In America, we have a saying: The finer things in life. These are the things that most people talk about when they are speaking of thing of high quality. In fact, much of that which propels people to pursue success, particularly financial success, is the desire to participate in the finer things in life.
Let's face it, increased finances enable us to do more things and enjoy things that we otherwise would not be able to afford. And we should consider that a blessing.
I am at a stage where my wife and I, and our kids, can enjoy some of the finer things in life. It hasn't always been that way. I think sometimes it is best to have to go years of getting by so that we appreciate more fully the finer things in life when we are able to experience them. I am thankful for where I am.
Who can argue of the beauty of a fine painting? Who doesn't love the smell and feel of leather furniture? Who doesn't enjoy driving a well-engineered car? Who doesn't dream of the softness and warmth of a Cashmere sweater? Who doesn't like a nice watch that can be passed on the your son or daughter someday? All of these are common symbols of the finer things in life, and indeed they are.
There is only one possible pitfall that I have found in the pursuit of the finer things in life. It is common that many fall into this trap. It is this:
While pursuing the finer things in life, we often become so engrained, so focused in the pursuit, that we do not experience the finest things in life.
You see, for the most part, the finer things in life, as commonly defined, cost money. And usually it takes a lot of time working to make the kind of money that enables us to experience the finer things in life. And in the pursuit of the money to enjoy the finer things in life, we are spending so much time that we are missing regular opportunities to enjoy the finest things in life.
Let me tell you of a recent experience. A couple of weeks ago I took my son, age 9, down to see some spring training baseball in Phoenix, Arizona. This was our second trip down together and we hope to make it an annual tradition. We popped down just for three days to see three games (Boy the Seattle Mariners are looking good this year! But I digress...)
The first game we saw was against the California Angels in their spring training facility in Tempe. There we sat waiting for the game to start. Now let me assure you, this was not an experience of the finer things in life. It was actually a little chilly out, though the sun was shining. We were sitting on relatively hard seats, and my cuisine consisted of peanuts and a diet-Pepsi. Hmmmmm.
But do you know what I found myself thinking? "There is no place else in the world I would rather be right now."
I was spending time with my boy, doing something we would both enjoy, and creating memories that will never go away. This, my friends, was one of the finest things in life.
What are the finest things of life in my book? Here are a few. You can see where I am going and name a few yourself.
Reading a novel just for the fun of it.
A casual stroll along the beach with nowhere to go.
An extra half-hour at the coffee shop, catching up with friends and actually tasting the great flavor of a cup of coffee, rather than rushing it.
A game of crazy eights with my kids.
A quiet evening out with my wife.
A Saturday afternoon sleeping on the couch in front of the fire.
And the list goes on...
Are you taking enough time to stop and taste of the finest things in life? Or are you so bent on getting to a point wherein you can experience the finer things in life?
I have a saying that "good is the enemy of the best." Sometimes the finer things of life get in the way of the finest things in life. Sometimes we settle for the finer things in life when we could be enjoying the finest things in life.
Visa has a series of new advertisements out right now. They would go something like this (describing a vacation): Airline tickets: $1500. Hotel room: $1200. The smile on her face: Priceless.
We can always put a value on the finer things in life, and I would encourage you to enjoy them if you can. But the finest things in life are priceless. You can put no value or price tag on them. It is a mandate that we take the time to enjoy them.
Take some time this week to live up to the old saying: Stop and smell the roses. You will never regret it.
About The Author:
Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.
To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434
Matches are all about power; a new world opens up... Read More
Buddhists study nothing because they have found that you must... Read More
What would your life be like if you lived each... Read More
In brief, my book A REASON FOR LIVING is the... Read More
"I would like to pray more. But ... how to... Read More
"Desire is a tremendous force, and must be directed in... Read More
Jeremiah was certainly one of the most distinguished notables of... Read More
I tremble at the thought that millions of people suffer... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 17,... Read More
People often ask me how they can improve their lives.I... Read More
Your own level of frequency raises or lowers the overall... Read More
I remember when I was just a little guy probably... Read More
This week is Part Five of our five part series... Read More
Discernment is an inner guide or compass. It is loving... Read More
The story of the three bricklayers has been around for... Read More
Have you or do you know someone who has been... Read More
Here's a nifty trick to use to clear yourself of... Read More
You've probably heard of the popular saying "It's better to... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 9,... Read More
Wow, it's a new year and a new millennium! What... Read More
Many of us are unable to move forward with our... Read More
I grew up in the south in the 1960's. Married... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 16,... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 2,... Read More
I believe that it is an amazing time in our... Read More
Wonder:~~To think or speculate curiously~~To be filled with admiration, amazement... Read More
To every life, there is a purpose; a purpose of... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 15,... Read More
Judge not, lest ye be judged. ?Matthew 7:1The call was... Read More
"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions.... Read More
Life is what happens to you, while you are making... Read More
The man plopped down on his chair, defeated.His father's maxims... Read More
Peril, catastrophe and disaster.These are our friends, allies and mentors.Appearing... Read More
The good part of this story is that there is... Read More
Somebody said you have to love what you do, but... Read More
You don't have to excavate diamond mines or oil fields... Read More
Did you ever think that you are not playing the... Read More
These moments of awareness are powerful motivators. They boost our... Read More
What we believe plays a very big role in outcomes... Read More
Jonathan:ˇ§This is my brother, Jonathanˇ¨. They walked into the room... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 16,... Read More
Resistance is not a new word, but for many of... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of January 12,... Read More
Here's the great challenge of life - You can have... Read More
"If unresolved anger is a toxin to the spirit, forgiveness... Read More
Here's a nifty trick to use to clear yourself of... Read More
The quest for the ultimate victory.In part one I shared... Read More
Change, no matter how you cut it, can certainly be... Read More
So who is Dr Robert Anthony?He is the best-selling author... Read More
Diana is a wonderful person with a great personality and... Read More
Many people feel they have everything they need in life,... Read More
The old familiar adages just don't do it for me... Read More
I remember when I was just a little guy probably... Read More
Even though this article was next on my idea list,... Read More
Everyone wants to be rich. A lot of people want... Read More
Thanks to Walt Disney's "The Lion King", children the world... Read More
"Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the... Read More
Many successful persons advise you start your day with a... Read More
Many people think that their life is a disaster that... Read More
IntroductionNearly all employers and human resource professionals are aware of... Read More
In brief, my book A REASON FOR LIVING is the... Read More
All of our lives we always seem to direct our... Read More
It goes without question that any business intending to thrive... Read More
Waking up one day and realizing your world just isn't... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of June 30,... Read More
A Story (Source Unknown) ? One day a very wealthy... Read More
Inspirational |