Why is it that we chase new experiences ? To boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before ? Pioneers, explorers and fashionistas, it’s all the same thing, really. The glory of being first, or, well, at least the glory of having a new experience, and perhaps being one of the first to experience … who could deny that this feels good ?
Could be a killer pair of shoes, a dress, or for boys a new gadget, widescreen TV, new designer clothes, or whatever “floats your boat”. It’s that Christmas eve feeling of anticipation, then the peak of experience in the achieving, getting, having or doing, opening presents Christmas morning.
Is it healthy all this chasing the NEW, the unexplored, the uncharted, the desirable or, and I hesitate to say this, the forbidden ?
Why do we go to a party with the most gorgeous girlfriend/wife or handsome boyfriend/husband, and still find ourselves looking around at the “talent” ?
SOME might say, oh, you’re addicted to shopping, addicted to fashion, addicted to porn/sex, addicted to X, Y or Z – HUSTON YOU HAVE A PROBLEM … YOU’RE AN ADDICT … NOT I, I don’t say this, why tie myself up in knots with guilt or shame ?
I look for the why before pointing a finger. WHY then do we chase new experiences, why aren’t the old/current ones good enough ?
I reckon it’s partly the child in us, children love to explore and try out new things. Their minds are like sponges, they need and want to be stimulated, to grow and learn. Healthy use of imagination, and of fantasy goes into it. What will I feel like when I’m wearing those killer shoes and dress. And boys probably won’t admit to it, but imagining all those movies or sports in a vivid clear experience on an 80″ flat screen TV, well, it’s a boy’s wet dream, not to put too fine a point on it.
If there is a problem, which I don’t think there really is, then it’s when we start to lose sight of the HERE and NOW, of what we already have in favour of the NEW. Obsessed and focused on the future, so much that we lose track of what we already have and the people that are already around us. Too much “doing” and not enough “being” is also a factor.
Not something to feel bad about, or guilty or ashamed. I won’t preach those things. The only thing I’d suggest is awareness. When we’re aware, we can be like “Ah, hmmm, maybe I’m spending a bit too much time obsessing over dresses or widescreen-TVs, time to take a reality check and enjoy the dresses I already have and the TV that I watch every day”. Don’t forget to enjoy the things we’re passionate about, without passion what are we ? Stoic automatons ?
The bottom line for me is that enjoying what we already have (and are, and can do) is a key to happiness.
And for my next trick … “Stuck in the past” …
For bottom feeders (summary readers)
Becoming addicted to the NEW is a potential pitfall that most, if not all us can become trapped by. New experiences are great, necessary, fun and important. But do keep one eye looking at what’s right in front of you, for what’s in the “right here, right now” … If you want to know the rest then read the whole thing.
Cheers
Don Charisma
Resources & Sources
All photos from morgueFile – thanks morgueFile
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I read ALL comments but can’t always reply. I will comment if I think there’s something that I can add to what you’ve said. I do delete without notice comments that don’t follow rules above. For persistent offenders I will ignore you permanently and/or report you.
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Warm regards, Don Charisma
Don Charisma 
Yes of course!
“Fear not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea; I will help thee; yea I will up hold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10).
Antonio Sherman
Great post Don.
Balance… It’s easy to say but hard to do. Most things have been done before or said before or bought before but the “new to us” keeps us learning and striving and dreaming. Keeping the new in proportion can help us to move forward in our lives. But you are right – it is very important not to make life just about new stuff (materialistic goods) – that is the way to the dark side…
True say, hard to add to that 🙂 warm regards Don Charisma
Don, I think people pursue the ‘new’ in order to be special. Everyone likes to be special. And then there are those who want to superior. As far as those who only want new experiences, it’s the same as with everything, too much of anything is not good.
Can’t argue with that hun, very sound logic !
Reblogged this on Forget the Viagra, Pass Me a Carrot and commented:
What is not to love and the pooch says it all.
Thanks for the reblog hun, muchos gracias 🙂
As a young man I often wondered what God looked like. The commonly held view being a huge looking fellow with long flowing white beard and a booming voice. There didn’t seem to be many other descriptions, then I read that He or perhaps She, could be referred to as the All; the Alpha and the Omega, the Seen and the Unseen, all that Is and all that Isn’t. Everything; even the Good and the Bad.
It occurred to me then that the Divine Presence could well be regarded as the Non-Presence; a duality of all experiences, which somewhat varied from most other religious views. So I decided to develop my own, one-man religion: the Smorgasboard of Life, realizing that in this world, good can’t exist without bad. Our feeble brains can’t determine where we are in the scheme of things without comparison, without a reference point, somewhere between good and bad, dumb or smart, or rich opposed to poor. This is the only reason that a human being could subject themselves to programs that highlight the lives of the rich and famous.
Ah ha … It seemed to me that life’s duality created the real purpose in our lives. For instance, some of us have, or seek certain virtues that determine our pathway through life.
Mr. X wants to be courageous, because of all the beatings he received as young Mr. X, so he chooses courage. The question is, what’s courage worth, if you have no adversary? Hence, ladies and gentlemen, the need for The Smorgasboard. It contains every experience we have ever sought. After all, once we determine a want, we can’t become it until we’ve experienced it. Thought is just a vapor, unless we bring it to life and realize it by doing.
We get to choose from and partake of, The Smorgasboard, whenever we like. Not only that it’s free, although I am considering a small club, oh, I mean religious membership charge. I’ll make a fortune, because it’s impossible to not be a part of the feast. Without an opposite reference point, we would literally ‘chase our tail’. After all, what carrot or potato could live without peas?
Now here’s the big question. How, if we choose the smarts, can we ever see humanity in the same way again? In the Smorgasbord, we’re all connected and needed for each other’s journey; your enemy being as precious, or perhaps even more valuable than your best friend … and if God is indeed the all, then there’s no difference between the carrot and the pea … and His name may well be Ken.
Now, all that’s left is to consider my fee. Any ideas?
Very thoughtful writing Ken, I enjoyed, it’s right up my street … I’d perhaps consider the catholic church’s model, they are after all the richest and most powerful charity on the planet … I think they work on a donation only basis, no set fee ?
Thanks for the advice Don. 🙂
Welcome dude, anytime 🙂
Great post; asking the right questions (Does it really make us happy to chase after material belongings?) but not judgmental at all! After all, the wish to get better and discover new areas is what led to important inventions…
I enjoyed the reading.
For sure 🙂 But don’t they say curiosity killed the cat ?
Very good blog Don! I really like it and good insight. I was feeling it all the way though and I am happy that you made the comment of “I’m happy with what I wear…and not trying to impress…klean and presentable” Just love that great Charisma….
Thanks very much appreciated … I do blow my own trumpet often, but also like to remain humble too 🙂
Lovely to hear from you …
Warm regards
DC
I think we all have the tendency to do that. It took me a lot of years but I have realised that I have an obsessive tendency within my personality. I have learned to take a step back and analyse things before the latest obsession sends us broke. (although is fabric an obsession?)
I don’t know is fabric an obsession, perhaps addiction I don’t know hun …
And yes, putting some balance in doesn’t hurt, and can stop us getting burnt out or losing things that matter to us 🙂
Addiction…. obsession… it’s all the same to the GG who keeps telling me he is going to have a garage sale and clean out my stash! lol
I’m sure it’s an idle threat, aussie women I think would probably chop off the unmentionables for such behaviour !
I couldn’t catch him – that’s the problem 😉
Time for some jogging, get your speed up so you can run faster than him ?
bwahaha… you’ve seen photos of me. Long gone are my personal trainer days 😉
Personal trainer … used to have one, cant afford these days !
Personal trainer – used to be one. Look nothing like it these days 😉
Ah, that explains your endless patience, a skill i do admire 🙂
hahahaha…. patience?
But I thank you so much for your lovely compliment today my friend. 🙂
You are welcome suz, you’ve earn’t a lot of brownie points 🙂
😀 Thank you
You are welcome … are you still getting lots of traffic looking for me ?
Just writing a post about search engine terms actually. In the past week – none! Sorry 😦
Suprised, you are ranked number 3 when searching for me !
Too funny!
Was thinking of writing a post about it as a good way to get on the top of google …
Ha ha. I was thinking of just randomly including your name into my tags from time to time to stay there 😉
Don’t think that’s work Suz, you need to write Gazillions of posts singing my praises … we could dominate google together … what a thought !
Just for fun, I just threw it into a tag. Let’s see what happens lol
We shall see, but be prepared for 4 or 5 thousand hits a day at least !
At least 😉
Post all done and up.
woah, I’m already starting to see the page views go down … suz you’re sucking all my traffic … how did you do that ?
It’s a talent. What can I say?
Wow, you’re talented suz, that’s amazing !
Now I know you’re tired!! lol
This conversation is becoming curiouser and curiouser.
It’s called improvised fun suz … and yes I probably should be sleeping like a baby, but you’re keeping me awake !
Not chaining you to the keyboard or anything lol I’m just killing time until my friend gets here and then we’re going to a quilt show. 🙂
Ah so I’m the fill in for the quilt show … thanks suz, that does make me feel special !
🙂 I’m enjoying my smiles this morning. Every morning should begin that way 🙂
Feeky Chucker !
*feigns innocence*
Moi?
…. very well feigned missy !
I thought so 😉
Did you sign up for that life coach course ?
Most certainly did. See other comment.
Ah, good, I think you’d be most excellent as a life coach …
I hope so. I need to move on with life.
I hope you can find what you need hun … change is as good as a rest they say 🙂
Apparently it is 😀
GG and the twonky tween happy about all this ?
They’re happy if I’m happy. It’s good like that. 😀
Night of the long knives if they don’t like it ?
Never saw the movie so I don’t know. But no, we all co-exist together so when one is happy the others are. If something I was doing upset them then I would look at readjusting that.
That’s good suz, you’re one in a million 🙂
That’s open to conjecture but I thank you for your kind words anyway.
And now my friend is late, so I’d better get off the computer and find out what’s happening.
Time for you to sleep now. lol
🙂
PS Do you like sunsets ?
PS you could become a “Don Charisma” expert 🙂
Isn’t that a degree subject?
PHD I should think, many women have tried, but none ever succeeded !
There’s a line there you know but I’m not touching it lol
Good on you, stay safely within that comfort zone 🙂
Well, we chase after new experiences because that is what life is – trying out new experiences! Isn’t it wonderful that we have so many choices?!! How dull would it be to be stuck in a time warp of old experience. Love your web site–it is innovative, refreshing and inspirational! I will enjoy following your “experiences”! Thanks for hooking up with my art blog – it’s still very much in the development stage (but then aren’t we all? LOL)
Can’t add much Maria, I think you’ve said it all there hun … and yes, life is a continual work in progress, it’ll never be finished 🙂
That poor thing! lol Carmen Miranda on a beagle.
PMSL … Laura, you brightened up my day, after having to deal with morons … thanks hun 🙂
hehe you’re welcome 🙂
Yes, Don… the recipe of real happiness is that: “enjoying what we already have and are”.. I agree, anyway there’s always space for improvements 😛 (( which I don’t success to )) 😛 😛
For sure Niko, always can improve, but don’t forget about the now 🙂
Yes, you’re right man… Byeeeee
Must… have… new… Barbie 🙂
This is very true.There’s such a thrill in getting something new, even though the stuff I already have is perfectly adequate most of the time.
True say 🙂
Interesting piece…I think that curiosity and interest in new things and experiences can be healthy, but only if you are truly living in the moment and appreciating everything you are and have right now; those new things should be a lovely added extra and not a necessity; what defines you is who you are right now, not what you just bought or are wearing. I feel quite strongly about this one..if someone is constantly chasing the new, there would seem to be something missing to me…x
It’s all a question of paradox, sometimes we can achieve balance sometimes we can’t… doesn’t really matter if we’re happy 😉
Lol….next time I go shopping I’ll remember this article of yours😂Thank you.
OK, hope it serves you well 🙂
Thank you for that….
You are very much entirely welcome 🙂
Love this! I want a hat like that!!
LOL … thanks … not sure where you’d buy one !
Hahaha!
😎
Ah, yes, appreciation. It’s ambrosia.
😆 🙂
Yes agreed… so true! Also we need to express ourselves in all kinds of ways too. On the darker side… our desires can be a bottomless pit. When i was in my early twenties i would get stoned and ask myself what’s “it” is all about. I was living in NYC at the time and before me was a sea of fashion, lifestyles and choices of all kinds. One thing i realized then is there is no end to desires which can run us astray and keep us lost in the sea of materialism if not kept in check… but later in my forties I forgot this and i got lost into materialism and desires for a few years until i was given a rude awakening from the universe… thank goodness! which is why you are saying we need reality checks. Questioning Self is good. ^_^ thanks Don.
You are welcome, and yes agree with what you say … mirrors my experiences somewhat 🙂
Great post. Be mindful and live in the present. You will grow!
For sure 🙂
Reblogged this on debby Rhoma.
Thanks for reblog 🙂
always waiting ur next cute capture 🙂
There’s one or two on their way 🙂
I can´t believe I just saw this, I´m going to the shrink now.
LOL, if you think you’re crazy then chances are you don’t need one … my experience is the people who reckon they are sane are the ones that usually need the shrink 😉
Jeez!!
🙂
Bassets are always the height of fashion~
PMSL … thanks cindy !
You are right, it is important to remember and be grateful for, what we already have or are. Then the law about attraction also get the time to work for next step.
If we forget to be curious like kids, we are more like living dead without the joy and happiness.
Irene
True say 🙂 cheer irene 🙂
Cheer Don 😀
welcome hun … I added you to my friends page, not many on there, and I don’t update very often …
Thanks Don 😀
welcome hun 🙂
love the paw polish!
😆
Fabulous post Don! I can relate on so many levels but now I live in the moment and love the person I’ve become. Cheers!
Fabulous post Don! I can relate on so many levels but now I live in the moment and love the person I’ve become. Cheers!
I am an odd shape – I am not being self deprecating but modern fashions are a waste of time for me, but I still sit in the hairdresser, reading the latest Vogue! However, I also get great satisfaction when I get last summer’s clothes out of the wardrobe and they still fit. Great post Mr. Charisma – love the pooch – no low self esteem there.
LOL, odd shape you and me both ! … I’m happy with what I wear, usually not trying to impress, like to keep clean and presentable … pooch made me laugh, so I guess some others will too …
Warm regards
DC