The Finer, and Finest, Things in Life

In America, we have a saying: The finer things in life. These are the things that most people talk about when they are speaking of thing of high quality. In fact, much of that which propels people to pursue success, particularly financial success, is the desire to participate in the finer things in life.

Let's face it, increased finances enable us to do more things and enjoy things that we otherwise would not be able to afford. And we should consider that a blessing.

I am at a stage where my wife and I, and our kids, can enjoy some of the finer things in life. It hasn't always been that way. I think sometimes it is best to have to go years of getting by so that we appreciate more fully the finer things in life when we are able to experience them. I am thankful for where I am.

Who can argue of the beauty of a fine painting? Who doesn't love the smell and feel of leather furniture? Who doesn't enjoy driving a well-engineered car? Who doesn't dream of the softness and warmth of a Cashmere sweater? Who doesn't like a nice watch that can be passed on the your son or daughter someday? All of these are common symbols of the finer things in life, and indeed they are.

There is only one possible pitfall that I have found in the pursuit of the finer things in life. It is common that many fall into this trap. It is this:

While pursuing the finer things in life, we often become so engrained, so focused in the pursuit, that we do not experience the finest things in life.

You see, for the most part, the finer things in life, as commonly defined, cost money. And usually it takes a lot of time working to make the kind of money that enables us to experience the finer things in life. And in the pursuit of the money to enjoy the finer things in life, we are spending so much time that we are missing regular opportunities to enjoy the finest things in life.

Let me tell you of a recent experience. A couple of weeks ago I took my son, age 9, down to see some spring training baseball in Phoenix, Arizona. This was our second trip down together and we hope to make it an annual tradition. We popped down just for three days to see three games (Boy the Seattle Mariners are looking good this year! But I digress...)

The first game we saw was against the California Angels in their spring training facility in Tempe. There we sat waiting for the game to start. Now let me assure you, this was not an experience of the finer things in life. It was actually a little chilly out, though the sun was shining. We were sitting on relatively hard seats, and my cuisine consisted of peanuts and a diet-Pepsi. Hmmmmm.

But do you know what I found myself thinking? "There is no place else in the world I would rather be right now."

I was spending time with my boy, doing something we would both enjoy, and creating memories that will never go away. This, my friends, was one of the finest things in life.

What are the finest things of life in my book? Here are a few. You can see where I am going and name a few yourself.

Reading a novel just for the fun of it.

A casual stroll along the beach with nowhere to go.

An extra half-hour at the coffee shop, catching up with friends and actually tasting the great flavor of a cup of coffee, rather than rushing it.

A game of crazy eights with my kids.

A quiet evening out with my wife.

A Saturday afternoon sleeping on the couch in front of the fire.

And the list goes on...

Are you taking enough time to stop and taste of the finest things in life? Or are you so bent on getting to a point wherein you can experience the finer things in life?

I have a saying that "good is the enemy of the best." Sometimes the finer things of life get in the way of the finest things in life. Sometimes we settle for the finer things in life when we could be enjoying the finest things in life.

Visa has a series of new advertisements out right now. They would go something like this (describing a vacation): Airline tickets: $1500. Hotel room: $1200. The smile on her face: Priceless.

We can always put a value on the finer things in life, and I would encourage you to enjoy them if you can. But the finest things in life are priceless. You can put no value or price tag on them. It is a mandate that we take the time to enjoy them.

Take some time this week to live up to the old saying: Stop and smell the roses. You will never regret it.

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434

Latest News

Sweet Treats From Sweet Muse Make Perfect Gifts That Delight and ... MarketWatch - 5 hours ago Packaged with each brownie is an inspirational message or special quote, which makes each treat incredibly special. Messages can be selected from existing ...

Reader's Digest Honors Inspirational Teacher PR Web (press release), WA - 12 hours ago Salome Thomas-EL, an award-winning teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA, was among nineteen "American Icons" honored for their wisdom, ...

Cascade producer releases second inspirational DVD edition Great Falls Tribune, MT - 8 hours ago By JO DEE BLACK • Tribune Business Editor • December 2, 2008 CASCADE — Cheryl Andersen's first attempt at commercializing her husband's photography hobby ...

Inspirational journalist bows out The Australian, Australia - 6 hours ago Macswan, a former war correspondent, foreign correspondent and associate editor of the national news agency Australian Associated Press, died in Sydney ...

Have an inspirational story? We're all ears Orlando Sentinel, FL - Dec 1, 2008 Do you have an interesting story to tell about your journey to a more active lifestyle? It can be a story about your significant weight loss, your training ...

OUR VIEW: Our teachers, our neighbors, we honor you SouthCoastToday.com, MA - 14 hours ago Inspirational teachers not only challenge students to achieve, but instill in them life lessons and the love of learning. To recognize the special place ... "Teacher of Year" nominations accepted South Coast Today all 3 news articles

Times Online

Inspirational Ronaldo wins global award Daily Nation, Kenya - 1 hour ago By REUTERSPosted Tuesday, December 2 2008 at 18:36 Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Tuesday after ... Why the Ballon D'or is Stupid and Quite Possibly Evil Buzzle all 768 news articles

Ducks' Reed tops list at team awards EastOregonian.info (subscription), OR - 8 hours ago The Ducks' Most Outstanding and Most Inspirational honors are voted on by the Oregon players. Oregon improved its record to 9-3, concluding its regular ...

Duck Awards Banquet The Oregonian - OregonLive.com, OR - Dec 1, 2008 Sunday night Nick Reed was named team MVP, Jeremiah Johnson was given the Most Inspirational Player Award, and Terence Scott was given the Most Improved ...

Voice of America

As proud African American, Rice calls Obama 'inspirational' AFP - Nov 5, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday called President-elect Barack Obama "inspirational," saying his election marked "an ... Video: Rice Congratulates Obama on Victory AssociatedPress Rice calls Obama "inspirational", promises smooth transition Hindustan Times Rice Pledges Full Support for Obama Staff Transition at State ... Voice of America The Daily Voice - Metro Boston all 321 news articles