There are some changes going on in the Lopez household. Some dear friends reminded me recently that such is our time... our lifestyles are affected in ways I can't always understand but I do know that I hate to feel I am going backward. I grew up in a home where my parents were ever moving forward, and continue to do so today. They wanted and worked for "better" for us; who -- including me -- doesn't want that for their children?
It's been a while since I've had to be this aware of the dollars we spend and the way we make use of our resources. And in reality, this isn't a bad thing. For my personal life, I believe I always should be mindful of: what we're spending, how and where we're spending, what's coming in, what's going out, what can be let go, what we can share, what we can sell. I'm a minimalist, so why do I need three pairs of running shoes, especially since my running habit is sporadic at best?
Less meals out and more meals at home benefits us in MANY ways, but sometimes I don't like to cook. Sometimes eating out is just more "fun" or convenient. Or is it? Eating out means we each have to get dressed and out the door, which is sometimes easier said than done! Eating out means we have to choose a place with limited options; sometimes we are SO indecisive, it drives me nuts! Ultimately, eating out means we usually have to pay double or triple the amount of what it costs to eat at home.
Where I live is awesome. I love the people, the scenery, the schools. I wouldn't change it. But sometimes, just sometimes, I can get caught up in the "desperate housewives" of it all. Oh, how I love the women and fellow moms I've met. I'm not calling any of them desperate. I've met amazing, intelligent, generous, creative and loving housewives and working moms. But just because Mom X gets a manicure every week or has a maid or drives a *enter AWESOME car here*... just because these are the realities of some of the people around me, this may not be my reality. And that's more than OK. I've never been prone to jealousy, but I think it's easy to just SEE and WANT without even realizing it! Not only that, but these "things" are just that... THINGS. The REAL and GOOD stuff? Aw, man. I feel I have way beyond my portion in that area: healthy and brilliant and beautiful kids; an amazing, kind, patient, generous, hard-working genius of a husband; WONDERFUL friends, both here and where we're from (Waco); extended family always ready to help, support and give whatever we need. These "things" are the ingredients of a "good life," not the car, the mansion, the trips, the stuff. Not that I don't like a nice, new car or a fabulous handbag (boy, do I!), I just have to monitor where my eyes and thoughts and, ultimately, heart go.
These changes are good changes. Having to remind oneself of what matters most is GOOD. Evaluating my values is good for me and my family, as well as the world at large. I'm just another human on the planet, but today I am a more mindful human than I was a month ago. Today I am reminded to guard where I place true value and worth.
Beautiful.
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