“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates
In a world based on Gross Domestic Product consumed, is it possible to develop the capacity to enjoy less? That is what we are seeking to cultivate in our family this month, this year and TODAY. The momentum of the Minimalist Game is beginning to pick up pace. With each passing day more items are being examined for their necessity and value bestowed on our daily lives.
The conversation of needs verses wants has become a daily topic of discussion at our meals. You see, we are one of those traditional, weird families that still eat their meals together. I hope that family tradition continues until my children have family’s of their own. We work together, eat together, learn together and play together. It’s a beautiful thing.
Recently, I read an article on how to raise considerate children in a “me first” world. It highlighted three mistakes that parents make: over praising, over protecting and over providing. Why is it that we think our children need more than we had to be happy? I had very little materially as a child, but had a loving stay at home mother and a father who worked hard to make it possible. We were sheltered by love and content with what was provided to us. With five siblings to play with and a lot of creativity, I had more than enough to enjoy.
I hope the same for my children. I want their minds to be trained to think upon people not possessions. This game is affording us the opportunity to re-iterate that in their minds by setting an example in what should come first in our lives.
