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Another Cost of Living

This blog post may not be going where you think it is. I am not going to write about gas prices, groceries, the economy, or interest rates. I want to talk about one of the other costs of living—our emotional well-being.

I’m not sure I remember all the details, but in my early years—I think I was about three or four years old—I was with my dad going into a grocery store. I was barefoot and somehow my foot got caught in the automatic door. You can imagine my scream and my dad’s concern and of course, the healing that took place. It was a cost of living.

When I was six, we moved from Wisconsin to Montana. I remember staring out my window, wishing for kids to play with and wanting to feel at home in our new house. Moving is hard for anyone. It was a cost of living.

I dated a young man for several years. I thought he was “the one.” At some point, we realized that our goals were different and we went our separate ways. I sobbed for days. In fact, as I think about it, I notice a tear or two trickle down my face because I genuinely loved him and he loved me. Sometimes love isn’t enough. It was a cost of living.

I was very close to my maternal grandparents. I treasure every moment I had with them. I remember the time they drove in the middle of a blizzard and negative temperatures to my December college graduation. I loved every minute at their camper, fishing and frying up the fish. When each of them passed, my heart was crushed. Just as we live, we die. It’s a part of the life journey. It is a cost of living.

Everything we go through in life can have a cost. Even the incredibly great moments usually have time, sweat, tears and even blood involved in them. Yes, the reward can be amazing and I’m always aware of both sides of the balance sheet. The reality is that if we are not embracing life and fully living, there is also a cost. The bottom line is that we get to choose our cost. We may get hurt. We may lose. We may experience sadness. And yet, if we aren’t willing to experience those things, how will we know happiness, elation, love, harmony and more?

My foot healed. Living in Montana was amazing. I eventually found the love of my life and while I miss my grandparents, I know they are still with me. Just like all of the life experiences I have had, there is a gift in it all. Is there a cost in living? Absolutely. Am I willing to pay the cost? Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss this ride in life for anything. How about you?

Blessings, Peace and JOY – 

-Deb