Contentment

I'm going to use these pictures of open-shelving in kitchens as a platform for many random thoughts about life. I love visiting design sites for inspiration. All these pictures are from Poppytalk, a Vancouver based design site which is well worth-checking out for beautiful things. Using open-shelving seems like a great way to save money when renovating a kitchen. Of course all your dishware has to be beautiful and organized. When I mentioned the idea to Ben he said we'd have to get rid of a lot of ugly stuff. Then there's also the fact that we rent and are not renovating our kitchen. That doesn't stop me from dreaming. 

There are many things I want in life. I want to own a house, get my hair cut and dyed on a regular basis, go on exotic vacations, and be comfortable all the time. 

What I'm realizing is that want is so trivial because it is often equated with this notion that I deserve these luxuries. How can I assume that I deserve something when so much of the world lives in abject misery? How can I not be thankful for what I have?

All my basic needs are met times 10. I have food, shelter and clothing. I sometimes complain about living in an old, Vancouver character home that is seriously showing its age. Then my lovely friends remind me that our place is a welcoming, warm haven for them to come to. They feel safe, loved and cared for in our home. Money can't buy that. 

When I make a list of all the things I want I feel great freedom when I mentally take that list and burn it up. It's okay to want things, but not if I become a slave to them. This happens so easily and want soon becomes confused with need. 

So whenever I post beautiful, lovely things on elasticpantcity, I have to remind myself to appreciate ingenuity in design, art and culture, but not to covet. 

I am content.

Are you?