Love People, Use Things

Posted by Marlene in Marlene's Feel Good Blog | 0 comments

“Here’s Something New To Feel Good About Today!”

“We should love people and use things, not use people and love things”

Know anyone on the east coast coping with the effects of Hurricane Irene?

I was raised in the Boston area and then lived in NYC for most of my life. My last residence was on Long Island, just 5 miles from the beach. So the impact of this storm and those I love living in NY, NJ and the Boston area has really touched me very deeply. Over the last few days, I called each of my friends and family members living along the hurricane path to let them know I am concerned and thinking of them. Everyone was very appreciative and promised to keep me posted on their welfare after the storm passes.

One friend living in lower Manhattan had to evacuate with her husband and young children, she is fortunate to be offered her friend’s apartment to stay in. Another placed all her possessions in storage and she and her family will be staying with her sister’s family until the hurricane passes. How lucky they are to have the loving support of their friends and family to weather this storm. Times like this make me think about what’s most important in life. Here’s a quote written by Katie Stauffer.

“In society today many people put great value on their possessions. Things like the right shirts, jeans, or backpacks set the standard for social status in the schools. But people should respect others for their character and personality rather than for what they own. Also, some people will use others to gain a certain objective. Whether it is a campaign loan or an introduction to a best friend. Unfortunately people will always see others in a “what can you do for me” way. Hopefully, in the future people will learn to love others for their companionship and their personality. Placing undo importance on material things weakens one’s ability to see the value of friendship. Personally I am ashamed that I place a value on my possessions. I don’t believe that I use people to gain more things. Once and a while things can be important, like your first report card or your great grandmothers picture, but real people can always bring more to your life than an inanimate thing.”

It’s incredible how much more real things become when you know the people involved, when the news footage is of places that you recognize because you once called that place home. What I’ve learned over the past few years is that for me home is where the people I love live. Even if I no longer live near them, they are very much alive in my heart. At times like this, it’s so important to let them know how much I care about them, and to express my concern. Things can always be replaced, houses can be rebuilt, trees can be replanted, but the people I care about are not replaceable. Standing together makes it so much easier to weather any storm.

Share a comment about someone who has helped you weather a storm. It can be a physical hurricane or an inner cyclone. We can all learn from your experience. If you like this post please make a comment, bookmark it and send the URL to someone you love. Each of us can be reminded that what matters most are the people we love.

“Find Something New To Feel Good About Everyday!”

Photo Couple by orangeacid
Photo Umbrellas by solidether