I was sitting at home one day and looking around my place, and for some reason on that day I was able to look at everything in my home as individual items, rather than as the whole that makes up my home. As I looked at all of this stuff, I could recall most of the times when the items were purchased and the mental "need" that I had to justify the purchase of each item. Sure, it is sometimes fun to have the "I need this so bad and I have to have it NOW" mindset, and I am as guilty of that as anyone. But as I looked around my home, I was thinking about things differently and thinking that maybe I do not need quite so much these days.

Oh no, I am not completely over the "need" syndrome; matter of fact, I just saw a new shotgun that I "need", so it is on order. However, my "need" for many of my other guns that I've hoarded over the years has dwindled, and I have sold many of them. Therefore, buying just one back is justified in my mind!

Looking back at this "need" and "gotta have it" way of living, I can see now that it added very little of real importance to my life. It did - and still does - bring enjoyment, but when we justify what we want as a "need" we take away from those things that are truly needs in our lives. Do I really need  a new shotgun? Well, I could make that case - but the truth is, I want it. I can justify this a bit by viewing my purchases as just doing my part for the economy. After all, just think of how bad the economy would be if we only bought what we really needed. Does the word sludge come to mind? If each of us bought only what we needed and not what we wanted as well, our economy would not only be in the tank - it would be the sludge in the tank!

With that in mind, the other day I saw this pair of cowboy boots that I just have to have. I mean, I need this pair of cowboy boots. They will match that new shotgun that I really needed, and the new Western belt that I recently purchased...

Maybe I am not completely over the "I Need" stage of my life?

Life is grand!
Ken