Less Is More
I just got off the phone with my grandma who lives in Argentina. It’s been about 3-4 months since I’ve spoken to her. Unfortunately my days are usually pretty busy and by the time I get home it’s too late to call there. But today I had the opportunity to call, and I can honestly say I’m so happy I had the chance to speak to her. Her voice is so angelic, and her personality is blessed. I really opened up to her. I told her about so many things that have been on my mind. Although we don’t talk as much as I wish we could, I still confide in her.
When I spoke to her about some of the things that have been on my mind, she responded with examples of how my cousins are living there. She explained to me that they don’t have the luxury of having money every 2 weeks, or buying nice things and being able to hold on to them without having to worry that someone’s going to rob you the next day. She said the streets are dangerous, and it’s not safe to show people that you have anything. So people just stay home.
While I’m here constantly worried about money management, health, and achieving my goals, their in a position a lot less likely.
Less is More
I wanted to know things about my fathers upbringing, so I asked her. She said he never had any money, and that he was always striving to be better at everything he did. The income that my grandfather had wasn’t enough to support the whole family, so my dad and his sisters all started working at 12 years old. She said that what my father has accomplished here in Toronto is almost unbelievable.
It’s very important to treasure the little things that you have. Where I live there’s average income, but there’s also wealthy people around us. I see at least 100 BMW’s, Mercedes per day! Weekends is when the Ferrari’s, Lambo’s, and Bentley’s, and Jaguar’s come out to play. I’m constantly reminded of material things that confuse me to think that these are things I want.
I don’t think I want them as bad as I tell myself I do. I think it’s the challenge of finding a way to get to that level of success where I know I can afford those types of luxuries, that drive me.
Less is More
My family back home is full of values and memories that will never die. My family here is the same way, except with the pressure of keeping up with the lifestyle we have here.
Less is More
Remember that.
Marcos Mendosa
Aunts, Cousins, Sister, and Grandma
