Wanting Builds Character

[Phion]

Ever since I was a little kid whenever I would cry, complain, whine, or anyting of that nature about something I wanted (usually a toy or something else expensive) my mother would occasionally reply to me, "It's good to want, it builds character." This infuriated me to no end as I'm sure you can imagine, especially around Christmas, or during the summer months when school was out for the season and I wanted new things. I never fully understood what she meant until years later, but it still made little sense for me to want something that I simply couldn't have in my wildest dreams; thinking that I could somehow "build character," instead of driving myself completely nuts and forcing me to question my sanity in the process! Now that I've grown a bit older, I think I can safely say I now know exactly what she meant. Material objects are not the point, nor the moral of the story, it's about the lengths a person will go to accomplish what they need, and hopefully receive what they want or deserve in the process. Life is a long road, longer still for others, but I believe we have all felt this way at one point or another. Certain wishes, ideas, goals, or things have served as our guiding light during times of hardship, turmoil, uncertainty, loneliness and confusion, and no matter what that thing was keeping us held together at the seams, we kept on and finally found what we for so long wanted in our lives. People take very different paths through life and sometimes they cross, for the better or for worse, but it's these times that make clear our purpose on the planet. The spontaneity and unpredictable ways the world grants our deepest wishes shows us what it means to be alive, and how wanting something as insignificant as a job, a girlfriend, a car, a new place to live, or any number of things builds us as human beings, because in reality there are no free handouts, and the way in which we earn our place colors our character to the core. So, what are some of the things you want? How are you going to make sure you get those things? Most importantly, how in the world will it change your life (no matter how small), and effectively your character as a human being? You don't have to answer these questions, but I'm feeling particularly gloom today, and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts with you all.

[Seroquel]

I guess so. Didn't read, btw.

[Phion]

I guess so. Didn't read, btw. k

[Wayfaerer]

I'd like to immerse myself in the mysteries of existence as accurately as possible and attempt to push the boundary through creativity and reason; Die trying. Nothing wrong with trying

[Phion]

I'd like to immerse myself in the mysteries of existence as accurately as possible and attempt to push the boundary through creativity and reason; Die trying. Nothing wrong with trying I like the way you think.

[Wayfaerer]

Ditto mayn

[Carrot]

I'm not in the right mind to think now. My mind is still blinded by my rage. But I don't want to think about what I want any more. I often end up not getting it than actually getting it if I want it too badly.

[Phion]

Well, as long as the cat is out of the bag, there's no need to pretend that it didn't happen! In all seriousness, what about that site offended you so badly?

[Raspberry]

I don't really know what I want, which sucks. I guess I want to know what I want.

[Orr]

Edits: In a selfish tone, I was trying to show I can empathise with the opposite party so I am right. if youre defending your empathy or need a 'selfish tone' to justify it youre doing it wrong plus how about empathizing with phion here? did you even consider pming him your story instead of jacking his thread? then again this thread isn't about empathy its about wanting and you clearly wanted to share your tribulations and really actualized that desire by jacking the thread so i guess youre doing that right

[Orr]

Ever since I was a little kid whenever I would cry, complain, whine, or anyting of that nature about something I wanted (usually a toy or something else expensive) my mother would occasionally reply to me, "It's good to want, it builds character." is she a new england catholic

[Phion]

is she a new england catholic Negative, but not far off the mark. Edit: Actually, I think she may have grown up Catholic if my memory serves, and she did grow up in NY, NY.

[Carrot]

if youre defending your empathy or need a 'selfish tone' to justify it youre doing it wrong plus how about empathizing with phion here? did you even consider pming him your story instead of jacking his thread? then again this thread isn't about empathy its about wanting and you clearly wanted to share your tribulations and really actualized that desire by jacking the thread so i guess youre doing that right He asked the story here, so I shared the story here. If you didn't know, there's a terrible limitation of PMs here. Go on and report all my posts here so it can be cleared. Thanks. Edits: Oh I can remove my old posts, you should too Phion so Orr here doesn't get angry that you looked like you're trolled with no replies above yours when you replied to my deleted posts.

[Phion]

He asked the story here, so I shared the story here. If you didn't know, there's a terrible limitation of PMs here. Go on and report all my posts here so it can be cleared. Thanks. Edits: Oh I can remove my old posts, you should too Phion so Orr here doesn't get angry that you looked like you're trolled with no replies above yours when you replied to my deleted posts. Something tells me you did that on purpose.

[Warheit]

I grew up pretty poor and wanted a lot of things, but knew that it was unnecessary and not right to ask for them given the financial burden we were in. My dad lost his father when he was a boy and is a self-made man, and I am much the same way. I don't believe in materialism, nor hold many material possessions. I cannot tell you the last time I went to a corporate store (say a Kohls or Herbergers) and actually spent money on clothes there. Actually, I can: I bought a dress shirt and tie for my best friends funeral a few years ago from EXPRESS, only because my friend had a discount there and she got me a good deal. The most materialistic things I have are my MacAir, HP PSC (Printer/Scanner/Copier) and my music equipment. However, all of them serve a great purpose to me for my line of work and creative outlets. I have dozens of sports plaques and memorabilia as a kid that are worth thousands of dollars, but hold more sentimental value. Other than that, I have two suitcases full of clothes and a few totes filled with artwork, coursework and other things that represent me through life. It is all I need. Everything else is in my heart and in my mind. If there are any "wants" in my life: I want to be able to provide for myself and my family. What would be a dream for me is a nice, subtle cabin-style loft home in the mountains or near a source of water (beach or lake) with the ability to be self-sufficient. The ability to travel and wander the Earth and learn new things is something I truly care for. Connecting with people and keeping relationships another. I also want to continue my education and end up getting a career (a few things I'm truly interested in) that I will enjoy doing. Other than that, I have everything I need in life. I think people tend to focus on what they don't have instead of what they do have, which makes wanting (and keeping up with the Jones' -- especially in our world today) a very hard and unhealthy thing to deal with.