All the great philosophers seem to stress how living simply is one of the the biggest keys to happiness. As someone who is nearing their year anniversary of my unemployment, I have to say as someone who should be miserable from living a stagnant existence (financially that is), I couldn't be happier. A few months ago when I realized this supposed recession thing might be the real deal I really tightened up on spending in all areas. For it wasn't that long ago that I was traveling all around the world, getting bottle service at shi shi clubs, and basically living way beyond my means. But now...as I have shifting to a a mindset of living simply (just in case this pathetic job market lasts another year), I gotta say I just feel fantastic!
At first I struggled, and it was definitely shall we say a tad bit uncomfortable mixing in with those still prospering. For even the other night I hung out in this shi shi night spot. A friend and I had just convinced 2 girls who were exiting the place, to stay a bit longer. That bit longer became "lets get some drinks!". Well I was not about to spend tomorrow's grocery money on a couple of girls that might disappear any minute. A year ago I would have been all about these fun moments, but now my biggest concern was how am I going to make sure my credit card does not become involved in this!
Sure there is those uncomfortable moments, but there is good than bad that is coming out of this. For the other day as I was walking through Kroger I saw these little chocolate pies for 75 cents a pop. I was tempted, but decided I can get better value for my 'desert dollar'. And I did that day for I was able to pick up a delicious Ms. Smith Pie (normally $7.99) for just $5.99. But 2 days later I find myself in the same Kroger and could not believe what I was seeing...these same 75 cent pies were reduced to 50 cents! No joke, I filled up my cart with these delicious little chocolate filled pastries. I felt like I had won a door prize somewhere! When was the last time you got so excited about such simplicity!!??? That was when I realized that all those great philosophers before me knew a thing or 2 about a thing or 2.
Yes, I am ready to re-emerge as a productive member of society....but I feel that this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have always been fascinated by how a little puppy for instance can be entertained by a little wooden stick for hours. The puppy will just sit there and stare at the stick, then hit it....and all of a sudden the puppy is filled with delight after the sudden 'animation' of this stick. What simple pleasures I thought....even then I was jealous! It seems I have now become that puppy. Yes, I will eventually find work again and will emerge victorious financially, but I don't think I will soon forget this experience and the gratitude that can be obtained by experiencing life's simple pleasures. Have I been a victim of this job market, or have I unexpectedly received one of the greatest gifts of my life?
