What I Want But Can’t Afford Yet

Life is a journey of aspirations and desires that sometimes lie just beyond our grasp. I’ve spent my days thinking about what I truly desire and yet cannot afford just yet. Today, I want to share a few of these unfulfilled aspirations, which often weigh heavily on my mind and spirit.

Retirement

For a long time, I’ve believed that I would retire by 60. However, with the retirement age pushed to 67 and being self-employed, this thought has become a distant fantasy. Self-employment offers some flexibility, but for someone working in IT, the thought of being 60 and still employed is almost foreign. Retirement has always been about the freedom to enjoy life and contribute without the constraints of a job. Unfortunately, that dream now seems further away than ever before.

A Belgian Tervuren Dog

A dog is a wonderful companion, and among the many breeds, the Belgian Tervuren is a dream for many. While I adore the idea of having such a dog, I cannot adopt one without a chain-link fence in my backyard. This unaffordable dream bittersweetly reminds me that sometimes, the details can be a significant hurdle, even in the pursuit of a simple joy.

Travel and Independence

Though I am 88 and currently disabled, the idea of traveling and experiencing the world brings me a deep sense of longing. With each passing year, this dream seems more unattainable. Despite having everything money can buy, from an old, affordable guitar to quality yet economy-minded clothing, the possibility of traveling remains just out of reach. The physical limitations imposed by my disability have left me with a bittersweet feeling, as if the world is slipping away from me, one step at a time.

Updating Our Home

Another area where my aspirations and current situation clash is in the updating of our home. While a house in a small town is something I had always imagined for myself, living in a state that resists change, there is a distinct possibility that updating certain parts of our home could enhance our living conditions and make life easier for my wife and me. Financial constraints, however, mean that these improvements are simply out of reach for now.

Other Aspirations

Beyond these specific dreams, the concept of new possessions continues to nudge me. A pickup truck, for instance, would be immensely useful for my farm, but the current financial situation does not allow for this luxury. Similarly, a new car and a completely updated and cozy house—while undoubtedly desirable—remain pipe dreams for now. Relying on rented trucks is a fraught and costly process, adding yet another layer of complexity to the pursuit of practical necessities.

Choosing Positivity in the Face of Dreams Deferred

Both the choices of despair and depression, and the choice to focus on the goodness around me, present themselves to me daily. While it is easy to compare and feel defeated, I try to choose the latter path. Despite having everything money can buy, from a simple guitar to affordable food and quality clothing, my contentment lies in appreciating what I have rather than longing for what is unattainable.
Social media and lifestyle magazines often paint a picture of wealthy and perfect lives, which can be disheartening. However, I strive to see what I have and be grateful for the simple joys and experiences that money cannot buy. It is not about what I cannot afford; it is about finding happiness in what I do have.

My story is not unique. Many people in my position often grapple with unaffordable dreams. Financial stability is a significant part of life, but it is not everything. It’s about finding balance between what we can afford and what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.

A Balancing Act

As I navigate these unfulfilled dreams, I remind myself to appreciate the present. Life is a journey filled with joys and challenges, and it is in the moments of contentment that we find the true meaning of happiness. While I cannot afford to pursue everything that my heart desires, I remain determined to make the most of the present, finding joy in the smaller things and cherishing the relationships that truly matter.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the unaffordables of life are a reminder to live in the present and find fulfillment in the moment. Whether it’s a dog, a new house, or the ability to travel, the sum of these dreams serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters – the value of the present and the joy that comes from appreciating the simple pleasures in life.