Understanding the concept of "enough" (thought I'd share an epiphany)

[1stepcloser]

I was reading Newsweek today and unexpectedly found a quote that resounded in my soul, so much so I tore out the page and am now keeping it with me. It was about an older man who's company went public and he found himself an instant BILLIONAIRE at 81. He was the son of a Greek immigrant who had spent most of his life running a 24 hour diner. He found even though he was financially set he found his life was joyless. Ultimately, he decided to donate the billion dollars (to whom is not important right now). When questioned as to why donate so much he sums it up with this: Two men were at a wealthy hedge fund manager's party at a beach house in the Hamptons. One asked the other, "Doesn't it bother you that this guy makes more in a day than you ever made from your business?" The other man answered "No, not really. I have something that he doesn't have: I know the meaning of enough."


I have enough and it isn't anywhere near the amount the gentlemen we discussing but that doesn't matter. My "enough" doesn't have to align with anyone else's "enough". The very fact that I recognize my cup is full today makes me very grateful.

 

[DuckLady]

Quote:

 

[CedarRidgeChicks]

..and most times..more than I deserve!!

 

[dichotomymom]

Very sweet and doesn't it feel good to be satisfied?! I always here people say that it's not enough to be content.....why not?

*hear*

 

[Yard full o' rocks]

Thanks 1stepcloser!! I needed that today.....

To be reminded that what I have is truly "enough" and to be grateful for it

THANKS for sharing

 

[The Chicken Lady]

I like it!

 

[Andi]

Perfect!

 

[thechickenchick]

That is great! I have "enough" too

 

[1stepcloser]

Thanks everyone. I guess I was having a difficult time explaining why a small home in the country, living debt free with a FICO score of zero, raising my own food, and living on my own terms sounds INFINITELY better than living in the city, working at a great paying job, making mortgage payments on a huge home, driving a Lexus and eating out all the time. "I understand enough. I have more than enough" encapsulated it all.

And in all honesty, that is why I love BYC...talking with like-minded individuals. We are scattered all over but can find eachother here. I have a horrible time finding them in "real life". LOL

 

[Tala]

I wish my mom understood that.

I'm completely happy knowing that I'll never make a bunch of money. I wholeheartedly agree with the Montgomery Gentry song that goes somethin like "no need to make a million, just be thankful to be workin, puttin food there on the table, that's somethin to be proud of"

My mom says that I'm too easily satisfied, and under-motivated, and negative things like that. I get the impression that she's discontented FOR me.
I know she's disappointed in me.