Monday, August 31, 2009
American Dream Deconstructed
Steve Roa says,"Pursuit of the American Dream propelled most of my professional career and still haunts me today".
To most the American Dream means: Strategic Acquisition of necessary stuff; Bigger homes, faster cars, diversified stock portfolios, cozy vacation homes, boats, Motor homes, fill in the blank...
In my opinion things are so out of whack today with the American Dream that it should qualify as it's own mental illness. I'd like to propose we call it the, "Feathering of Nest" syndrome! Evidenced by acute pursuits of pleasure, comfort and a status rich lifestyle.
How did we get to this point and is our current National economic melt down symptomatic of our pursuit of the American Dream lifestyle - gone wild? Are you ready to admit your part in our nation economic crisis, hopefully you are. This is not just the result of a few Wall St. white collar bandits - there are plenty of finger prints on this crime scene!
Its a sad state of affairs when children in Africa are dying from a lack of food and in America we are dying of to much food! America is obese in more ways than one, we all know, it but no one wants to own it.
Parenthetically I'd like to confess my allegiance to my great country. I love America and I guess that's why I'm so passionate about why we need to get real with ourselves on this subject, because more is at stake then just our 401-K's.
Here are some thoughts on the American Dream Deconstructed.
1.) It's not about what you own, but what owns you.
2.) It's not about what you purchase but the motive behind the purchase.
3.) it's not about what you consume but what's consuming you.
4.) it's not about your net worth but the worth of your life - to others.
5.) It's not about how many people serve you, but how many you serve.
6.) It's not about your acquisitions but your bequeaths to humanity.
7.) It's not about Keeping up with the Jones but loving the Jones as yourself.
8.) It's not about a bigger 401-K but rather being okay with less.
9.) It's not about getting to cozy with our stuff, as it will belong to another soon enough.
10.) It's not about seeking fame but being humble in the blessing of our circumstance, especially when compared to the 2/3rds world.
To most the American Dream means: Strategic Acquisition of necessary stuff; Bigger homes, faster cars, diversified stock portfolios, cozy vacation homes, boats, Motor homes, fill in the blank...
In my opinion things are so out of whack today with the American Dream that it should qualify as it's own mental illness. I'd like to propose we call it the, "Feathering of Nest" syndrome! Evidenced by acute pursuits of pleasure, comfort and a status rich lifestyle.
How did we get to this point and is our current National economic melt down symptomatic of our pursuit of the American Dream lifestyle - gone wild? Are you ready to admit your part in our nation economic crisis, hopefully you are. This is not just the result of a few Wall St. white collar bandits - there are plenty of finger prints on this crime scene!
Its a sad state of affairs when children in Africa are dying from a lack of food and in America we are dying of to much food! America is obese in more ways than one, we all know, it but no one wants to own it.
Parenthetically I'd like to confess my allegiance to my great country. I love America and I guess that's why I'm so passionate about why we need to get real with ourselves on this subject, because more is at stake then just our 401-K's.
Here are some thoughts on the American Dream Deconstructed.
1.) It's not about what you own, but what owns you.
2.) It's not about what you purchase but the motive behind the purchase.
3.) it's not about what you consume but what's consuming you.
4.) it's not about your net worth but the worth of your life - to others.
5.) It's not about how many people serve you, but how many you serve.
6.) It's not about your acquisitions but your bequeaths to humanity.
7.) It's not about Keeping up with the Jones but loving the Jones as yourself.
8.) It's not about a bigger 401-K but rather being okay with less.
9.) It's not about getting to cozy with our stuff, as it will belong to another soon enough.
10.) It's not about seeking fame but being humble in the blessing of our circumstance, especially when compared to the 2/3rds world.
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