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My dad used to say...

January 3rd, 2013 at 04:11 pm

My dad used to say that when you no longer want things, you are dying. Interesting concept, yes?

We went to Menards yesterday to buy light bulbs since we were already close to them. (Granted, 12 miles from home isn't huge, but we try to cluster our northbound trips together.) We walked around and looked at things and DH asked if there was anything I wanted and I said, "No, not really."

Right now DH and I are saving up for hardwood floors for the family room, dining room, and hallway. I guess I'm thinking of trying to find ways to save money and sock more of it away. This is over and above our regular savings and my retirement account.

So, to one extent I don't really crave anything, except looking forward to new floors. And shopping for the sheer thrill of it doesn't excite me either. But, I'm not sure my dad's idea rings true entirely. What do you think?

Posted in Saving Money, Shopping | 10 Comments »

10 Responses to “My dad used to say...”

  1. scfr Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 04:18 pm 1357229918
    1357229918

    Well, if "things" could include non-material things, then perhaps it is true.

    There is another expression I heard that I really like, but don't remember it's origin. It is that the secret to happiness is not in getting more, but in being satisfied with what you have.

  2. laura Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 04:19 pm 1357229969
    1357229969


    I think that sometimes you reach a point where you are content with what you have. I used to worry about what I did or didn't have (and always in comparison with other people). I figured out that it really had to do with how *I* viewed myself, and no one really probably cared if my clothing was from the thrift store. The interesting thing is now that I've come to the place that I am at mentally and emotionally (which is better and more self/family focused), I would like a few nice things. I did make some purchases in Nov/Dec for myself (using money from my birthday, I bought myself a Nikon camera and a few items of clothing drastically reduced from Macy's). And, it wasn't even really that big of a deal after I did it.

  3. ceejay74 Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 04:27 pm 1357230423
    1357230423

    I don't really agree, I guess, but I can see where it comes from. If you're not striving for something, you might die sooner. But that "something" could be as simple as keeping your life in order, I think; even just keeping the status quo going in your life usually takes some effort.

    I remember this study but could only find one mention of it online, so maybe it's been discredited: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1986-10-08/lifestyle/0260150095_1_people-who-complain-study-of-nursing-psychologists. I think it speaks to trying to improve your life vs. giving up and accepting things. But I also have heard that stress takes a toll on your life, so I think you have to find a balance between "wanting" and being content with what there is.

  4. CB in the City Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 04:31 pm 1357230699
    1357230699

    I think he just meant that "wanting" indicated an interest in life and the future. Sounds to me like you want hardwood floors, so I wouldn't count you out!

  5. Amber Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 04:44 pm 1357231468
    1357231468

    I like the saying but would not agree. I'd say its prioritizing coupled with maturity Smile

  6. Swimgirl Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 05:08 pm 1357232905
    1357232905

    But you do want something... you want those hardwood floors!

  7. Miz Pat Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 06:25 pm 1357237510
    1357237510

    I don't thing your Father meant material things. I think this saying is more for wanting things out of life. You want to have family around you, you want to enjoy your home, you want to be healthy and walk around and enjoy life and the outdoors - these are things, but not things you can buy. And when you stop wanting those things, its the end.

  8. Ima saver Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 06:31 pm 1357237872
    1357237872

    Well, there is nothing I want, but I am not dying!

  9. LuckyRobin Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 09:58 pm 1357250296
    1357250296

    I don't know. I kind of feel like you spend the first half of your life acquiring things and the second half of it giving them all away!

  10. wowitsawonderfullife Says:
    January 3rd, 2013 at 11:19 pm 1357255180
    1357255180

    I couldn't agree more LuckyRobin!

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