Grab the Dream

Why do we work? That question on its face is both difficult and at the same time easy to answer. For the majority of people the answer is obvious, we work to earn money. But why do we work to earn money? Again, an obvious answer is we earn money to buy food. Without money we literally cannot eat. We need money to buy shelter. At the beginning of every month the landlord rightfully expects the rent to be paid, or the bank rightfully expect the mortgage payments to be made. If you were to try spending the night at a hotel you would not be given a key to the room until you had paid for your stay. Of course, we need money to buy cars. Without cars how can you get to work, or the grocery store, or get the kids to soccer practice? Some people say they need money to buy an education for their children. You know the real reason most of us work? We want Stuff! I love stuff. I want stuff. A bunch of stuff. I like cool stuff. I like fast stuff. If stuff is electronic I’m all over it. Stuff that floats and has a motor in it is some of the best stuff. Everyone likes stuff with four wheels and leather seats. Apple makes some great stuff that I can’t live without. Stuff is fun! What better experience can you have than taking the kids out in a kayak, or riding bikes together? I like playing Call of Duty on the big screen with my son. How about enjoying swimming with the dolphins with the family? I love my jet skis whereas my wife prefers to relax in the floating water chair. One time we rented a Corvette Stingray at a business meeting in Vegas and got up to 80 MPH on the on-ramp. THAT was fun stuff! Stuff is freedom! If you have a car you can hop into at any time and go anywhere, that is freedom. Some people prefer the freedom of climbing into the family camper and spending the weekend at the lake. To others nothing would beat the thrill of a Harley V-Twin rumbling beneath your seat as you hit the open highway. Stuff gives you the freedom to go out to a nice meal, or a Saturday night at the movies. If you have stuff you can go out for a night of dancing and fun on the town with your friends and not worry about ordering that $12 drink. Sometimes stuff can be as simple as a fishing rod, tackle box, and a six pack of Old Milwaukee at dusk on a riverbank. For others stuff might be defined as buying Silly String to goof around with the grandkids. Stuff is security! One of the primary reasons for divorce is stress and anxiety over one’s financial state. Knowing that you have a nice home for you and your family gives you peace of mind. Not having to worry about buying food is very comforting. Having the ability to cover an unexpected medical bill is like a warm cozy blanket wrapping you in security. Having enough stuff to cover an emergency such as a furnace breaking down in the winter helps you sleep at night. A well-funded retirement plan leaves you with the knowledge that you are not dependent on the government to provide for your golden years. Stuff can make us happy! It can be material stuff such as an iPad, a jet ski, or a new leather coat. Stuff doesn’t have to be material, and can be something more along the lines of buying experiences, such as a family vacation, a clown at a birthday party, or a night out to a Broadway play with your special someone. If stuff can relieve the everyday stresses of life that frees up energy to enjoy other pursuits which make life not just bearable, but enjoyable. So lets raise a big Champaign glass to stuff! All the wonderful stuff that makes it worthwhile to climb out of bed and go out and conquer the world. When we conquer the world, and go out and make great memories, well, that’s the best stuff of all.