Needs vs. Wants

"The word 'want' pertains to things you can live without, while the term 'need' corresponds to things you can't live without." This simple yet profound statement has stayed with me since I heard it during one of the last OJT (On-Job-Training) seminars in college. These seminars, conducted by the Institute, aimed to prepare us for life after graduation, focusing particularly on managing daily expenses to save effectively.

Now, almost a year into my career, I’m proud to say I’ve applied this principle in my daily life. While my savings haven't grown substantially due to my responsibilities as the family's breadwinner, the joy of giving back to those who supported me from infancy is indescribable. Seeing my family happy brings me immense satisfaction. I'm patient and faithful, trusting that I’ll reach a point where I can save for my future.

Despite adhering to this principle, I sometimes find myself torn between needs and wants. With my own earnings, I’m tempted to indulge in things I desire. However, my conscience often questions whether I truly need these things or simply want them. It’s a constant internal debate!

Our needs—food, shelter, clothing—are essentials for survival. Fulfilling them is a natural human instinct, but the desire for more can easily become a vice.

Eating in a simple eatery vs Eating in a fancy restaurant

Living in a humble house vs Living in a grand mansion

Renting a regular apartment vs Renting a luxurious condo

Wearing decent clothings vs Wearing branded garments

Indulging in our wants isn’t inherently wrong, but it’s crucial to recognize our limits. Reflect on those less fortunate—families who struggle to afford even three meals a day, people without a place to call home, individuals lacking decent clothes. You might not feel responsible for them, but at least consider their lives. Remember, you're fortunate.

Sometimes, depending on your profession, what starts as a want can become a need. A businessman might need to rent a luxurious condo in a city where regular apartments are scarce. A celebrity might need fancy clothing to maintain their image. In such cases, wants transform into needs.

The distinction between "I need it" and "I want it" is significant. While you might want everything, you only need a few essentials to survive. Think of this: "It feels good to satisfy your wants, but it feels even better to share and satisfy others' needs if you have more than enough to offer."

Navigating the balance between needs and wants is a lifelong journey. By prioritizing wisely and reflecting on the broader impact of our choices, we can lead fulfilling lives while extending a helping hand to others.

Love vs. Lust

Opening a discussion about a topic you’re not entirely familiar with can be daunting. As someone who still feels quite young to engage in such conversations, I find it a bit awkward. Yet, I firmly believe there’s nothing wrong with exploring this subject—it’s a healthy and necessary part of understanding relationships.

Can we truly experience love without feeling lust? Love and lust are often seen as polar opposites, each standing on its own. A fascinating article from the Calvary website delves into the stark differences between the two. According to the article, love is portrayed as a sacred, profound emotion, whereas lust is labeled as a base, sinful desire.

This brings us to some intriguing questions: How can love exist independently of lust? Is it crucial to satisfy lust before opening oneself up to love? Do love and lust complement each other in any meaningful way?

These questions invite us to examine the complexities of human emotions and relationships. By engaging in this dialogue, we can better understand ourselves and the nature of our connections with others. So, let’s dive into this topic with an open mind and a willingness to learn from one another.

Embracing Life's Journey: Lessons from My Heart to Yours

Life has a way of shaping us, each experience leaving an indelible mark on our souls. I've faced my share of challenges and triumphs, and through it all, my excitement for what lies ahead remains undiminished. The lessons I've learned are treasures I hold dear, despite the scars and bruises that serve as reminders of battles fought and won.

Every high and low, every joy and sorrow, every failure and victory—they all weave the tapestry of our existence. These experiences define us, shaping our worth as individuals, family members, friends, and partners. Without them, words like 'joy' and 'sorrow' wouldn't hold meaning, would they? Embracing these moments and learning from them is crucial, for they collectively craft our narrative.

My aim is to share my perspectives on life, hoping to offer insights that might resonate with you. In turn, I yearn to learn from you. Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are invaluable to me. By listening to your stories and opinions, I hope to uncover hidden facets of myself and grow alongside you.

I'm eager to hear the untold stories, the extraordinary tales from ordinary lives. These everyday narratives are the ones that truly enrich us, allowing us to live and grow together. Life is brimming with surprises, and I will always greet each new day with a smile, ready to unwrap the gifts it brings.

Join me on this journey. Let's share, learn, and grow together, discovering the beauty and depth of life's many chapters.