the inconvenience

The most important things in life are having a shelter and food to eat and any other things are secondary.  If I have a home and food, then my life is is complete. It's easier said than done, however, since as humans we always desire more and our feeling of incompleteness stems from this attitude.  Why do we feel like we are not enough? Everyday we are constantly bombarded with proposals and propaganda telling us we need material things to make us whole. For instance, fashion magazines recommend readers to buy the latest Louis Vuitton bag and the rose metal Marc Jacob; other sources such as financial magazines advise its readers to buy the dream home because investment is the way to live. But is it the way to live? These are opinions from writers whose writings are tainted and influenced by massive companies whose hope is to have the readers regurgitate money to them after they see the recommendations.  These are inconveniences that divert readers' attention from what is necessary in life.

Lately, I notice another inconvenience in life that puts a threat to a person's well-being and the self. It's called humans.  We are surrounded by people everyday: at work, school, your favorite restaurants, organizations we are active in, and etc.  People, for the most part, add a light to our lives when it's dark  (remember those break-ups you have and your friend gave her/his shoulder for you to cry on) and it enhances our professional and personal life.  There are times where people can be demeaning and harsh for the sake of a better word.  Yesterday, I hung out with some old friends and in the group, one person made it obvious he did not like to be around me and had no interest in what I had to say.  I felt bad but at one point in the night, I reminded myself he is just another inconvenience that prevents me from enjoying life.  I was hurt by these type of people in the past and at that point I decided to not have them hurt me anymore.  Pain is unavoidable but suffering is optional. When we put things in perspective and are cognitively aware of what is going on outside of us and connect our thoughts to it, we become superhuman and have the ability to solve problems.  In this situation, my problem is this mean and harsh human being and I was able to recognize and get over quickly.  The world is harsh out there but being able to separate yourself from it will require strength that comes from overcoming obstacles.  The harshness is just another inconvenience and recognizing it is the first step to help anyone get pass it.