Harder than it looks

Take what you want, and pay for it, says God.


On my vacation last week, I read what might make the short list of my favorite books of all time: The Likeness, by Tana French. In it, one of the main characters has an excellent, insightful soliloqy around the fact that despite the elegant simplicity of this saying (i.e., there is a price for everything, accept that, and pay it) we have all managed to overlook the second clause. We want what we want, but we're outraged when anyone, ever, mentions that the bill must be paid.

For me, that was a timely reminder. Perhaps I've spent too much time over the last year getting myself knotted up about managing to have absolutely everything I want (satisfying career, happy family, effective writing, productive alone time, enough money, workout/running time, interesting vacations, fabulous sex life/terrific relationship, etc) without having to pay for anything.

It's all about the consequences. You CAN have what you want -- just know what the price is, and whether you're willing to pay it. Is it worth it? Where does it fit in the grand scheme of things? Do you have to have it RIGHT THIS MINUTE? Instant gratification has become so easily achieved.

If only the consequences were immediately apparent - it would make prioritizing so much easier.