Big Love

One man’s problem is another man’s dream

It is an oxymoronic thing to think of a problem as enviable. And yet.

I recently noticed that many people I know were dealing with problems that, IMHO, were somewhat enviable. What to do with valuable jewelry inherited recently, for example. Or complaining about not being able to sell two luxury cars for a fair price. Hmm?

I could use two luxury cars. I could use valuable jewelry. But it wasn’t really about that.

Each of us is roaming around fighting our own great battle every day. A problem is a problem. It can just look vastly different due to perspective, life experience, and magnitude of perceived problem versus those the beholder is up against.

Me, I had my back up against a wall. I was basically homeless. I was recovering from a terrible relationship. I was fighting for survival. My kids were counting on me.

So when I hear someone who is not in the thick of any such issue complaining about luxury goods and the issues that come with them, I’m trying not to be dismissive. And in my more generous moments I get it. Insurance is a hassle, and storing and worrying about the item is too.

It just isn’t even close to a survival thing.

Just look at people who are lucky enough to win the lottery. Does their happiness improve? Are they better off down the road. No and no. But lots of people keep playing the lottery every day despite this.

Ultimately, I don’t want more problems. So on second thought, you can keep them, what ever they are.