Needing Needs

by J> Marshall Wade
(Ballwin Missouri)

As we are all aware, we living creatures need numerous things, such as water, food, warm clothing in the winter, less in the summer, and at least some type of abode to abide in. After the basics are fairly well attained, it is then that our needs and wants begin to merge, and we get them all mixed up. Before we realize it, we no longer have any wants, we only have needs!

One instance for many of us, is that we need some type of vehicle to get to and from work, the store, the games, and various other places we want or need to go. The problem arises when we decide to purchase the vehicle itself-we want air-conditioning, satellite radio, bucket seats, power steering and power brakes, a big engine, and a myriad of other items that are not necessary. It is all those wants that increases the price of the vehicle, the cost of getting them repaired, the higher insurance rates, higher taxes, and don't forget the interest. If we had figured all that out first, we would have realized that all those wants are what causes us to work sometimes several hundred long and hard hours to pay for them. We forget that, originally, all we needed was something to get from one place to another in-and more than likely, it did not cross our mind that we are now more limited in our ability to pursue our other more important wants.

Of course, it is the same with our homes. We need one for shelter, but we believe we have to purchase an expensive one with the finest furniture, the newest appliances, the best sound system a 2 or 3 car garage, and naturally, it has to be located in one of the 'upper' neighborhoods. And right along with those wants goes the higher taxes, insurance rates, more expensive upkeep, and the hundreds of hours of hard work? plus the limited ability to pursue more important wants. And it should be mentioned here, that all that extra labor only adds to our stress ? especially when it comes time to pay the bills.

Females go to enormous lengths, and work a huge amount of hours so they can attract a male. The male also works long and hard hours to buy expensive items to attract and impress the females. To attract a mate is a natural want most of need to pursue, in order to fill several human needs. However; while the hormones are at warp speed, we forget the need to look for brains, common-sense, a sense of humor, and a good personality - for if we and our mate are seriously lacking one or more of those, we will someday be either wanting and/or needing a divorce.

We all want to be loved, but sometimes we forget that we need to love. We want to be heroes to our children, but we sometimes forget that we need to be a patient and loving parent. We want to be happy, but sometimes forget that helping others can make us happy. We want to learn, butt sometimes forget that we need to read good books. We want to forgive others, but sometimes forget the need to forgive ourselves.

We want to understand our children, but sometimes forget that we need to listen to them with our heart. We want to follow our dreams, but sometimes forget that we need to first plan them. We want to know what type of person we are, but sometimes forget that we only need to look at what type of folks our friends are. We want to stand on a mountain to view the beautiful panorama below, but sometimes forget that first we need to climb it. We want to dance among the stars, but sometimes forget that we need to know the steps.

There are many things we humans want and need. And one of the most desired wants is to be needed by others-and the only way I know to fulfill that want, is to show that I need them. Imagine what you can do next!


(J) Marshall Wade is the author of 24 books about self improvement and related subjects www.howtolocatemoney.com