Survival. That's what defines life's true necessities. What does a person need to survive, to stay alive? Simply food, water, and shelter. We don't need TV, music, Nintendos, cell phones, Snickers bars, or even a house. Those things are nice but simply not necessary. Simple survival means sustenance, not pleasure and comfort.

Then there are the people in our lives that enrich us and make life bearable like husbands, boyfriends,family and friends,our faith, and pets. Those things and so many others make life bearable, wonderful, and joyful. Without them, life would be less fulfilling and empty. I can't imagine having all those things taken away. It would feel like a hardship but many people barely have even survival necessities and they still keep going.

So it makes me wonder if I am spoiled? After all, we have a nice three bedroom house to live in, decent cars, jobs, plenty of stuff, and plenty of the basics. When I think about others who don't have all this, I also wonder if I should feel wealthy in a monetary sense. In my country we're considered middle class, not wealthy, but compared to other countries I think some would consider me rich. I guess in that sense, we are living high on the hog.

Not that this upsets me. After all, I think all of us desire to have more things to make life comfortable and easy. We might think we couldn't get by without that morning latte or cappuccino, or that extra pair of boots, or the newest washing machine. Those modern conveniences sure are nice to have around, but they aren't necessities. Death would not come if we didn't have them.

I have come to the conclusion that I have more than basic life necessities. I am blessed beyond measure and don't take enough time to thank God for those things that I have. I have no excuse for this lack of thought except that I am wound up in my own life and not really focused on others. Self-absorption seems to be a mainstay. So can be done to become more aware?

Being honest means that I have to admit that I'm not self-actualized. Psychology 101 points this out too well. So I guess the answer to my question is to pay more attention and look for ways to help others when I am able. That might mean "checking-out" of my comfort zone and stepping up to the plate. A daunting task as I truly am a typical, self-absorbed American. This means being more thankful and more giving. Instead of waiting for someone to scratch my back, I should be out doing that exact thing for others. Helping to meet the needs of others truly demands self-growth.

Defining exactly what constitutes a necessity in this life might help us better understand that we have the ability to help others who come up a little short in that area.I believe this is a necessity and making the choise to enhance the quality of someone else's life might also do the same for my own.

Learn more about this author, Victoria Montgomery.
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