Money & Calories

My dad used to say, when we'd go on vacation, "Money doesn't matter and calories don't count."

If this motto were to coincide by any measure with my reality, I know what I would do: I would buy a big house on lots of land, and then hire someone to keep the grounds looking fresh and colorful and beautiful. That person would probably also be in charge of picking up the dog poop. I would take dancing lessons from Beyonce. Seriously, have you seen that girl move? I would buy all of my clothing from Banana Republic. All of it. I would donate considerably to the SPCA. I would travel and buy expensive antiques and purchase department store make-up. I would get my nails done and carry trendy-but-pricey handbags. I wouldn't check price tags or worry about waiting for a sale. Because, you know, money wouldn't matter.

It's fun to dream. But then, I'm not sure I really like this "I-want-the-greener-grass" version of myself.

There's a lot to be said about enjoying a modest lifestyle. In fact, is it living modestly at all to be blessed with a nice home, a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter? I think not. Since Steve lost his job, I've done a lot of thinking and reflecting, and I've come to a couple of practical conclusions. If what I have today is all I'll ever have, I will have no justifiable reason to ever be anything but happy. And the beauty of it is that I can make the decision to be happy and content, regardless of what is happening around me or to me. I can decide to be thrilled with what I've both earned and been given, rather than to be covetous of the material items I don't possess.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely believe that my dad knew what he was talking about: when the opportunity to vacation and escape the realities of day-to-day life does present itself, the money won't matter and the calories won't count. It's just that that isn't realistic, everyday living. But what is real and practical and right for me on a regular day in my regular life is making the decision to live contentedly; I already have more than I'll ever deserve.