Mi casa es su casa. My house is your house… and I mean it.
Much of American society is “keeping up with the Joneses.” Who has the bigger boat? Who travels on more extravagant vacations? Whose children are the most successful? We are in constant competition whether that is with ourselves and last year’s beach body or with the neighbor who has a garden production to serve the entire community. And that’s good. Competition is good. We do not better ourselves by settling but as adults, we’ve slightly forgotten that simple child’s phrase, “sharing is caring.” While being the best on the block has it’s perks, breaking off a piece of that 1st place medal feels twice as nice.
Sharing is Caring
Oh dear, here she comes. The fierce liberal who thinks everyone should share everything like kids in the sandbox. The stereotype where people believe that those who have “made it” should support the lazy. That’s not what I’m suggesting, or what I believe, but sometimes when an individual tries to recognize the other side of the aisle’s agenda, they are labeled and labeled in a harsh way. Being a Republican or Democrat doesn’t change who you are, unless you push your agendas without respect and courtesy for others’ opinions. Then, you are those nasty names you see on Twitter. I believe, politics excluded, you can share your successes with those that have helped make you successful. Small victories like excluding the R word from our everyday language or big victories like buying a condo in Downtown Seattle are aided by people, associations, and actions who made those aspirations possible. Being the frugal, independent woman I am, I spend my money solely on people and hobbies that I love. I rarely overspend on gifts or necessities, and I make those tennis shoes go the extra mile before buying a new pair. Do I appreciate a $3 ATM fee? No. Do I enjoy giving away my paycheck during tax season? Of course not. I do, however, understand that the government who takes my money for taxes, is the same government who helped me buy my first car and someday, my first house. The bank who punishes me for not using their system, is the same bank who calls, refunds my account, and catches those little buggers who stole my debit card information. Life is a circle. With a little give and take, your inconveniences can become your rewards.
You Smell What I’m Stepping In?
I don’t have a lot of tangible wins. I have a car and I rent a three-bedroom house with a large garage. However, I do have a ton of blessings. Several people who would change their plans to help me in a time of need. For that reason, I try to reciprocate that action to my fullest potential. You need desserts for a bake sale? Stop in my kitchen. Rough day at work? Let’s go vent and have a beer. You need a place to stay? Mi casa es su casa. Eat whatever you want for breakfast, and I truly mean that. So much of what we say doesn’t have the true meaning behind it. Perhaps, that’s my trust issues talking but let’s focus on saying what we feel rather than saying what we think we should say. Personally, I appreciate honesty much more than the attempt to make me feel good. The truth might have a bite to it, but at least our delicate time on this Earth is not being wasted in wonder. For reference, if my mouth does not say it, my face surely will so catch the vibe. Take a nap on my couch. Steal the dress out of my closet. Use my expensive shampoo to shower. There are billions of personalities and differences in this world, so if we are lucky enough to have great friendships, make sure to nurture that relationship as a two-way street. Maybe it’s the Midwest in me talking, but what’s mine is yours and that includes those everyday problems. Don’t be afraid to open up to those who you trust the most.
So take your extra zucchini to the neighbors. Leave your golf cart in my useful garage. Practice being genuine and humble with your actions. We have enough greed and distaste in this world. If I consider you a close friend, remember, what’s mines is yours…and I mean that.
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