Freedom To Expand

"I live in my house as I live inside my skin:

I know more beautiful, more ample, more sturdy

and more picturesque skins:  but it would seem

to me unnatural to exchange them for mine."

Primo Levi

With just a glimpse of another person, we may be wishful to have a life like theirs.  Whether it is a fancy car, lavish apartment, or exquisite appearance, day dreaming leads to the fantasy of living a different life. 

In truth, the importance of life does not reside in external acquisitions, but in our personal level of integrity.  We are born into this world with a set of skills and the challenge is to use them to create a reflection of human kindness.  We may experience a total evacuation from first structures attempting  to build our character, but the reward of being true to our spirit remains the goal.

Visiting a poverty level family of eight, I was amazed at how little they had and how appreciative they were of everything.  They were bound together with a fierce love for each other creating an atmosphere of a safe home.  Even when they had so little, their hearts offered the joy of sharing their wealth. 

Whether we are rich or poor, the challenge remains to create a life reflecting goodness.  Contentment comes when we have chosen wisely while blending values, respect, gratitude and appreciation.  If we are not comfortable in our own skin, and if we consistently seek outside of ourselves, the spirit within will not flourish.  It is when we embrace what we do have that we find freedom to expand.