#293: The other side of panic

Do you remember sixties? That’s when Kris Kristofferson warned that ‘freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.’

I find it interesting that when we lose material things, slowly through loss of income, we panic even though it’s supposed to lead to freedom. I suppose it’s not freedom on our terms. Yet, if we panic for long enough we begin to realize what we truly value. And that is a completely different set of things we don't want to lose.

Here’s my way of telling whether I have panicked long enough to reclaim my values and to recognize what I value. I ask myself five questions.

• Do you live to work or work to live?
• Do your wants put your needs at risk?
• Do you collect things or friends?
• Does size matter more than utility?
• Does providing for your family prevent you being with your family?
  

Your answers will tell you whether you have gone beyond panic.


I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2009 James Henry McIntosh

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