“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”
― Socrates
I’ll catch myself sometimes complaining in thought about the size of my apartment. Somewhere during this I’ll then think about friends and acquaintances who have larger, nicer homes and I feel a sense that I haven’t succeeded as a husband and father. This can, at times, be exacerbated by my kids’ and wife’s vocal protestations about our cramped living quarters. In fact, my wife is constantly looking at real estate, fantasizing about better digs.
But, when I stop to think about it, what really is lacking? We have a safe home where we can eat, sleep and relax. If we had more money we could spend more of it on a bigger place but what would that do in the end? Would we all suddenly become happy and contented? Some problems would go away and new ones would arise. That’s it.
I am still trying to practice gratitude and it has helped me to see my greed and discontent more clearly. May we all learn to use and be content with our circumstances.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
I can so relate to this! And I can so relate to your wife as well… it must be very annoying for many husbands. However I have a theory that many of us women view our lives through our houses… so many of us grew up “playing house.” I long for more uncluttered space, with everything in its place… and yet I’m living with 5 other beings so the “stuff” accumulates. But when I feel irritated about the piling up of their stuff I try to remind myself that I should really tackle what is under my control first. i.e. My own piles of stuff!! So yes I have a lot of work to do here, too.
By: Nadine on 03/01/2019
at 5:13 pm
Thanks for commiserating Nadine! Wishing you contentment and every good blessing!
By: Upāsaka on 03/01/2019
at 5:14 pm
🙏😊you too!
By: Nadine on 03/01/2019
at 6:04 pm