I'm Not in the Rat Race

  

We often find ourselves wishing for the simpler things in life, when times were easier and more relaxing.

We also long for the days when relaxation was a needed and expected adventure, compared to now where the rat race of want has over powered the reality of need.

As a society we have been conditioned and lied to about commericalism, manufacturism, and greed is good. The concept of the more toys you have when you die seems to express the concept that you've won - but won what?

I have learned to live in an income of under 15,000 dollars a year and even less.  I have what I need instead of what I want.  I have reduced the amount of bills that I used to have and have contented myself with the idea that wants can be a treat if you actually need it.

I have no cable or satellite bills to pay because I don't watch television programs.  I am not therefore bombarded with commercials encourageing me to buy this or that.  I choose what I want to buy when I'm at the stores based on my needs.  I have all the food I want, all the clothes I need, and enjoy life in a more simple and slower adventure.

But I am not satisfied yet.  I want to travel and therefore need to budget for that which has become easier now.  I have been able to cut my present bills and rent in half with a room mate which has enabled me to do more which I can add into that being travel.

I am not a part of the rat race.  I am not a slave to commericalism or consumerism.  Once I got out of that rat race my stress level went down.  I am totally relaxed and when I go into stores with sales clerks I can actually walk away without purchasing a thing.  For example I am in need of a new vehicle.  The salesman wanted me to put down $1,000.00 to hold the vehilce of choice.  I simply said no - I'll be back in two months and if that vehicle is still there, I will have to total sum to purchase it - completely by cash in one payment.  The fact that the salesman knows I'm coming back in two months time, and he knows what I am looking at, he also knows that if he wants the sale he will have a vehicle there of the same kind if the present one is sold.  He also knows that I am not in a rush to buy, that I have a certain amount to spend and I can look at other dealerships if I so choose.  The result - the pressure is on him to sell and not me to buy.

The same I have done with clothes, shoes, and other items.  I have no credit cards therefore no payments and because I can see where my money is going and when I spend it, I have full control of my debt load which is zero.  I own nothing and I borrow nothing.  I pay by cash and if I don't have the money at the time I can wait.  No hurry, no pressures.

So I can relax when ever I want to where ever I to and enjoy what I want when I want where I want.  Now that is living life's adventure without the hassels of the rat race.

Cheers.