Discovering “Enough” in 2010 and Beyond

As we launch not only a new year but a new decade in 2010, it is clear many things are changing in our world. Fear of loss and deprivation as a result of the economic crisis, healthcare issues, government and corporate corruption, climate change, global epidemics and more could prevent us from living a happy life. But fear is not the best response to these threats.

I suggest that one powerful survival response is to recognize what is enough. It is an antidote to fear and the answer to finding satisfaction in living. Most of us are warmly clothed, living in comfortable homes surrounded by people we care about. The vast majority of Americans have far more than enough of what they need. Witness our trash piles.

What is enough must be answered by each person individually. A really good definition is “as little as possible and as much as necessary.”

Those who have lived long enough to remember the Great Depression of the 1930s will have no trouble understanding that definition. My mother-in-law still saves aluminum foil and washes out plastic bags for reuse.

Somehow, we lost sight of proportion and the last couple decades have been lived like unlimited growth and expansion could go on forever. Irrational exuberance took over and money and what it could buy became the measure of happiness…or did it?

Yet, just as you cannot breathe out without eventually breathing in, we have arrived at the need to restore the value of non-monetized things like a walk in the Sun, a hug from a loved one, or kind words from a neighbor.

As you begin a new decade, why not begin by first acknowledging what you already have. Before worrying about the future, if you start from appreciating what you have, you might realize that…you already have enough.

May you always have enough of what is really valuable in your life!

Senior guest blogger, Dianne Eppler Adams, is a certified astrologer and has offered life-affirming insights since 1995. Visit her Web site, http://SpiritinMatters.com, to sign up for her monthly newsletter.

Tagged with: 1930s • Aluminum Foil • Antidote • Certifie • Climate Change • Corporate Corruption • Couple Decades • Dianne Eppler Adams • Economic Crisis • Global Epidemics • Government Corruption • Great Depression • Happy Life • Healthcare Issues • Irrational Exuberance • Many Things • Mother In Law • Neighbor • New Decade • Plastic Bags • Proportion • Walk In The Sun

Filed under: Free • Gratitude • Seniors

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