Monday; April 28

I want a new computer.  Now, before we move on, I would like for you to take a look at the construction of the sentence.  I “want” a new computer.  I don’t (necessarily) need one, but it would be nice to have.  In past years, this would have led me down to my big box retailer and I have would found something shiny and new.  (In the last few years, the trip would have been to an online site, but the result would have been the same.)  However, something has happened recently … I haven’t given in to the want as quickly.  As I started looking around at what is available, I haven’t found anything I liked any better than what I already have.  This isn’t to say that I won’t buy something in the near future – but I am learning that just wanting something doesn’t mean I have to act on it.  In the past, wanting something new led me to criticizing what I already had and justified replacing it – after all, I probably need more power and the prices aren’t going to get any cheaper, right?  Now I am trying to apply some logic and reason rather than being led my emotion.

The reason I bring this up is that it is important to stop and think before making changes in our lives.  Whether it is a purchase, a job, a friendship or any number of things, a mere desire for something new may not justify the cost of replacing the old one.  (By the way, “cost” isn’t always money!)  When we start to think we want a change, let’s analyze the root cause.  Do we want it … do we need it … can we afford it?  I am not saying we have to stay stuck with the old as much as I am encouraging us to apply some logic before criticizing our way into making a change that may not actually benefit us.

Think About It!  

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