Balancing Wants and Needs

I am reminded of my daughter’s second grade Junior Achievement lesson, when I spent 4 weeks teaching the kids about the difference between wants and needs.  I had one hour each week with them and together we learned that a new video game is not a NEED.  We learned that most of what we wanted Santa to bring was a WANT and not a NEED.  It was fun to reminisce about that lesson, and in doing so I realized that the balance of wants and needs is way out of whack in my life.

I want to this, but I have to do that.
I want to go here, but I have to go there.
I have to get this done.  I have to get that done.
I want to do that, but there is no time.
Maybe another day.  Maybe later.

have to….have to… have to…..  There are SO many ‘have to’ dos, that I think I might go insane!   I have recently realized my dilemma may be self imposed.  If I’m honest, my dilemma IS self-imposed.  Sometime along the way I have taken on the role of Super Woman.  Over the years I have taken on problems that don’t really belong to me, but I’m happy to go solve them, because that’s what I do.  I have to help.

have to…have to.. have to…

I’m sure you do it too.  You over commit, over schedule, over plan and over think.  We must stop.  We must step back and decide if what we are doing is what we WANT to do, or more dreadfully, is what we HAVE to do. There must be a better balance. Of course the day is filled with things that have to get done.  But, the day should also be sprinkled with things that you want to get done.

What makes you smile?  Do it.  Do it more often.

What fills your heart with happiness?  Do it.  Do it more often.

Super woman is make believe.  Time to get real.

Posted in the following categories: General Wellness, Stress