“The Run is Done.” Poetic words from my virtual Nike Fitness Club coach, who’s in my ear every morning. I now have less than twenty-four hours before I do it again.  Although my times were slow again this morning, my legs felt relatively good. A female runner that I see some days once again passed me with ease. She’s going twice as fast as I am and I’m envious. I found myself equally envious last night when we visited the retirement home of a media colleague.  He owns a palatial estate that makes our new home seem tiny in comparison. Everything is relative and I’m now used to a neighborhood where homes are essentially the same. Fortunately, there’s little room for improvements that can get you caught up in that Keep Up With the Jones’ mentality. 

It just goes to prove that if you just stay home, you feel very content. However, if you decide to see how the other half lives, you may find yourself disappointed in what you’ve accomplished. I find myself questioning where I went wrong rather than appreciating what I do have. Why be green with envy when your life is golden? If I had more financial resources, what would I do with them? Buy a bigger home or try to help others? Honestly, I’m stretched right now in satisfying my selfish personal needs. 

I need to remember that just three months ago we were living in an apartment. We now have three times that amount of square footage plus a spacious lanai/pool area. What would I even do with more rooms, cars, or things? It’s the most practical set-up we’ve ever had and everything is brand new. I need to appreciate and be satisfied with this, while admiring what others have accomplished! Our home is perfect for our retirement needs, so there should be no sense of envy.