Need vs Want

 

        Hello, gentle readers! Hope you are all well and staying safe!

Here’s a question, one I’d never thought I’d ask myself because I’m genuinely thankful for what I have.

What do I want?

Let me tell you what happened and why I’m asking this. I was having lunch with a co-worker and we were discussing mundane little things like coffee makers and such (hahahahaha, I’m not even sure how we got on the subject). Anyway, I mentioned that I have the basic version of Mr. Coffee. You know the one. No bells, no whistles, nothing fancy—the one that costs $19.99. She was telling me about this coffee maker that costs about a grand and makes the perfect cup of coffee every time. I don’t need that. And I would never spend that kind of money on a coffee maker.  

Like most of you, I work to keep a roof over my head and food on my table. Pay my debts, etc. Save a little money if I can (I have a thing about my savings account…once money goes in there, it doesn’t come out). I know how to budget and do without because the DH and I have hit hard times in the past (like most of us) and I promised myself I’d never go there again. I’m pretty proud that I can squeeze a nickel so hard I can get a dime. I am frugal (my DH says cheap but I’m not cheap…I’m just cautious when it comes to spending money—I work too darned hard to just throw it away).

So her question—if I had five thousand dollars just sitting around with nothing to do (hahahaha, like that would ever happen!), what would I do with it? Can’t be to pay bills. Can’t be to get something necessary (need as opposed to want). Has to be something frivolous just for myself.

I couldn’t answer the question. As I said earlier, I’m very fortunate that I have what I need and I’m so grateful for that.

She insisted that there must be something that I want and lowered the amount. I still couldn’t answer and I realized it was because the things I want cannot be purchased with cold, hard cash.

So, what do I want? I want my family and those I love to be happy and healthy. I want more kindness in the world. I want those who struggle to not have to struggle anymore. I want those that live in pain to be pain-free. There’s more, but you get the gist.

She finally accepted my answer because those are the things I truly want but…I gotta tell you, that question has been on my mind since she asked it so I’m going to ask you, gentle reader. What would you want?

Stay well! Stay safe! And remember to spread kindness wherever you go!

Marie