Searching for the elusive bowl of cherries

Remember the old phrase, “All you have to do is pay taxes and die.”

I took that to mean that everything else was optional, a powerful statement regarding individual freedom of choice. I wonder how many of us currently subscribe to that philosophy.

Was the midnight tolling of the bell on April 15th a defining moment for you?

Did you find yourself standing in line at the post office wondering who had possession of the proverbial bowl of cherries, knowing full well it was not you?

The economy is in the toilet and only a very few of us are immune to the debilitating causes of depression and resentment. Where are the good life, the rewards and contentment? Where are those elusive cherries?

Our lives are taken up with constant motion; envision the image of the “lion by the tail” scenario. Now picture those that cling to not one but two or three lions’ tails deluding themselves into believing it is a sustainable situation.

We have come to believe we must run in order to survive or at least be successful. Exactly how have we defined success? Too often, I fear, it is the attainment of money, status and lots of stuff; the very trappings that create a dependency on that which we cannot control.

I wonder if society’s standards have always been this way. I think that maybe it is not so much the time or period in which we live but rather the culture. Though money and status have historically been prized acquisitions, there are cultures living by a different set of ethics. Why not us?

For certain, money is nothing to trivialize; no longer can we barter our way through life. However, one could argue for a life that valued other tangibles on a higher scale. Oh, you cynics. I hear you loud and clear, “Let’s get real; housing, food, basic health care and transportation all come with a price tag.” No argument from me.

But the question is have we abdicated our independence and life’s true rewards to a misguided value system? Do we need 3 cars, a bedroom and bath for every member of the household and the luxury of eating out 4 or 5 times a week? It may very well be that those who are accustomed to living with far fewer of such things will survive and thrive in the current economy.

Is there not something to be learned from those who find themselves unable to purchase the big house, a car for the 16 year-old or go to the movies once a week? It could be argued that they are the lucky ones enjoying independence, less stress and a meaningful life with their children, friends and family.

I search constantly for balance in my life. I have no doubt that I am reasonably sane today because I spend a significant portion of my time in the thickets of wild raspberry bushes and the muddy banks of the nearby creeks. It is in these priceless places that I have discovered that lost bowl of cherries.

Until next week, be well