Interpretation, perception, ILLUSIONS
Read this article over at Mises Institute and gotzta thinkin’ about how we percieve so much ‘reality’ that ain’t.
Happiness is not a dollar figure, THAT, I do know. There was a time where self and Ex cleared near a quarter mill (before the tax man came) and we were flat miserable.
These days, I take home less than 25k (it varies) and I am comfortable. No Mortage. No Utilities. A Fone bill and car insurance are the only real ‘utilities’ (read; Recurring without end) and of course my debt payments, that are finite and controllable. I also have no fashion sense, so clothing and appearances don’t bear much on my finances (just as long as I am not flashing my ass to the general public, I could care less if I look civilized. I DO make sure I am hygenicly correct! Can’t be smellin’ like the barnyard, yaknow,,,, )
And then I get a news letter from Robert Kyosaki that purt much stated similar, though he is still chasing ‘wealth’,,, “That’s why the rich don’t work for dollars. They work for assets—things that produce income, not promises. Robert Kyosaki”
Its perception,,, How you perceive your status in the world, and yeah,,, sometimes, there is another person in that equation. (most times, actually)
And,,,,
ITS ALL ILLUSIONS
My perception is not your perception is not their perception,,,,
Be happy, however you find that. If that is chasing the almighty dollar, like Robert swears he isn’t doing, then yah, thats your happiness. If that is looking for that perfect white water river to run in a small boat,,, Thats your thing. Or that little patch of ground that grows stuff, or just a perfect view of the world from a hillside,,,, It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to make it valuable to YOU,,,, hell, it could be free for the taking: like sitting under a tree watching the wildlife do its thing.
Let go. Unplug. Relax.
stop chasing the ‘dream’ as described by others; figure your dream out for yourself.
I’m 57, and I ain’t done livin’ and I don’t wish to spend my remaining days chasing some carrot for tidbits of reward. That path is why certain people are in power: the majority of people ARE on that ratwheel, powering the machine, chasing after some illusive “happiness” that those others kinda-sorta defined for them.
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Dio's Workshop 
am right there with ya in many respects. ‘Love’ of money is where many veer off course.
Very grateful each day for our needs being met, not our wants. A general business teacher in high school spoke of needs verses wants. Have always thought well of this teacher. How many understand that one concept, and how many have truly missed out? we are free in many respects. Bonhoeffer was a free man, even while in prison. Not allowing ourselves to ‘feel’ as slaves nor victims is key to freedom and peace.
Just a few thoughts , we all get down and have our down moments. Important to get back up again.
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April 20, 2025 at 8:14 am
My biggest down right now is feeling like my words are just circular thinking and self-aggrandizing. I don’t feel like I am contributiing anything to the world, while the world is passing me by at the same time. Its hard to explain, but that’s the gist of it. There is a solution ahead of me, I just don’t like the implications of what must happen for that solution to come to fruition. Don’t ask, please,, there are some things I don’t need to share in to the world.
Besides,,, being down is my normal state: I’m an introvert, continually introspective of myself , desires and needs. “I’m my own worst critic” sums up my usual state.
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April 20, 2025 at 8:25 am
Been pretty quiet myself lately. Have realized how small i am in this world.
lot more to say but computer acting up! lol. have a good one!
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April 20, 2025 at 8:44 am
Great post Dio. I’ve been dead-ass broke more times than I care to remember and I’ve had a few years where I was flush, but it wasn’t the “stuff” that brought me joy… Being in the Redwoods, waiting on that perfect wave, laying down a sweet groove on the ol’ drum kit. THOSE are things that bring me the most joy and those things are PRICELESS.
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April 22, 2025 at 6:26 pm
I”ve said it before: my best times, when I was at the top of my mental game, were when the bank account was near zero and the wallet whistled with its emptiness. Those were some of my better learning points, where I was actually MAKING things from nothing much. Like my little steam engine made from recycled soda cans and lots of heat in a hole-in-the-ground foundry. Didn’t account to much, but it worked and I learned TONS that can’t be taught any other way. Those days are priceless and bright spots in the memory banks.
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April 22, 2025 at 6:44 pm