Sunday 27 May 2012

money makes the world go round...

I often wonder what memories my children will have when they are older, will they look back fondly on the sunny days we spent sitting in the park, the walks through the woods and the paddling pools in the back garden, will they look back and appreciate the times I choose to spend our last available spare change on ice creams for them, and  tirelessly worked out how to ensure food was on the table each evening, or will they forget these things? Will the little things be over looked as they embark on their futures and see what else the world has to offer or will they remember the wonder they saw in even the simplest of pebbles imagining them to have come from another world full of wonder and magic.



We don't have loads of cash to splash around and travel the world, we cant afford to spoil them with luxury cuisines or meals out in posh restaurants, exploring new cultures and seeing new places. I have never even been abroad. Hey, I haven't even been to London! My children therefore too haven't seen or experienced some of the most amazing things that life has to offer them. Living is expensive and each passing month sees me wishing that we had just that bit more to spare.


I try my best even up against all manners of obstacles to make sure they have the opportunities which hopefully will enable them to become adults who can follow their dreams and travel if they wish to, see so much more of the world that's waiting to be discoverd. But for now the only form of activities we can undertake have to be the ones which cost as little as possible as we constantly are finding ways to afford the dance lessons and never ending stream of new shoes and clothes as the growth spurts mark a daily reminder the years are passing by alarmingly fast.

And with each year that passes I see them growing up so very quickly, I see opportunities which we have to pass up because finances wont stretch and that pang of maternal guilt creeps in. Am I providing them with a childhood they will look back on fondly or will it be tarred with feelings of missing out and wanting to do so much more?

The sunny weather always brings smiles and laughter and the children spend happy hours outside, climbing trees or in the park finding friends to windle away the day with, as they show of their skateboarding skills on the hump at the bottom end of the park and I sit under a tree with a book in my hand; happy enough, but secretly longing to be beside the sea or travelling the country soaking up new sights sounds and tastes.


I don't believe money makes you happy, but it sure does bring opportunities, without it there is so much you just can't do, no matter how much we'd like to believe it isn't the case.

So today I'll spend a little time wondering what life could be like,  and cling to a dream of a different world where money is no worry and a new opportunity is waiting each day, just for the day I will wish that life was abit different. Then  I'll wake up tomorrow and enjoy what we have, appreciate everything that we are so fortunate to be able to experience and remember that the true meaning of life and wonder and discoveries are not only possible with a wallet full of cash.




6 comments:

  1. When they grow up they will remember that they were happy playing outdoors with friends and that they had a secure home and loving parents. And if they want to, they will travel the world. They'll appreciate it far more at 18 than at 8. When they have flown the nest, I shouldn't be surprised if you too have a few far flung adventures without the pressures of dancing classes and children's shoes to buy. At their age playing in the park is idyllic.

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  2. Turn this thing on its head. Just supposing you went back to work and earned enough money to do all these things for your children, but you and they missed out on all the simple pleasures in their lives - what would they remember then? Coming home to an empty house, having to wait for meals or go to child-minders?
    No, you are far better off spending your time with them and teaching them to become indepedent adults so they can go off and do the things they want to.
    When my older two sons were children there was never enough money to do anything other than eat, they are now adults, my eldest is married to a lovely Japanese girl and travels to Japan once a year, and the second is partnered with an English girl and they both enjoy travelling the world together.
    Enjoy them while they are young, it passes all too quickly xx

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  3. My hubby never went abroad as a kid. The family didn't have a car until he was in his teens. His dad worked hard at a low-paid job, his mum went taught at night school so they could afford a couple of weeks by the sea-side every year (by train). He looks back at his childhood with great affection. He appreciates the sacrifices his parents made for him. He remembers playing with his cars in the sand in the back garden and going out for bike rides with his friends. He got extra opportunities by joining the Scouts. He had a great childhood. We aren't interested in Disney Land, the latest gadgets or whatever - we are interested in making sure our children grow up with lots of love and the opportunity to play outdoors, and it sure sounds as though yours are getting that.

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  4. It's such a difficult choice - money or happiness. My parents worked hard all their lives to give us a good education. We were very happy but never went abroad as children. Then my parents worked hard and saved for their retirement - my Mom died last year, quite young and didn't get to enjoy the money she had saved. So, I say, don't say what if, or when I've done that. Do it now, or you may not get the chance.

    Yes, money isn't everything, but that also means not letting it get in the way of your life happiness.

    Lovely photos of your happy weekend.

    BW,
    Lesley x.

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  5. About ten years ago I felt exactly the same as you. Papa and I were like passing ships in the night. He worked nights as I worked days, for material things & holidays. We felt like we were constantly chasing our tails. Then when my Mum died it was the pushed us to change our lives.

    My Mum was always working and growing up we lived in a big house with lots of nice things, food and holidays abroad. But, in the end she didnt care about any of that stuff...all she thought about was the regret that she hadn't spent any time with her Grandchildren. All that mattered to her was time and sadly she didnt get as much time as she thought she might.

    Time is the most valuable thing you will ever own...Enjoy it with your lovely family (and gorgeous Boxer, lol) xxx

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  6. Beautiful post Sarah and I identify with so much of it. I try and appreciate the little things when I feel like that too...but it would be lovely to have a wee bit more :-))

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