Choose few things and more life
I am sharing this story as in the past two weeks, I have been shocked to realize that we all are running behind things and not living the life the way it should be. What has happened to us and why we are behaving this way. Where is our logical thinking gone and why we are so de-focused and wandering — unable to decide to go in the right direction.
In 1990s : We had few landline phones, but more to talk and share. We had few bicycles, but the excitement of riding one was great. We had very few scooters and cars, but the bond with those things was beyond explanation. We had one computer in school and the excitement of playing games on the computer was beyond words.
The things were few and so was our hunger. I still remember telling to my father that I need a bicycle-not any particular company bicycle or so (just a bicycle). Then, I got a bicycle (a second-hand) , but still I was joyful. My cousin got a new bicycle, but I was not in anger. We used to exchange our bikes and enjoy the beauty of life rather than thinking — why I have old bicycle or he has a new one. Moreover, there was no showoff of things and if it was there, it was full of innocence and no one wanted to hurt the feelings of anyone else.
My cousin shared his first videogame. I shared my clothes with my cousin and friend, when they used to like something in my wardrobe. I gave my first bat to my friend as he wanted it so much. My other school friend gave his new football to me. So, in my upbringing the message of sharing was instilled since childhood. Moreover, the message of not running behind the things, but few meaningful friends and relationships was the foremost.
The times were such that our only focus was love, interaction and sharing our joys and sorrows. Things were secondary in life. If someone had a TV, everyone else in the neighborhood would gather at his/her place to watch it and then spent numerous evenings discussing about the film/serial. If someone had a car, then he would give ride to all the children in neighborhood. So, the use of these things meant sharing memorable time with each other because sharing was inculcated in all of us as a part of our culture or upbringing.
Today(2020) : Everyone has there own smartphone, everyone has a personal TV in room (or a Netflix/Prime account), everyone has a car , a bicycle and various other useful or not so useful gadgets at home. Yet no one is happy and we are still running behind the things thinking once I will have that or this , then I will be happy.
If someone is going to buy a smartphone or a car, then he will make sure to have the most expensive one — whether he can afford it or not. Same is the case, while buying any other thing. People today have become so obsessed with things, that they have forgotten the true meaning of life. They have forgotten to enjoy in their own little or big achievements, but rather always compare themselves to others.
This habit of materialism is getting so much deep in our veins, that we have forgotten to live life. We don’t spent quality time with our friends or parents or grandparents. In any festival or marriage, our main focus is to be the best — having the best smartphone, designer clothes & shoes, branded watch and so on.
In this never ending race of more material possession, we are losing the most important thing : “Our time on this earth, which is finite.” So, spending it wisely is really very important and is the need of hour.
Remember, any long lasting relationship is made by spending quality time , and then learning and growing together.
“Choose few things and more life.”
