Want Not, Have More!

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions but in having few wants.”
– Esther De Waal, Seeking God: The Way of St. Benedict

I recently renewed my subscription to one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple (I highly recommend!) and this quote was on the “Thoughts” page of their January issue. And it did just that…Made me think.

Was this why Christmas this year seemed particularly special? I had not really needed nor wanted anything in particular, so every gift I received brought me the excitement and awe of a young child, well, on Christmas morning. Everything glittered and made me feel so cherished by those that had presented them to me.

Then, I thought, what a wonderful way to start off 2010. What if we all focused less on material possessions and paychecks and more on the simple things that make us happy? Would that lead to greater wealth for all? This is not to say that I don’t believe in having dreams and goals and going after them with zealous. I very much do. But what if we just refocused our goals and priorities a bit?

Few wants may just lead us to a more simplistic, enriching and fulfilling life—One where we will actually have time to focus on that which brings us a wealth of happiness.

I wish you all the happiness and blessings of riches you seek this New Year.

Dream Big. Want less.
M.

Photo Credit: ThePres6