Learn to say, “That’s enough”
When I graduated from college, I started working for a sum of Rs. 4250/- as gross salary. It was my first job and I waited eagerly for this day – the day I could have my own money to buy everything I wanted. However, being brought up in a family favoring traditional views and values, I handed over my first income to my parents despite having a long list of wants.
My mom looked at me and said, “Son, it’s your hard earned money. Keep it – save some and spend the rest for yourself”. That’s all – those words are all I needed & I can’ t even recollect if she actually said the words “save some”.
I began to indulge in all that I wanted to do or buy. Years went by – my list of material wants and hence the need for money seemed eternal. It was not too soon that I realized – the more I earned, the more I wanted and the more I was spending. After numerous experiences in life, I can now say that I have come to terms partially with the hard truth which is;
Be thankful of what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough - Oprah Winfrey
I said partially because I am an average human being and it takes a strong mind to say, “That’s enough”. I need constant reminders too. To myself and those of you out there who still struggle and work harder with a view to get more in life, here’s a lovely story from Jack Canfield’s “Chicken Soup for the Soul at Work”.
A rich businessman from the North was horrified to find the Southern fisherman lying lazily behind his boat, smoking a pipe.
“Why aren’t you out fishing?” said the businessman.
“Because I have caught enough fish for the day,” said the fisherman
“Why don’t you catch some more?”
“What would I do with them?”
“You could earn more money,” was the businessman’s reply. “With that you could have a motor fixed to your boat and go into deeper waters and catch more fish. Then you would make enough to buy nylon nets. These would bring you more fish and more money. Soon you would have enough money to own two boats…may be even a fleet of boats. Then you would be a rich man like me.”
“What would I do then?” asked the fisherman
“Then you could really enjoy life”
“What do you think I am doing right now?”.
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