Maybe it is way past time in Gumshoe’s perspective for us to all focus on what we cherish and what makes our lives worth living. Love, family, God, health, home, financial security, work, retirement, friends, work, travel, hobbies, pets, dessert . . . The list is endless and short be!
The wisdom of Helen Keller rings true to one’s heart when she exclaimed:
I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.
This Gumshoe tries to focus on my “daily joy” and my “sincere gratitude” for what I have rather than dwelling on what I don’t have. Joy in living! Happiness seems to be always fleeting and somewhat incomplete to some. Their heart’s content seems to be never fully satisfied but always “wanting”. Reminds me of Oliver Twist, “Please sir, I want more”.
Gumshoe’s time working the streets gave me up- close and all too-personal contact with folks in all states of unhappiness and heartbreak. They also wanted “more”. Name the poison (think of the seven deadly sins); these folks wanted “more” no matter whatever the cost since they went the wrong way to obtain it. This gumshoe was in too many sad instances, woefully unprepared to adequately address their “More” problem—just officially administer a temporary “bandaid fix” via a pair of cold metal handcuffs and a trip to the local jail. I knew that either myself or my fellow partners in blue would eventually venture again (via 911) back into their unhappy lives on their fruit search for “more”. Tragically, (more often than not) the aftermath was a body bag being zippered-up by the coroner deputy.
“Move on folks, nothing to see here!” No joy, life promises forfeited for sure.
I would think . . .
“. . . There but for the grace of God go I “, uttered by 16th century, John Bradford as he watched
a group of prisoners being led to their execution. He lately wore a shirt of flames by the way.
Note: Mr. Bradford probably paraphrased 1st Corinthians 15: 8-10 if you desire further Devine insight.
I guess dear readers you may take from Gumshoe’s lens of experience that it is important to be truly thankful to have another day in order to reflect on the blessings you do possess and try to forget about the “more”. That in itself with be a blessing and a true joy in life!
Remember to love the ones who love you, and try to love who don’t.
“The ability to be happy with what you have is authentic natural well-being.” – Socrates
There are many reasons why we should choose to become minimalists and simplify our lives. Adopting a minimalist lifestyle mainly means continuing to find happiness and contentment in what we already have every day. It means being satisfied with what is already there without having to wait for happiness to spring from something we have (yet) to acquire.
The ability to find happiness in what we already have represents a unique opportunity to make our life incredibly more pleasant and much less stressful.
Yet, in our consumer culture, where discontent is rampant and material gratification decidedly encouraged, learning to be happy with what you already have can prove to be very difficult. It is certainly a personal journey and the journey of each of us will certainly be unique. There is no key or rule that is applicable to everyone, but there is the possibility of doing something that helps to attract the ability to settle in our lives and find joy and happiness in what we already have.
Perhaps the most effective of all is to help others. When we start offering our sincere and spontaneous help to others, if we invest capacity, time and even money for others, we gradually learn to be happy and grateful for what we already have. Being supportive of others helps us to better appreciate what we are, what we own and what we have to offer to the world. We will feel even more satisfied and grateful for all the beautiful things that already surround us and sharing them with others will make them even more wonderful.
Great comments Aldo! You have it absolutely right about our consumer culture. “Less is more” is the key where one can find true happiness in simple pleasures. You also hit upon “charity”. I strongly believe that genuine charity and give one clarity of purpose in life. Thanks for your wise insight my friend.
Thanks to you Danny.
Oops my previous comment should have said Less is always more. I had it backwards.
Let’s put away that jug of wine Nightingale.
Wanting more is less as you have always said. More comes in many ways, both good and bad, we need to know the difference. Great article babe.
Ahhh, just the simple things in life; a jug of wine, some bread and you!
I suppose there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting more. More food if one is hungry. More money to rent or buy housing, clothing, transportation, and education for self and family. However, when wanting more becomes greed then it is detrimental. When how we go about getting more is unlawful, unethical, or immoral then it is detrimental.
More can even be good, depending on what we want more of. More self-responsibility, more charity, more love, and the list could go on and on. Sadly, as you note, police officers all too often see the bad side of wanting more.
Your absolutely right my friend Ken; wanting more and obtaining “more” in the proper manner (the right thing, in the right manner, in the right way, for the right reason and in the right time) is definitely a virtue. Thanks again Ken for your comment as well for our continued dialogue.