The saying "Keeping Up with the Joneses" has got to be one of the most common sayings, but I also feel it is one of the most destructive sayings when put into actions.  Let me tell you my argument and you be the judge. 

Growing up we didn't have a lot of money. We had what we needed, but extra things weren't priority. I didn't have the fancy Lisa Frank stationary/school supplies or the Jordache jeans as they were outside our budget. My parents had 4 daughters. As a kid, I remember the green-eyed monster rearing its ugly head and I hated being part of a large family with little extra money. I remember the time my mom saved all her income tax money to take us back to school shopping one year and the 3 oldest got Fila sneakers for back to school. I remember feeling guilt. To this day I have never purchased anything from Fila.

I was raised in the electronic era. Computers and AOL dial-up came out when I was a teen and when we got a computer it was for us all to share. I despised sharing. I wanted what all my friends had. How did I learn this thing called jealousy? I can venture a guess and blame it on marketing because we didn't have social media back then. Advertisements and product placements have us chasing the next big thing.

When E was growing up Tickle me Elmo was huge. Of course he had one because I wasn't of the mindset that jealousy from my youth was triggering me to buy the next big thing so E would never feel the way I did. I went into debt trying to be this super mom and it didn't give me the satisfaction I thought it would. Seriously, where is Tickle me Elmo now? Given away or tossed. Did E ever feel like he missed out on anything? No, my own fears and motivation never influenced him. He wanted for nothing, because he didn't want anything but my time and love.

I'll be turning 41 this month and life has changed so much. I am blessed with a good man, beautiful children, and more love than I know what to do with. It's not about things and money. It never was. It was a lesson I had to learn. 

What do you think?