’t mean that it was. Let’s face it, I didn’t dream of being an accountant all my life, but I sure did go out and become one didn’t I? And do I regret it? Not really. I really like the work I do for many reasons, see 7 & 8 here. But is it my dream job? Nope, not even a little. But being a stay at home mommy sure is. There’s the curve ball. If I wasn’t a chartered accountant I wouldn’t be able to have a career (sort of!) and stay at home.

Life takes you all kinds of place and I honestly believe that each one is for a reason. But on the flip side I also believe that you are the one who steers the boat with the decisions that you make everyday. Life gives you opportunities and you can steer towards them or away.

I have always believed that I am the best judge of what is right for me.

However, maybe that isn’t always the case. Maybe I am just letting my wants overshadow all else. I am greedy. After all that is a basic human emotion in my humble opinion. Some are greedier than others but each one of us has our moments. I am guilty of that emotion daily. I work on it but folks, it’s a life long process.

I am getting there and changing my perspective from what I don’t have to what I do will be a great starting point.

Wish me luck or wait for the video of the eating alive debacle, it ought to be a good one.

Oh and I tag you, you, you and you! Go for it!

13 comments:

Kellan said...

This was good Kami! You're talking about being "satisfied" or "content" I think. I think we all struggle with these emotions off and on in our lives. All I can say is that the older I have become, the more settled and content I feel and I think that it just comes with age. I hope that for you - you are still so young and I think it will come - contentment. It's a gift of age. Take care - see you soon. Kellan

Anonymous said...

Kami - awesome post! It is so neat to see you focusing on the positive - what you DO have. It certainly does affect a lot of things in your life when you can do that. And I agree with Kellan. It does seem that as you get older you do get more content and a different perspective settles over you. It is a blessing, really because you can see things differently, prioritize differently. It will color your world in a new and better way. :) Just try to remember to dwell on the good and that will help get you there.

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

Life is a struggle to be content while still striving for the future. You truly DO have to do both. But it's hard to know sometimes, what is too much focus on one. Here's to hoping we can all have better balance.

Karen MEG said...

Great challenge. It's only human nature to want more; I don't think it's necessarily greed. But it is a challenge to strike a balance and to be able to appreciate the things that one already has. I find it especially important now that we have children, impressionable children, when we're trying to instill the real values of life.
Great post Kami.

Angella said...

What? Being an accountant isn't your dream job???

Me neither. But it pays the bills...and for trips to Mexico :)

Great post Kami - I loved it :)

Lizzy in the Burbs said...

Very thought provoking post, Kami, you done good!

I think if you asked any person on any given day if they were doing exactly what they wished they were doing, they'd probably say no. We compromise sometimes in order to have the best of both worlds. That said,..I don't think it's necessarily greedy to want more. We all have dreams, and although you may have to put them on hold temporarily, it doesn't mean that someday they won't happen. I hope you won't give up on whatever it is that you want. I really do think that you can appreciate with all your heart what you have and still work towards your goals.

Okay, so now I'm going to stick my big nose in where it doesn't belong and ask you, does this have anything to do with photograpy? Because, if it does, I think you'd make a fantastic photographer/artist. Your pictures are beautiful and I hope you keep taking them and working on your skills because you're very talented. If that's not what you were referring to, I'm a little embarrassed, but I still think you're a hugely talented woman! :)

Have a great weekend, Kami!

Lizzy

Homegrown Tribe said...

Great post! I love the idea of looking at things differently. Sometimes that all we need is to stop and really think. that can obviously be hard with all those kiddos around sometimes. :)

have a great day!

Anonymous said...

GooD JOB :)

Kristin said...

Great post, and a good attitude to have too!

Kellan said...

Hey Kami - thanks for coming by today. I've been out all day - running kids to parties, shopping for Birthday presents - now I'm watching Top Gun - I'm happy now. Take care and have a good weekend. Kellan

Alex Elliot said...

That sounds like a very positive attitude. I remember when I was younger thinking that when people were grown-ups they had the type of jobs that they would practically skip to in the morning. I can't say that I've met too many of those people, but I have met a lot of people who are happy with their jobs.

Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...

I went back to work for a year, and I was floored by the snottiness that came out of my friends about my "selfishness" my "greed" and my "putting money before my children." The fact was, money had absolutely nothing to do with my decision, and I can clearly tell that God had his hand in my step to go back to work. It has opened up amazing opportunities for my family, and even now that I am a SAHM again and loving it, I know that that was where I was supposed to be for that year of my life.

Good luck. I love this Think Differently Meme, everyone brings up such interesting ideas. And I do think you are the best judge of what is best for you.

Anonymous said...

Great post, Kami!! I'm a firm believer in always trying to find the positive in things. And you have so done that! I have also found that as I get older I am more content and happy with my life. I'm only young so it means the best is yet to come. Right? ;-)