Word of the Week

Control

Definition: to exercise restraining or directing influence over

Consider this...

Watch your wallet. Count your calories. Micro-manage your Facebook status updates and your online photo albums.

We are caught in a whirlwind of messages that encourages us to comb, to investigate, to pick apart every aspect of our lives until we no longer take joy in everyday activities.

For example, we are so concerned with how each hair looks in each vacation photograph that we ignore the beautiful scenery behind us. We are so concerned with red eyes or goofy smiles that we miss how happy we looked when someone snapped the camera.

Likewise, food can be associated with so much guilt that all pleasure is stripped from the experience of consuming it. We are so concerned with how many calories or fat is in a peppermint mocha that we forget how warm and happy it makes us feel. We are so concerned with being too shy to get a second helping of Mom’s famous dressing that we are blind to how blessed we are to enjoy good food with our families.

I experience this all the time shopping. I want to follow everyone’s good advice: use coupons, shop around, get the best deal and you will be more successful and happy. I appreciate the idea behind the message. Saving money can only be a good thing, right?

But sometimes it really is worth it to spend a little more to get just the right thing that will bring you delight. It’s okay if I spend $10 more to get the hardback edition of a great novel - I will treasure that book for a lifetime.

This holiday season, be open to what your heart tells you - loosen the iron grip you may hold on your emotions and your life, and savor the happiness that is waiting to flow out.