Randy

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Username:: solitaire
Name:: Randy
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Life & Events > Relationships > Relativity--my Theory

Relativity--my Theory

While I don't profess to understand fully Einstein's Theory of Relativity, I have my own take on the term. This is more philosophical than scientific (and I certainly don't claim to be a philosopher!).

As I age, I come to discover new observations in life, not only my own, but in general. For the past 20 years (and I can almost date it exactly), my motto has been to "simplify". Like the song says, "give me the simple life". I think I've been successful at attaining that philosophy.

Recently, I've added a new concept or belief: Everything is relative. I mean EVERYTHING is relative! Think about it.

How "rich" are you? Some people are richer, some poorer. How much do you weigh? If you're overweight, some people are more so than you. Where do you live? Some live in better places (both in terms of housing and geography/location), some worse.

I have rather suddenly realized (although I always knew it) that we live a life of comparisons. More or less. Better or worse. Bigger or smaller. Higher or lower. We frequently compare our lives and possessions to others. It's a chapter in "keeping up with the Joneses".

We're consequently good at rationalizing our positions or status in life. Yes, they have this, but I have that. We do it with occupations, religious beliefs, health, everything. If we can't change things, we give excuses or rationalize the situation.

We might be happy and satisfied with "where we're at". If things aren't "good", we often say "things could be worse". It's all relative. Right now, I'm thinking about gasoline prices. It cost me $60 yesterday to fill up. It used to be $30. It could (and might) be worse-$90.

I'm currently in a state of mind that compares almost everything to an alternative. That's not all bad, but it's driving me crazy--okay, crazier. See, that's relative!

posted on Apr 26, 2011 5:53 AM ()

Comments:

It's nice to ponder and I have found, gratitude cuts to the chase. People also project their fault unto others, they see it out there, instead of realizing it's their own shadow.
I tend to gravitate to Nature and animals there is peace.

comment by anacoana on May 1, 2011 5:58 AM ()

I try to stay in the "now" and enjoy what is rather than looking to what it could be or is not, but I sure need to work on that some more!

comment by dragonflyby on Apr 28, 2011 2:17 PM ()

I think we all have that problem. Hope you're feeling good and feeling content. I sense you are.

reply by solitaire on Apr 30, 2011 4:42 AM ()

Sorry,about that.

comment by fredo on Apr 27, 2011 9:50 AM ()

Contentment is priceless. We are not keep up with the Jones people, we
are just us. We have heard that gas prices will rise to 5.00 a gallon by
fall. Let us all support Obama in his effort to rid the hugely profitable
oil companies of their tax breaks. Let's not confuse this with royalty
owners who only get l/8th of what the oil companies make from their land.
Oil exploration is extremely expensive but the tax breaks are out of hand.
Companies like GE with enormous profits pay nothing. The trouble with
trickle down economics is that it never trickles down to the middle class.

comment by elderjane on Apr 27, 2011 9:37 AM ()

You could have made this into a regular post! But you are right on. The richest companies and Americans are getting away with "murder"!

reply by solitaire on Apr 28, 2011 5:11 AM ()

I am a believer in the cup half full rather than half empty approach. There is always someone worse off than me. I count my blessings and if Ed is sad about something in the past, I often say, "That was then, this is now." We have a good life and I keep reminding him.

comment by tealstar on Apr 26, 2011 10:58 AM ()

You've hit upon another one of my philosophies--living for now. I still take a lot of pictures so I can recall (with delight) past experiences--like my trips. I just hope I live long enough to be able to look back on what I did at age 68 as fond memories!!

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:36 AM ()

Good post, Randy! Reminds me of that saying 'we're only as happy as we decide to be.'

comment by troutbend on Apr 26, 2011 10:18 AM ()

Or, from the songs, "Smile, (though you're heart is breaking)", and "Put on a Happy Face". Easier said than done. I usually can't force myself to be happy. I either am or am not. Mostly am, but that's because I live a good and lucky life. (Or I have the spirit of God/Jesus dwelling inside me!

)

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:32 AM ()

Comparative thinking isn't important to me. In my experience it has led many people to complicate, rather then simplify their lives. I love the simplicity of my life. Downsizing for whatever reason, always puts the focus on the essentials and what's most important, and that's where my focus is.

comment by marta on Apr 26, 2011 9:57 AM ()

We think alike on this subject, my friend. This "relativity" idea came to me as I was hiking with a fellow volunteer in Utah. I found I kept saying, "It's all relative". That got me thinking--dangerous, I know!

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:27 AM ()

Good post there.Need not say any more.One of the comments there is getting sickening.

comment by fredo on Apr 26, 2011 9:37 AM ()

You shouldn't be "dissing" Robin (itsjustme) like that!

But you know, many of us "brag" about our conditions in life, especially if life really IS good. I do it all the time (sorry).

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:24 AM ()

I have come to many of the same conclusions. Comparisons are what keeps us on an even keel sometimes. Since I moved from the Flower City by the Lake I have been trying to uncomplicate my life and, when things get on my nerves, I think about how much worse it could be and it gives me a fresh perspective.

reguards
yer philosophical pal
bugg

comment by honeybugg on Apr 26, 2011 9:07 AM ()

I think its your very perspective that keeps us all going sometimes. Think positive! And thanks for dropping by.

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:19 AM ()

I agree about simplify---that's why about 4-5 years ago I sold my 'collections'---Playbills, books, CDs, VHS tapes, etc., on ebay.
Regarding how rich I am--very rich, though according to the government I am below the poverty level with coupons I eat out 3-4 a week which I love, go to the movies every week and with my 'deal' at corinescorner being her drama critic I get to see ALL the touring Broadway shows for FREE.
Along with living in an area with great weather--went to the pool every day this week--I am rich in the family I have made for myself--it is small but priceless.
Oh yes--not having a car what's the problem with gas????

comment by greatmartin on Apr 26, 2011 7:40 AM ()

Reading posts and comments gives me a good idea of who's happy and content/satisfied and who's not. We all know where you stand! Life IS good!

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:17 AM ()

Gas prices are kinda scary... I am not a fan of how much they are creeping up!

But yes, it's true, it's all relative!

comment by kristilyn3 on Apr 26, 2011 7:30 AM ()

Something needs to be done. I foresee a post on the subject!

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:14 AM ()

Dont check european gasoline prices... 1.70 euro for 1 liter now ( 1 gallon is about 3.75 liter i think)

comment by itsjustme on Apr 26, 2011 6:20 AM ()

Hey Robin. Yes, European gas prices have always been higher than America's. You've adjusted, we haven't--yet.

reply by solitaire on Apr 27, 2011 5:12 AM ()

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Relativity--my Theory