As I continue to live this life in London, every day is a new challenge in such a fast paced city. Capital cities around the globe can be amazing to live in, but also full of temptations and choices we must make everyday about how we want to live our lives. Isn't it funny how you can be in London for a wknd and spend the back end of your monthly salary on 'non tangible' goods such as travel, food, drink, more drink, more travel and there's always more. Take that same wknd and put yourself on a beach with the same person or people, kick back, relax, take off your shoes, open a bottle of wine and enjoy the stars above you. Which is your favorite? And if you chose the later, why do we all choose to stay in such hectic circumstances? Money!!!
We all need money to survive or so they say. I'm not convinced, but I have definitely been able to partake and indulge to extremes. I am 100% guilty of temptation, I think I could put a down payment on a flat with all the bloody handbags I own :) And I'm sure that will make some of you smile, cuz you know its true, but its also so very sad. I suppose that when one has nothing, one does not know the value of the things they do not have. And when one suddenly has the ability to obtain 'things' it becomes exciting, addictive, like a drug that you cannot get enough of. I say that I'm not an addictive person, but then there is shopping?! I suppose the main thing is that we see and understand our patterns to then be in a position to change, learn and grow as the people we are.
I think there are 3 types of people in life. Those who are very happy with simple things, no designer labels, good food on the table, routine and having a pint every weekend at the same local pub. Then there are those people who want money, need money, will do anything for money whether that's selling your soul to your job, sacrificing your family time or nothing at all, some people just have money land in their laps. Finally, there is the middle ground of so many people that exist to have been brought up to work hard for what they have, see their parents work sooo hard to give them the things they need to live life and those very special presents that light up their eyes because even though they are few, they mean so much when given. We are the ones stuck between the nonsense, who wish for a simpler life, but enjoy the temptations of the world. We are always questioning whether we need this new ipod, new mac, new pair of designer shoes or the IT season bag!!!! We like the luxury things of the world, but I believe that each of us given the opportunity would give that all up for a simpler, happy, loving, peaceful way of love where we can truly relax and enjoy.
So, what's the answer? I was hoping you could tell me. Money seems to be the catch 22 of life, we need it to make our place in society or do we? Well, if you live in London its a hard call because its one of the most expensive cities in the world and also one of the most amazing cities in the world. I love London, I love that you can walk the streets at 4am and see people dressed to the nines leaving nightclubs, walk the Thames to see all of the bridges alight with glow or drive your scooter through the city and have your own personal tour of some of the most amazing buildings/architecture in the world! This city is one of opportunity for sure, fun definitely and one of 'Love' is yet to be seen but if you find love in this city it must be strong to keep you as one.
So, what do we really need in this life we live? Actually, we don't need much at all although I know that as our generation grows up it is evident that there is alot we enjoy and enjoy we should as we all work very hard for everything we obtain. Do we know how lucky we are? Some of us do, but not all and it is a constant battle to keep ourselves grounded. When is the last time you did some totally selfless? Volunteered at the local soup kitchen maybe? Gave a few things to charity? Helped a little old lady off the bus or just gave a little smile to the grey haired man u see everyday at the shops? We all need to give more and take less; especially when it comes to money. More importantly we all need to find that place that works for us to ease our lives and makes money less important. Yes, we need money but when you live in surroundings you love, enjoy, have hobbies, have your friends stay, see your family, take a walk, ride a bike you don't need money. One million pounds or the nearest and dearest to you - I know what I would choose and its not manufactured?!
Sometimes I think we all need to take a step back from our lives and slow down the pace. Usually my body does this for me. I have been working 12-14 hour days for the last 5 wks and my body has totally shut down, over, done and I've been stuck in the house, sick as a dog for almost a week now! Why does it take that before we'll listen. We just get caught up in our own lives, forget about what is really important and that old saying "I have to take the work when its there" is a hard one to swallow. My lesson is to figure out where i want to be for me and nobody else. I have to make decisions based on what's best for me and not be lead by emotions, but more instinct. I am questioning my decisions purely on the basis of money and I'm not so sure that's the right thought process, but when in London....... We just get used to a certain comfort factor and sometimes I think we should take ourselves out of that zone, open our eyes and look around the world. Out of site out of mind is so true and you can watch the news, read the papers all you want, but it does not measure up to experience!
So, what is my message all about? Well, its simple. Take time out to think about what you really want and where you really want to be. No rush on this one, take a year, two, three, whatever it takes and take them slow. Don't be in a hurry cuz the old saying one day at a time is the best way to live your life. You may have no idea at this very moment, but in time you will. Something will just happen, appear from nowhere and the path will be evident. This path will take you to a place that will eventually lead you to where you really want to be and in this place money just won't be so important. If you do find yourself at this very moment in a place where money is absolutely essential to survive day to day, have fun then bewarned you need to make a change and fast. Temptation on whatever level is hard to resist, but usually leads to guilt, low emotions or reflection on thoughts like "how could I have done that" , "what was i thinking", its all soul destroying really and the culprite is usually money charged!!!
Set yourself some tests, days out, start off with 50 pounds, dollars, rands, whatever your current currency and see what kind of day it gets ya. Then keep reducing that money by 25% each time until you are pretty low, say 5 pounds in your pocket. I think you will be suprised what you find to do and how you enjoy your days. Plus, it will be fun and you never know this new challenge could lead you somewhere special or to someone special :)
Mainly, as I always say love your life, love yourself, love your friends, love your family, love the moment you are in this very moment and reflect on your journey which brought you to this amazing moment. Stop and take a deep breathe, listen to what is around you and enjoy every second as if it were your last. No regrets, EVER, so get out there and do it, get inspired by life, get on with really and truly living your life.
Signing off Little Miss 'S' who cannot help but be thankful for everything I have been given in this wonderful life I live :)
