The statement, "Bleeding to death from a thousand paper cuts" is something that I have thought of often in the last while. While I realize it is not the big things that get us, it is the additive nature of the little things that can make us suffer the most. I have witnessed the challenges of the economy in 2009 through unique glasses. For example: A bankruptcy attorney in Las Vegas has commercials showing the people so happy that they declared bankruptcy with Frank. I heard a six year old child tell his mom to "do bankruptcy with Frank" when she said they were not going on vacation this year. Simple, spontaneous and innocent. I see children who routinely watch media that is too far advanced and socially inappropriate for them. The consequences are entitlement, disrespect and unrealistic views of social interaction. The long term issues may be severe in many cases. It is not the knockout blow, it is the details that catch us like body punches and wear us out.
I wonder as I drive and observe people, if they are satisfied with life, comfortable or suffering. I seek simplicity and quiet in my life. My life is a gift and as I see it I should be accountable and sensible. Why would I even think that credit card debt would even be a okay thing? Why is it so difficult to live within our means? Why don't we save more and pay cash for what we buy? I believe that Americans often feel that nothing bad will ever happen to them. It does, and in many ways like a hurricane or slowly like making minimum payments on a credit card. When jobs lay off workers or health problems arise- the paper cuts continue and we know we are bleeding, but the bleeding is not so bad, it will stop soon. Then the flu hits and a week is missed off work, followed by need for a new washer or transmission. The sense of being out of balance comes and more paper cuts slice us up. They aren't that deep, "they always heal" rolls through our mind. Not me, I'm fine! Are we ever sure?
When we get out of balance, we either seek to get balance back or give up, adapt to chaos and run from our challenges. This is unskilled living. I have belief that if we face up to small challenges that we have control over daily, we will have fewer of the insults that can defeat our fighting spirit. When we get down it is easy to turn to drugs or alcohol, which cost money and make the problems worse. They are classic avoidance mechanisms-what do we have to avoid if we work smartly to stay ahead of bills and have surplus in case of emergency. This sounds harsh to many I am sure. It is common sense and yet so painful for many to even think about. There are many things that will make us uncomfortable that we truly don't have to suffer about. Suffering is truly optional.
I have wondered how much time and energy I have spent worrying rather than helping myself. I am positive that thousands of dollars have gone to interest on loans and credit cards. Now as I look at it I would never choose to pay that again, ever. If I want to change I should start by seeking balance and frugality. My goal in the practice of dentistry for children is to educate and have parents prevent oral problems. Their best dental insurance is education, daily work and saying no to their child's unhealthy food and drink choices. Prevention of any problem is far grander than any repair! The small good choice adds up just like the small bad one. Making the daily effort to pay attention and not stick our heads in the sand is skillful living. (Thanks Dave S.)
If you are down, start by focusing on what make you down. Sit quietly and focus on details. Write down what can change our look and approach to difficult circumstances. What will prevent rather than create the little problems that add up to huge things. Then if by chance we get ahead, stay ahead and live with gratitude. The big things we often focus our fear on are always there. It may be time to pay attention to the little things that can drag us down....like a thousand paper cuts.
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