Ode to a Spoon

"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."
--Rabbi Hyman Judah Schachtel (1907-1990)

I have to admit it, I love spoons. I love their round shape. I love their cheerful shine. I love how perfectly they fit into your mouth when you eat something smooth like ice cream or pudding or even when you eat something tummy warming like hot soup.

I love spoons because they are functional as well as beautiful. Eating breakfast cereal just wouldn't be the same experience without them. I enjoy using them very much and always opt for a small, round, silvery spoon anytime it makes sense.

One day, my husband came upon me silently admiring a beautiful sugar spoon from our new 'fancy' silverware collection. I was thrilled with how the bottom of it was artfully shaped like a sea shell. He thought I was nuts.

I realized I feel this way about lots of object in my world. I admire platters, vases, paintings, rugs, blankets, curtains, you name it. Am I materialistic? I suppose on a certain level I am. Here's my philosophy on stuff: I take great pleasure in appreciating the personal possessions that grace my life.

I have profound gratitude for the convenient services my belongings regularly provide me. I even thank them occasionally (when no one is around). I really do appreciate all they do for me and recognize that I could just as easily not have the privilege of their presence in my life.

Along those lines, I make efforts to use them. I no longer horde my favorite things in a closet only taking them out once or twice a year, living in fear of their potential demise. These are beautiful objects! Who am I to hide their splendor from view? They deserve every opportunity to be appreciated.

Should something meet an untimely end, I am sad. But I also thank them for their loyal service for as long as they existed, and use their passing as an opportunity to bring another beautiful, dutiful item into service.

Now, having said this, I do not purchase $1000 spoons or $500 ceramic vases. If one is prepared to replace broken items one must be operating with one's own financial comfort zone. However, ask yourself: would you rather own an expensive item that you rarely enjoy or own something within your financial means that you enhances your life days on end?

I am offering, I suppose, a slightly different view of materialism. It's a different way of looking at the objects in your world, one where you have a mutually beneficial relationship with them.

I know, you're thinking, "she's really gone off the deep end this time." But honestly, this perspective encourages you to notice the beauty surrounding you and the conveniences you enjoy and be grateful for them. This in turn brings positive feelings into your life, what I call Material Contentment.

The next time you eat with a nice spoon or sit on a soft sofa, take a moment to realize how lucky you are to be the guardian of such an object. Has it been loyal in service to you? Have you shown it respect and admiration in return?

Today is a great day to start talking to inanimate objects. Why not begin by saying "Thanks" to your favorite piece of silverware?

Deirdre McEachern's passion is helping her clients achieve their dreams. She believes strongly that you can find a career you enjoy, express your natural talents and have a life!

Are you looking for a quick solution you can do on your own time? An e-Course is just what you need. "Seven Steps to Finding a Job You Love" e-Course is for anyone trying to find a career which they enjoy and expresses their natural talents and wants to do so at home and at their own pace. Click on the this link to find out more http://www.vip-coaching.com/seven_steps.htm

---

One Step at a Time in the Job Search

What is the first step to take in a job... Read More

Resume Tune Up

Employers have fears, uncertainty and DOUBT (the FUD factor) over... Read More

Job Interviews -- What Your Pre-Interview Research Should Cover

When you go in for a job interview, you're not... Read More

Writing A Great Resume, Part 1

Need a great resume to land that great job coming... Read More

The Path of Least Resistance

I spend a bit of time on airplanes. So, I... Read More

Writing a Must-Read Cover Letter

If you want to land an interview, you'll need more... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part Two

Are you in denial about the lifelessness of your resume?... Read More

Effective Networking Skills: The Art Of Taking Your Job Search To A Whole New Level

Your network consists of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and former... Read More

The Six Figure Job Search

Before we start discussing how to search for a six... Read More

What Do Accountants And Doctors Have In Common?

Freshly qualified accounting graduates when asked by the interviewer "Are... Read More

Unemployment Blues: Staying Afloat

The unemployment checks are running out and there is no... Read More

Make Your Career Offshore Proof

There has been a lot of talk recently about American... Read More

Career Discovery - Pinpoint Your Ideal Career

Determine your ideal career--one that's in alignment with your values,... Read More

Seven Ways to Stand Out in a Sea of Applicants

Is your résumé getting lost in a flood of résumés?... Read More

Business Experience is YOUR Security Cover

Some may want to interpret "independent" to mean WITHOUT others.... Read More

When The Going Gets Tough -- The Tough Keep Going

If you've been in a job search for more than... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

Changing Careers? How to Get Around the Three Major Mental Roadblocks to Success

A part of you can't wait to dive into your... Read More

Working as a Knowledge Worker in the Information Age

The old adages: "It's not what you know, but who... Read More

Change Your Life, Change Your Career And Get A New Job!

Careers dictate resume formatDifferent careers use different forms of resumes.... Read More

80,000 Americans Work in the Oil Change Industry

There is a huge shortage, which effects franchises costs in... Read More

Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star!

"Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by... Read More

So You Want A Promotion - What Do You Need To Do To Get the Champagne Corks Popping?

The champagne corks have been popping to celebrate your promotion.... Read More

Fear of Being Outsourced? Fight Back

Me, outsourced? Impossible. How could they replace a business-humor columnist?... Read More

Effective Resumes

A resume is normally the first contact point between an... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers

Imagine a huge river that has been flowing for centuries:... Read More

Identity Theft and Your Online Job Search

While identity theft is nothing new, the Web has opened... Read More

How to Walk Away from an Opportunity thats Wrong for You

Q. I just finished a job interview. Everything went well.... Read More

Relocation Issues...Who Will Pay?

In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn... Read More

Job Search: The End of the Line

There is an end to the job search tunnel!It has... Read More

Creating a Winning Resume

Preparing your resume can often seem like a daunting task.... Read More

Cover Letter Warning: Watch Out For the BIG BAD WORD!

Dear Job-Seeker:Just as Goldilocks was suspicious of the big bad... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Petite Model?

Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More