by Pamela Kay

Created on: April 07, 2008   Last Updated: April 14, 2008

Many profess a desire for living a simple life. However when it comes down to actually doing it, few are willing to let go of the unnecessary things which complicate their life. Everything in life involves some give and take.

If you think it doesn't, try to think of any change in your life where you did not both lose and gain something. Sometimes it is only wisdom we gain, but wisdom is priceless. It is what tells us how to use the knowledge we have gained.

I was once a member of the rat race. I lived in the fast lane burning my candle at both ends. I allowed the system to dictate how I behaved, who my friends were, what I wore, where I went and what I did. Until one day, I realized I was no longer a real person but a composite of the images I saw daily on the world's channel for how to fit in.

I was shocked by how easily I had become a sheep, who followed the most popular crowd no matter where it led. All the lessons, taught by my parents, had evaporated and I now allowed others to teach me new ideas, morals and values.

I had chosen a job in management because it paid well and afforded me some power. I did not want the power to influence the lives of others, but it was a necessary tool for staying on top. And if my conscience kept me awake at night, I turned it off with thoughts of all I had gained.

I did not really like or care about my friends. They were vain and callous and a quite voice inside told me they didn't care about me either. But they were the in-crowd' to belong to, so I acted the part. When they made fun of others, I only smiled but this made me just as guilty as they.

I hated spending so much money on clothes, jewelry and make-up. However, these things were necessary to maintain my status. A status that brought me no real joy or happiness. The more I bought, the more hours I worked to pay for them and the less time I had for what really mattered: my family.

I actually hated some of the places I went while trying to fit in. Shopping for things, I didn't need, clubbing with a bunch I didn't like and always, always spending money on myself. It was at one of these places that I finally saw what a waste my life was and decided to change.

It took about a year to morph back into who I really am. It took three years to pay off the credit cards and cut them up. It required changing jobs, friends, wardrobe, residence and everything about my visible life. The changes inside happened at lightening speed once I woke up and knew who I was and what was important

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