I Need a New Bed!

My fourteen-year-old daughter always needs something. Last week it was tank tops (five of them, @ $17 apiece) and tee shirts (four) and a dress for 8th grade graduation. This week, it's a full sized bed at her dad's house.

She was afraid to discuss the bed in front of me, because she knows how I react to her constant "need" for more stuff. I have had many discussions with her about the difference between "want" and "need". My policy is that I buy her the basic clothing that she "needs", and she buys herself the luxury items. 

The problem is how to determine a "need". My idea differs greatly from my ex-husband's, hence the full sized bed purchase for his house. He wants her to be happy and comfortable in her room. I agree! My philosophy on what makes people happy is a little different from his. It's not only about the end goal, it is about the journey, too. If we are chasing the pie in the sky, we are often empty when we get the pie. I feel that when we stop giving in to her whims, she will appreciate and be grateful for what she has. And she will be more resourceful, too. 

I am famous for making something from nothing. I can take beat up furniture that someone has put out on the side of the road as garbage and transform it into a thing of beauty. This was my business for the last 20 years. I love making a meal from whatever is in the frig or the pantry or re-creating new meals from leftovers. So it goes against my values to buy something new every time I am unhappy. I would rather look within to see what can make me happier. My inner process is far more important than satisfying my outer urges.

So what about the new bed? He will buy it for her. I am willing to put money on how long it will take until she needs something else to make her happy. In the meantime, I will continue to model for her and teach her to appreciate and be grateful for what she has.

I encourage you to take time today to contemplate and write down what you are grateful for. And if you are up for the challenge, make something from nothing. Take a picture and post it here. I would love to see how creative and resourceful you are!