In the affluent society we are living in, it seems that the more people have, the more they want.
Enough just does not seem to be enough and we see it at every level of society, from the highest income bracket to the lowest.
Why are we not satisfied with what we have?
Is a million-dollar salary not enough? Is having one dog not enough and do we really need that collection of trinkets or the collection of old cars or equipment that litter the yard?
We have to ask ourselves why we always want more … is there something missing from our lives that we need to fill? We may feel the need to gather or perhaps it is a need to beat the system. We may feel that, because there is a control on the amount of some items one can possess, we can beat the system and by possessing an excess amount, we have beaten the system.
Controls are usually put in place for a purpose – for control. It is usually for a very good reason, though sometimes admittedly it is a failure.
Sometimes in the process of beating the system more problems can be caused, such as other contraventions that one may not have thought of, that relate to the possession.
Do we ever stop to think that our habit may be having a detrimental effect on others – family, neighbours or even oneself? The outcome may be what is considered unsightly and noisy, causing health problems or even being a detriment to the possessor.
We must step back for a minute or two and reassess why it is we feel the need for more. What is preventing us from being happy and fulfilled with just enough?
Maybe if we all lived with enough, there would be less need for laws, bylaws and all the controls we have in place; there would not be the need for the aforementioned because we would feel content.
Upcoming events to watch for:
- The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) will be holding its strategic planning session on Thursday, Sept. 13.
- The annual (UBCM) Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention held in Victoria, B.C. from Sept. 24 to 29.
- Oct. 12 Kettle River Watershed Management Plan workshop in Rock Creek.
- Oct. 13 workshop on raising healthy goats and sheep at Grand Forks’ seniors’ hall in City Park, which is an all day workshop.
- Also, a RDKB newsletter will be published with plans for three issues a year.
For more information regarding any of the above watch for announcements or contact Irene Perepolkin at 250-442-3817 or by email at ireneperepolkin@gmail.com.
– Irene Perepolkin is Area D director for the RDKB
