be careful what you wish for...

There is an old English proverb which was used as a central theme for a short horror story in 1902.  The Author was W.W.Jacobs and the tale was titled ‘The Monkeys’ Paw’.  It is an early exemplification of the proverb - "be careful what you wish for, lest it come true".

It is too easy to wish we had more of some things, less of others, different jobs, better pay, more hair, less weight, new city, more time and so on.  Seldom do we reflect on what we already have and consider that if we didn’t currently have these things, would they also be on the wish list?  We don’t ask ourselves the questions that we really should – do we truly need what we don’t have and is wishing for it simply creating useless worry and a sense of loss for what we will probably never have?  And what if one of these wishes does eventuate, are we genuinely prepared for the changes and possible disruptions that will follow?  It is human nature to want for more; it is not human nature to think about consequences.  At least not this human.

The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.—Unknown Author