Stepping off the Treadmill

I love trying new things, keeping my options open, and staying curious. But too many new things can be overwhelming, too many options feels like a recipe for unhappiness, and curiosity overdone seems like a never-ending quest for answers. Sometimes I just want to stop worrying about missing out and experience the freedom of loving what I already have.

When have I found joy in stepping off the “upgrade treadmill”?

  • loving my husband for 45 years, and doing all the work to keep the relationship healthy

  • taking pictures with the used camera I bought in 2017 and loving the way it feels in my hands

  • driving a 2010 model car with over 200,000 miles on it and treating her like she’s my best friend

  • living in the same house for 41 years and making it a place of light and laughter and comfort

  • holding onto a smart phone that is not new but paid off

  • smiling at my own reflection, gray hair and wrinkles, knowing full well that upgrades happen from within

  • feeling satisfied with home-cooked meals, an analog watch, and visits to the library all of which help to keep spending in check, one way or another

  • avoiding wellness programs and plans that always seem to be trying to sell me some better version of myself and letting go of the fear that I might die; because, well, I will.