I discovered as a teen that I am a spoiled person. No my parents didn't really spoil me, they never had enough money to do so. And my life hasn't always been easy.
But in general, I get what I want, or else I want what I get.
Somehow I learned not only to be grateful for what I have, but to not pine over what I don't have. (much). Which lead to me giving the attitude of spoiled brat as a teen on occasion. After all what kind of person always gets what they want? A brat. So I must be one (and in truth at times I could/can be one)
A typical teen lament is over getting cash from their parents to pay for some event or item. I never really had a complaint. Not that my parents gave me money. I never really thought they should.
Another is over asking parents for some fancy item for Christmas. In general I got what I asked for, though I only asked for things I thought were in the price range they could afford, and I kept my request to one or two items. (though I was known to tell them to replace one item with another...I distinctly recall several major moral dilemmas over if that constituted asking for a third item since I knew Mom would try to fill any want she knew of)
Occasionally a want would arise that didn't seem to eb being fulfilled. Usually sooner or later the item would fall in my lap. Sometimes literally.
I still find that sort of situation. While friends lament lack of cash for things. I find clothes fall in my lap (recently in a bag of girl clothes - which I don't need - I found 3 pairs of pants for my son, who really needs them).
I wanted a few interesting books, one of which my mother found and asked offhandedly if I wanted.
I needed a gift for a 'Dirty Santa' exchange, I found the one and only item in our house that wasn't passed on to the goodwill soon as I realized it wouldn't be used. And traded it for the perfect gift for the next Secret Santa thing. (my husband hangs on to things forever, I generally feel if I don't want it today, someone else will benefit sooner by my not holding it)
I have so much 'stuff' and so many odd things just work out perfectly I really do feel pining away after things is a big old waste of time, and counterproductive.
Oh I have my moments, I still would love a bigger house, and wouldn't it be nice if my husband had a nice well paying job? And I really could use a maid....
but in general I am very happy with what we have, and I am certain that anything we really need will pop up sooner or later, generally right after I have gotten used to doing without.
As a young teen I found this prayer on a card or coin or something......
God grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot change (including what I do or do not have)
The courage to change the things I can
and the Wisdom to know the difference.
It really spoke to me then, and continues to do so.
Still spoiled
December 10th, 2010 at 06:36 pm
December 10th, 2010 at 07:34 pm 1292009694
I admire your attitude.
December 10th, 2010 at 08:55 pm 1292014500
I always loved that prayer, too.
December 10th, 2010 at 09:05 pm 1292015153
My DH is the biggest proponent of the Serenity prayer. He likes it in dealing with his parents and in-laws who can truly try his patience.
CB, I didn't know the origin of the prayer. Very interesting!
December 11th, 2010 at 06:46 pm 1292093199
And I have plenty of bad attitude in many other ways...Though I try.
December 11th, 2010 at 11:14 pm 1292109289