When does the line in the sand get drawn differentiating what we need from what we want? Physically, emotionally, and mentally. Should that be something we just know; something we just feel? Do some of us even need the line? If so, do we at least get a discount on the stick?

It would be nice if we could keep our needs & wants organized in boxes. Our inventory would be updated weekly, and sent to us via email so we could keep a running tab. And, for $1.99/month, it would also determine where each item fell in the bigger picture. What a deal!

Unfortunately, there are no organized boxes for intangible items, nor can we have another person keep track of our ever growing inner-inventory. Someone should have thought of that. We came up with Oreos; why this is so hard? I’m not sure. But a lot of people have trouble figuring out what it is they truly need from another person, and more importantly, for themselves.

Do we need and want differently at different ages? At different milestones? After different life experiences? Sure. Though I don’t think it makes it any easier, as there will always be new feelings & desires to categorize.

When you were younger you needed to eat enough vegetables, and wanted freeze pops. Between the ages of 30-40 you need a steady income, a home, and probably still will want freeze pops, among other things. Between the ages of 50-60 it’s about needing to have your T’s crossed and I’s dotted on your stock investments and retirement plans, and, who are we kidding, you may still want freeze pops. Or a vacation home. Maybe you want both, which is understandable.

Personally, I don’t want a luxury car, or a mansion, or a vacation home. I want to love, create, laugh, take care of my friends and family, and enjoy every single day. For me, I’ve always considered my wants to be my needs, and my needs to be my wants.

Maybe at the end of the day some of us don’t want to categorize things. Maybe some of us don’t want to struggle with determining the differences.

Maybe some of us choose wide open spaces instead of divided ones.

And really, who could argue with that.