In today's times, we as a people are determined to indulge ourselves in the 'good life', not with just our needs, but with our wants and desires, when so many of us have, or will, fall onto hard times. Historical unemployment, financial downturns and foreign competition may drive us back to the simple life. My Native
American heritage continues to remind me that there is great value in the simple
and non-materialistic approach to life.
In our efforts to find
happiness and show kindness at this time of year we seem to look to our
pocketbooks, savings and credit cards to indulge in overspending in order to
satisfy the need for instant gratification. In this disposable society
this is only a temporary high. This misguided approach can be
tempered by giving from the heart. Personalized gifts that are handmade
and wisely thought through are not only symbolic to the person, but to the
times. These gifts are always the ones that are handed down and treasured
for generations.
Remembering and
practicing the customs of our ancestors and loved ones may be a more rewarding
and lasting gift. These experiences manifest themselves in stories about,
not only how times were, but the bravery and ethical and simplistic approach to
life and deeds.
My grandfather would
speak of how we could live without electricity and live off the land by
preparing and storing food to last through the coldest winters and hottest
summers, and would reflect on past mistakes and lessons learned by his
grandfather. These stories will forever live in my heart and with my kids
and grandchildren.
Living within our means
may mean a creation of shared memories
by foregoing the
traditional gift exchange and gathering together to perform a celebration of
life, appreciation for the beauty of nature, acts of thanksgiving or kindness to
others. This is something that would be remembered long after the
expensive gifts are cast aside.
In conclusion I'd like
to share a few of my life's simple rewards:
The warmth
of a fire
A warm horse
on a cold day
The sound of
birds in morning and coyotes in evening
Glimpses of
the native wildlife
The mystery
of the dark and splendor of the morning
The sun
glistening on the snow
The
awesomeness of a thunderstorm and the gentleness of falling
snow
The warmth
of a kitten and loyalty of a dog
Hot drink on
a cold day or a cold drink on a hot day
The comfort
of family and friends
The
satisfaction of a hard day's work
