Life satisfaction

[Sizzle]

Do you ever feel like you will never be satisfied in life? Not justwith jewelry, but with things in general? It''s like you''re in collegeand you can''t pick a major, you finally do, and you can''t wait til yougraduate. Then your close to graduation so you''re anxious to get a job.you graduate, find employment and you can''t wait til you get married.You obsess over it, when''s the proposal going to happen, what''s the ring going to look like, then it happens and you celebrate for a night then
start obsessing over the wedding, the dress, the venue, the hair, the ewels, and honeymoon, it''s over and you''re on to a new house, car, anniversary band, diamond earrings, upgrade, bigger house, nicer car, promotion at work, kids, their college, their weddings, their new house, kids etc.. then the next thing you know, it''s over, you''re at the end of your life and as you face death you wish you could go back to being a kid, being in college, falling in love, planning your future, but you can''t, and you missed all the joy of living your life because you were always looking for the next exciting thing... Just for a moment, here at 35, I want life to slow down. I want to enjoy the things I have right now and be happy right now while I''m still fat, not in my dream house driving an older car, working below my target position.. I hear and read about how it''s important to "live in the moment" but have come to realize that''s WAY easier said than done!
http://www.vlingo.com/

 

[Smurfysmiles]

well said sizzle, I try to appreciate what I have as much as I can

 

[Upgradable]

Sizzle, I know exactly what you''re talking about!! Gratefully I can say that I''ve moved beyond those feelings. However, it took scoring my dream job, being sorely disillusioned with it, leaving after a year, being diagnosed with a chronic illness, giving up my career entirely, and going through a year of therapy to understand how to be content and happy living in the moment.

My example is not meant to garner sympathy or to burst anyone''s bubble, but it shows what sometimes needs to happen before one can find joy in life as it is lived. The biggest, hearwarming joy in my life right now is greeting my son as he gets off the school bus. He sees me and a huge smile fills his face, he runs and wraps me up in a big bear hug, NO MATTER WHO IS WATCHING!!

 

[Haven]

I have friends who are like that--they're always focused on the next big thing, and nothing is ever good enough right now.

I don't know, I'm just not like that. I've just always been pretty simple, I guess. I love the little things and always have. I have one of those wooden block calendars in my kitchen window sill and it has the perfect quote on it for this thread:

"Delight in the details and every day will be a pleasure."

I think that's true.

How do you do that if you're not in the habit? I don't really know. Maybe ask what joys others find in their daily lives, and try to find inspiration there.

These are some of the simple things I delight in every day:
- The smell of coffee as it fills up my kitchen in the morning.
- My long walk with the pup around the neighborhood. I love this time of year, especially. All of the flowers are coming in, and there are birds chirping all over the place.
- Quiet time with my DH when we're both home from work. We like to sit right next to each other on the sofa and read our own books at the same time. It's fun to be smushed up together but doing our own thing.
- Blasting my favorite music on the car ride to work.
- I have a lot of beautiful things in my home that make me happy every time I see them--artwork from Etsy artists, books I've cherished since childhood, hand potted mugs that remind me of the times and places I bought them.
- Hanging out with my cats and my dog. They are the best cure for a fast-paced life, nobody knows how to slow down like house pets. Seriously.
- Taking a long breakfast to read my newest magazine over hot eggs and coffee.
- A hot shower.

What do you do that you really relish everyday, Sizzle? I bet there's a lot but you just stopped noticing.

ETA: I forgot my FAVORITE simple pleasure: Riding behind a car with a happy dog in the back seat. Best. Thing. Ever. I've been known to follow a particularly happy backseat dog out of my way a bit.

 

[Smurfysmiles]

We have a quote in our kitchen too that I love
"If you love the life you live, you will live the life you love"

And ditto about the cats and dogs!

 

[Haven]

I like that, Smurfy!

 

[mrscushion]

I switch back and forth. One side of me is very ambitious and driven, and I think the flip side of those positive adjectives is that feeling of nothing's ever quite good enough yet. On the other hand, I know fully well that what makes me really happy are quiet moments (you could look at them as mundane moments, or, like Haven, as precious daily details) with FI. I try to keep the balance and remind myself daily of what's really important and what I really look forward to every day.

 

[purselover]

My DH really struggles with this. He always wants more and more and keeps setting that bar higher, but in the end it''s a recipe for unhappiness.

You can''t let titles and possessions define you as a person, you are more than a job title, a car, a wife etc. You are sizzle and you are in control of your own happiness. A car cannot make you happy it''s just a piece of metal. Happiness comes from within and as long as you put expectations on other people and things to make you happy you will never be satisfied. Remember how smart/funny/charismatic/whatever traits you think you are and concentrate on those instead, that''s what really defines you not what you''re driving!

I know it''s definitely easier said than done, but you really need to change your mindset on life. What will really change if you get that 5ct ring (or whatever it is you aspire to have)? ......Nothing you''ll still be the same Sizzle just with a huge rock on your hand. Even worse you''ll probably end up wanting an 8ct, or a higher color or clarity.

I really feel for you, I see how much DH fixates on things and it''s sad he''s not able to appreciate where he is/what he''s accomplished more.

 

[Haven]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:20:24 PM
Author: purselover
My DH really struggles with this. He always wants more and more and keeps setting that bar higher, but in the end it''s a recipe for unhappiness.

You can''t let titles and possessions define you as a person, you are more than a job title, a car, a wife etc. You are sizzle and you are in control of your own happiness. A car cannot make you happy it''s just a piece of metal. Happiness comes from within and as long as you put expectations on other people and things to make you happy you will never be satisfied. Remember how smart/funny/charismatic/whatever traits you think you are and concentrate on those instead, that''s what really defines you not what you''re driving!

I know it''s definitely easier said than done, but you really need to change your mindset on life. What will really change if you get that 5ct ring (or whatever it is you aspire to have)? ......Nothing you''ll still be the same Sizzle just with a huge rock on your hand. Even worse you''ll probably end up wanting an 8ct, or a higher color or clarity.

I really feel for you, I see how much DH fixates on things and it''s sad he''s not able to appreciate where he is/what he''s accomplished more.

I agree with you, purselover.

The irony with your DH''s POV is that (at least I believe this) he would probably get farther in life and be in a position to obtain more once he let go of the *desire* for those things. I''m sure I''m not going to explain this all that well, but neither DH nor I care much about titles or money or stuff, and yet we have both found fabulous careers in excellent fields that pay well. It''s like the more you let go, the more you receive. Bah, I knew I wouldn''t be able to explain it.

I''ll put it this way:
Of all our friends, we probably care the least about status and stuff, yet we are both very successful and probably *could* have more than most of our friends because we have the means for it.

It''s like the happier and more contented you are with your life, the easier things come to you. I have a very good friend who always complains that my life is *sooooo* easy and I''m the golden child because everything always works out for me. But in reality, I think everything works out because I make choices based on what will make me the happiest, and not based on what will bring me the most stuff. And for some reason, happiness always leads to both, in my experience.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think living in the moment or taking life one day at a time takes work. Human nature seems to create this planning obsession like you described. I used to TOTALLY be that person. I was so focused on the next stage of my life I didn''t pay much attention to my current. I think that is really sad and caused a lot of stress. Now I make an effort to enjoy every minute of everyday. It''s all about the change of perspective.

 

[alli_esq]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:29:27 PM
Author: Haven

Date: 4/20/2010 2:20:24 PM
Author: purselover
My DH really struggles with this. He always wants more and more and keeps setting that bar higher, but in the end it''s a recipe for unhappiness.

You can''t let titles and possessions define you as a person, you are more than a job title, a car, a wife etc. You are sizzle and you are in control of your own happiness. A car cannot make you happy it''s just a piece of metal. Happiness comes from within and as long as you put expectations on other people and things to make you happy you will never be satisfied. Remember how smart/funny/charismatic/whatever traits you think you are and concentrate on those instead, that''s what really defines you not what you''re driving!

I know it''s definitely easier said than done, but you really need to change your mindset on life. What will really change if you get that 5ct ring (or whatever it is you aspire to have)? ......Nothing you''ll still be the same Sizzle just with a huge rock on your hand. Even worse you''ll probably end up wanting an 8ct, or a higher color or clarity.

I really feel for you, I see how much DH fixates on things and it''s sad he''s not able to appreciate where he is/what he''s accomplished more.

I agree with you, purselover.

The irony with your DH''s POV is that (at least I believe this) he would probably get farther in life and be in a position to obtain more once he let go of the *desire* for those things. I''m sure I''m not going to explain this all that well, but neither DH nor I care much about titles or money or stuff, and yet we have both found fabulous careers in excellent fields that pay well. It''s like the more you let go, the more you receive. Bah, I knew I wouldn''t be able to explain it.

I''ll put it this way:
Of all our friends, we probably care the least about status and stuff, yet we are both very successful and probably *could* have more than most of our friends because we have the means for it.

It''s like the happier and more contented you are with your life, the easier things come to you. I have a very good friend who always complains that my life is *sooooo* easy and I''m the golden child because everything always works out for me. But in reality, I think everything works out because I make choices based on what will make me the happiest, and not based on what will bring me the most stuff. And for some reason, happiness always leads to both, in my experience.

Haven, I''d just like to say--I really admire your take on things. That is the mindset I struggle to achieve everyday...though I guess in struggling for it, that says a bit about me

 

[Haven]

That''s a very kind thing to say, Alli. Thank you.

I don''t think I can take credit. I was raised by tree hugging hippies who didn''t have much, anyway, so I had no chance from the start!

I was bound to delight in the little things, because that''s all we had and my role models relished in them.

My father did turn into a bit of a hoarder in his mid-life, though, and I think that experience has also given me an aversion to stuff. I don''t like having a lot around, so the combo of childhood hippie parents and an adulthood hoarder father was like the perfect storm for turning me into an adult who likes simple pleasures and loathes things.

 

[purselover]

Date: 4/20/2010 2:29:27 PM
Author: Haven

Date: 4/20/2010 2:20:24 PM
Author: purselover
My DH really struggles with this. He always wants more and more and keeps setting that bar higher, but in the end it''s a recipe for unhappiness.

You can''t let titles and possessions define you as a person, you are more than a job title, a car, a wife etc. You are sizzle and you are in control of your own happiness. A car cannot make you happy it''s just a piece of metal. Happiness comes from within and as long as you put expectations on other people and things to make you happy you will never be satisfied. Remember how smart/funny/charismatic/whatever traits you think you are and concentrate on those instead, that''s what really defines you not what you''re driving!

I know it''s definitely easier said than done, but you really need to change your mindset on life. What will really change if you get that 5ct ring (or whatever it is you aspire to have)? ......Nothing you''ll still be the same Sizzle just with a huge rock on your hand. Even worse you''ll probably end up wanting an 8ct, or a higher color or clarity.

I really feel for you, I see how much DH fixates on things and it''s sad he''s not able to appreciate where he is/what he''s accomplished more.

I agree with you, purselover.

The irony with your DH''s POV is that (at least I believe this) he would probably get farther in life and be in a position to obtain more once he let go of the *desire* for those things. I''m sure I''m not going to explain this all that well, but neither DH nor I care much about titles or money or stuff, and yet we have both found fabulous careers in excellent fields that pay well. It''s like the more you let go, the more you receive. Bah, I knew I wouldn''t be able to explain it.

I''ll put it this way:
Of all our friends, we probably care the least about status and stuff, yet we are both very successful and probably *could* have more than most of our friends because we have the means for it.

It''s like the happier and more contented you are with your life, the easier things come to you. I have a very good friend who always complains that my life is *sooooo* easy and I''m the golden child because everything always works out for me. But in reality, I think everything works out because I make choices based on what will make me the happiest, and not based on what will bring me the most stuff. And for some reason, happiness always leads to both, in my experience.

I totally get what you''re saying and I agree! He''s already made it extremely far obsessing over things so I can only imagine his potential if he learned to let go. The minute I stopped focusing on getting a new/better job because it''s what would "really make me happy" is the moment I got one.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I have brief moments when I wish I would have opted for the career mode instead of mom mode, and helping my husband achieve his goals. But the truth is that with all the problems we have faced together,
we are really happy and crazy in love after 30 years, so that quashes it pretty quickly for me.

I agree with Haven, you have to find things to be thankful for, and before you know it, you are just really happy.

When I was growing up, my mom had a sign in our kitchen that said, "my house is clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to happy" I always loved that and it reminds me where to keep my
priorities.

 

[lyra]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:02:45 PM
Author:Sizzle
Do you ever feel like you will never be satisfied in life? Not justwith jewelry, but with things in general? It''s like you''re in collegeand you can''t pick a major, you finally do, and you can''t wait til yougraduate. Then your close to graduation so you''re anxious to get a job.you graduate, find employment and you can''t wait til you get married.You obsess over it, when''s the proposal going to happen, what''s the ring going to look like, then it happens and you celebrate for a night then
start obsessing over the wedding, the dress, the venue, the hair, the ewels, and honeymoon, it''s over and you''re on to a new house, car, anniversary band, diamond earrings, upgrade, bigger house, nicer car, promotion at work, kids, their college, their weddings, their new house, kids etc.. then the next thing you know, it''s over, you''re at the end of your life and as you face death you wish you could go back to being a kid, being in college, falling in love, planning your future, but you can''t, and you missed all the joy of living your life because you were always looking for the next exciting thing... Just for a moment, here at 35, I want life to slow down. I want to enjoy the things I have right now and be happy right now while I''m still fat, not in my dream house driving an older car, working below my target position.. I hear and read about how it''s important to ''live in the moment'' but have come to realize that''s WAY easier said than done!
http://www.vlingo.com/

You''re right, it takes some work but this IS how I live my life. I took cognitive behaviour therapy and meditation lessons from a pro therapist when I was going through a very rough patch several years ago. It saved my life in many ways. I do live each day in the moment. I''m not dissatisfied with my life and I work on issues daily and don''t dwell on either the past or the future. Sometimes it takes a real negative shake-up in your life to start seeing things differently, and I wouldn''t wish that on anyone. Bad things still happen in my life, but it''s easier to deal with in smaller chunks of time, and to see that I can only change myself and my reactions and not anything anyone else does.

I still have dreams, but I don''t live for them anymore. I work towards things but I don''t set myself up for failure either.

 

[rhbgirl24]

OH My! that struck a cord. I''m sure I need to relax a moment and appreciate what I do have. Thank you!

 

[elrohwen]

Occasionally I'll do this, and there are definitely things in my life that I would like to accomplish (owning a home, owning or leasing a horse, etc) that I do think about. However, in general I feel satisifed with what I have. I expend that obsessive energy towards thinking about what to make for dinner, or what book to read next, etc - simple things, rather than obsessing over major life things. And it's not even obsessing over little things so much as it's taking the time to think about the details in my life and enjoy them. Just planning a meal is so enjoyable and also expends some of that energy that could be worried about jobs and kids and houses.

eta: Watching a bunny sleep and eat will seriously slow your heart rate down and teach you to appreciate calmness! Nothing is calm like a bunny. They're like little Buddhas.

 

[princesss]

Date: 4/20/2010 1:38:15 PM
Author: mscushion
I switch back and forth. One side of me is very ambitious and driven, and I think the flip side of those positive adjectives is that feeling of nothing's ever quite good enough yet. On the other hand, I know fully well that what makes me really happy are quiet moments (you could look at them as mundane moments, or, like Haven, as precious daily details) with FI. I try to keep the balance and remind myself daily of what's really important and what I really look forward to every day.

I've got both, but I like to think they're complementary parts of my personality - I've got a lot of drive and ambition (and yeah, sometimes I'm too focused on what's next and having a plan), but I frequently find joy in small, every day things. It's a rare day for me to not find something to genuinely smile about, even when I hated my job/the city I was in/didn't have good friends. BF is teaching me to slow down and enjoy things a little more and not be soooooo anal about having everything mapped out (and I'm teaching him to think ahead a little more), and I think with his influence my life has become a really good balance of enjoying right now and figuring out how I'm going to enjoy the future just as much.

ETA: Sizzle, if you've got the time and like kids, I'll say what taught me the most about enjoying the moment and really being present in my day was working at Build-A-Bear Workshop. It sounds silly, but they really take the FISH method (Play, Be There, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude) to new heights - by thinking about those four things, I spent about 20 hours each week only thinking about what I was doing RIGHT THEN and how I could make somebody else's day better/more fun/more special. Choose Your Attitude was a life-changing revelation for me - I and only I am in control of how I feel and react, and I can turn something into a positive just as quickly and easily as I can make it negative.

 

[kenny]

I wouldn''t change a thing.

It''s not that my life''s so good.
It''s that I''ve abandoned all standards.

 

[isaku5]

I don''t know whether any of you are old enough to remember Peggy Lee singing, "Is That All There Is?", but it was sort of a mid-life crisis song. At the time DH and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement because both of us had had similar ''questions''. Now that we''re in our ''twilight years'' (for lack of a better term), we are reminiscing a whole lot more and thinking more along the lines of, Da*n, we''ve had a blast!

As Paul Anka wrote for Frank Sinatra, ''Regrets, I''ve had a few, but then again too few to mention, has become ''our song''

We now realize that we''ve been blessed in so many ways.

 

[decodelighted]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:18:56 PM
Author: kenny
I wouldn''t change a thing.

It''s not that my life''s so good.
It''s that I''ve abandoned all standards.

This made me laugh so hard. Co-sign.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I could not care less about "stuff", but I have to admit that I become anxious over achieving goals. Getting good grades in college, finding the perfect internship, establishing a career, getting married, furthering my career, now focusing on having a family and home, but still questioning grad school, etc. I feel like there is a healthy way to push yourself and that a person should always have goals, but I just feel like I had this expection of where I would be by the time I was 30 and I''m just not achieving it. I don''t feel disappointed in myself because I''m so thankful for the life I have...but I don''t know. I guess I''m dealing with my reality vs. my expectations for myself. I want to be 100% happy with where I am in my life as opposed to thinking about where I thought I''d be.

 

[Sizzle]

I a so excited to see all the replies! I''m not alone! I think what I really need is a vacation, but not a "plan a huge event" vacation, but a spontaneous road trip stay at a fabulous hotel when I''m sick of driving vacation.

 

[ksinger]

Date: 4/20/2010 6:52:31 PM
Author: isaku5
I don't know whether any of you are old enough to remember Peggy Lee singing, 'Is That All There Is?', but it was sort of a mid-life crisis song. At the time DH and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement because both of us had had similar 'questions'. Now that we're in our 'twilight years' (for lack of a better term), we are reminiscing a whole lot more and thinking more along the lines of, Da*n, we've had a blast!

As Paul Anka wrote for Frank Sinatra, 'Regrets, I've had a few, but then again too few to mention, has become 'our song'

We now realize that we've been blessed in so many ways.

Absolutely. My memories with my now-husband, go back 30 years, and we're both so dang grateful that we found each other again. It was like reuniting with long-lost family. Our whole time together is laced with the memories of times before and the fun - and not so fun - that we had. And a bit of sadness for what we missed out on by not getting it together a bit sooner. But as you say, regrets pale in comparison to what we have now so who can complain?

NO ONE EVER achieves all they want or envision. Every single person I've ever known, reaches that point, "Is that all there is??" And yes, it is usually at about the 40-ish mark, give or take. It's how you come to grips with the realization that matters, because we all come to it. We're sold a bill of goods when we're young, that we're in control, captains of our ship, if you DO A, B inevitably will follow, etc etc, and it's true. To a point. But life HAPPENS, and it's mostly beyond our control. I've known so many people who did it "right", did all the things that we've been told bring success and happiness, only to have it crash around their ears. Life happens. You learn to roll and laugh at it, to be flexible, or you really will die bitter and miserable.

 

[perry]

The key is to understand that life is a journey; and to enjoy the journey.

Goals are just the mountain peaks you wish to occasionally stand on. It is important to have goals - to want to achieve something. Because if you don''t you have nothing to aim for. Besides: I''ve never stood on a single mountain top without seeing other mountains to climb (both literally and figuratively).

However, the real satisfaction comes from doing the little steps along the way that help you get to those goals.

Also, remember to smell the roses along the way. For each major goal - make sure that you celebrate each sub accomplishment along the way.

If you goal is to achieve a certain education - celebrate each major exam you pass, and each class you complete... knowing that the completion of that item moves you one step closer to your goal.

It''s also important to have some shared goals with your spouse as people who work together to achieve something tend to stay together...

Have a great day,

Perry

 

[perry]

Date: 4/21/2010 7:18:42 AM
Author: ksinger

Date: 4/20/2010 6:52:31 PM

NO ONE EVER achieves all they want or envision. Every single person I've ever known, reaches that point, 'Is that all there is??' And yes, it is usually at about the 40-ish mark, give or take. It's how you come to grips with the realization that matters, because we all come to it. We're sold a bill of goods when we're young, that we're in control, captains of our ship, if you DO A, B inevitably will follow, etc etc, and it's true. To a point. But life HAPPENS, and it's mostly beyond our control. I've known so many people who did it 'right', did all the things that we've been told bring success and happiness, only to have it crash around their ears. Life happens. You learn to roll and laugh at it, to be flexible, or you really will die bitter and miserable. >

>

While I agree that no one ever achieves all they want or envisions - I disagree with much of the rest of this. By an large - except for rare events - you are essentially in control of your life - and virtually everyone can achieve amazing things. The bill of goods most people have bought into is the concept that if you get a good education and a good job you will achieve your dreams. "good education" being defined by what the school systems teach.

Also, what is a good job? By its very definition an employee will never be paid what they are worth (the company makes money off of you - or you would not be there). For a relatively short period of time in the US history people tended to work for companies almost their entire life. Unfortunately - that was post WW2 and most older people remember that and hold it up as the standard. Prior to WW2 that was a rarity - and it is now again a rarity.

If you study the most successful people in the world (historically - and current) you will find that they essentially rejected the concept that they should be dependent on others for a job - and that the school system does not teach the very well known and historically principles of success.

The public school system by an large was created to supply employees to manufacturers and other companies. They were not created to teach people how to start and run their own business and how to be really successful. This is not a knock on the teachers and professors - companies do need employees - and teachers do a wonderful job of providing basic education (RRR). I just wish the school system would also really teach the concept of what it takes to be successful and that starting and owning a business is really also a viable carrear.

So yes, you can achieve all you want - and the future is up to you. You just have to seek out other education on how to be successful in life than what is taught in the public school systems. There are tons of books out there. One of my favorites starter books on the subject is Think and Grow Rich by Napolean HIll.

Have a great day,

Perry

 

[Cehrabehra]

I know exactly what you''re talking about but right now I am not having that. I am here in China for 2 years and there is too much ''NOW'' to think about what will happen in 2 years - at least not yet. I have a very strong sense of being ON an amusement park ride that just started and I''m not thinking about when it will be over or what we will do next... every day is part of the adventure and there is enormous satisfaction from that.

 

[Allison D.]

I can understand how it happens, Sizzle. For so long, we're working 'in pursuit' of accomplishments throughout childhood and into early adulthood, and we are influenced by what we think the norms around us are.

I DO feel largely satisfied in life; that started when I turned 30 and has increased tremendously into my 40s. Many women reach a period of self-evaluation when they approach 30; many take stock of 'where am I in my life compared to where I thought I'd be now'. It seems there's no easy win, either. For me, it was "gee, I thought I'd be married with a family by now and more financially grounded." For a friend of mine, it was 'holy cow, how did I get here, being the mom of three kids and feeling like I missed out on the carefree post-college days when anything was possible and responsibilities were fewer?' I think no matter where one is, it's easy to feel as though we fall short of another's defintion of what's 'ideal'.

For me, that time felt like a series of revelations. Perhaps we weren't all meant to travel the same path. There may NOT be someone for everyone, and if not, it was possible I might never marry. I came to feel as though it was up to me to find the fulfillment in where my life was; to enjoy the path I was on. I went from dreading my 30s to feeling as though they were the best times of my life. I relished my friendships; I travelled. Being intrinsically satisfied and living in the moment ironicly led to many of the things I'd accepted might not be in my future: I met my husband, got married, and bought a home. It's funny how readily some things come when you stop focusing so hard on the effort of getting them.

Now, in my 40s, I realize that my parents are in their mid-60s and that I likely only have another 20 years or so with them. That acknowledgement has brought me even more into the moment; I make it a priority to see them regularly and do things with them. One day, when they aren't here, I'll have hundred of memories of times Rich and I have spent with them fishing, playing cards, and just enjoying each others' company.

For me, the experiencing is far more important than the acquiring. Some day I'll be old, and it won't matter how much stuff I had or even what stuff I had. There won't be anyone sitting in judgment about whether I achieved enough or not. What will make me smile is remembering the times I've spent with people, and knowing that now makes me more focused on relishing those things while they're happening. That makes feeling satisfied really attainable.

 

[TravelingGal]

Lots of wise posts here!

I just came back from the NAB show in vegas (a broadcast show that draws people worldwide), and it really refreshed my perspective on living life. This is a show about the cutting edge of broadcast technology. 3D TVs that made your mind spin, etc. I sat there and watched one screen with beautiful nature scenes so vivid, I wanted to reach down and touch the stream "at" my feet. Everyone was wowed; everyone was excited about the next big thing of the future. I realized this would be Amelia''s world...no need to watch crappy B&W images on a small TV. She would practically live in the footage of the future in her day to day life.

Thinking about how real the fake stuff was, my colleague told me a story about his friend who had a vacation home in FL. A beautiful sunset was upon them and he called up to his sons who were playing video games to come and take a look. They said, "Cam it for us dad, we''ll watch it later."

My colleagues and I also went to a dinner where one of the guys with us sat on his iPhone all during dinner and played on facebook. I said, WHAT are you doing? He said, "talking to my friends!" I''m thinking...what about the people you''re with?

It just hit me that in this day and age, so many people are so busy DOCUMENTING their lives, that they aren''t really living it. I''ve just really enjoyed taking my daughter down to the beach with NO camera in tow. Focusing on enjoying the details of life, as someone mentioned. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The REAL 3D which is living.

 

[alli_esq]

Date: 4/21/2010 12:15:31 PM
Author: TravelingGal
Lots of wise posts here!

I just came back from the NAB show in vegas (a broadcast show that draws people worldwide), and it really refreshed my perspective on living life. This is a show about the cutting edge of broadcast technology. 3D TVs that made your mind spin, etc. I sat there and watched one screen with beautiful nature scenes so vivid, I wanted to reach down and touch the stream ''at'' my feet. Everyone was wowed; everyone was excited about the next big thing of the future. I realized this would be Amelia''s world...no need to watch crappy B&W images on a small TV. She would practically live in the footage of the future in her day to day life.

Thinking about how real the fake stuff was, my colleague told me a story about his friend who had a vacation home in FL. A beautiful sunset was upon them and he called up to his sons who were playing video games to come and take a look. They said, ''Cam it for us dad, we''ll watch it later.''

My colleagues and I also went to a dinner where one of the guys with us sat on his iPhone all during dinner and played on facebook. I said, WHAT are you doing? He said, ''talking to my friends!'' I''m thinking...what about the people you''re with?

It just hit me that in this day and age, so many people are so busy DOCUMENTING their lives, that they aren''t really living it. I''ve just really enjoyed taking my daughter down to the beach with NO camera in tow. Focusing on enjoying the details of life, as someone mentioned. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The REAL 3D which is living.

TJ: DH was just at NAB too--he was also going on and on about the 3D tvs ...sounds really awesome!

You''re right, though--it is so easy to fall into that mindset of taking photos of everything...and in a lot of cases, I am happy to have events documented, but DH (who hates being in photos and came from a family where he has approximately 10 photos of his growing-up years) always tells me to put down the darn camera and enjoy the moment! It''s very good advice.