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As we begin to journey from a place of fear to a place of peace, the first steps we must take is defining what we “want” versus what we “need”. What are these and what do they mean? When we can distinguish between the two, it provides a sense of clarity that allows a sharpened awareness of our hope for the future. “What do I want and what do I need”? Is a question we often ask ourselves. How do we define a want? How do we define a need? At times it is hard to find a difference between the two based on our circumstances. Let’s try and ask the question in another way, “what do you want to do and what do you need to do”? Would that change how you answered…

Occasionally, how a question is asked can either illicit a simple response or no response at all due to the difficulty of understanding how to properly respond. It’s within the realm of the unknown that I propose a classic definition of how a want differs from a need. A want can be classified as a desire. A need is a necessity. To take it into a deeper inspection of our emotional and mental state, here are some question you can ask yourself to help decide between the proposed question.

Why do I want it? | How do I Ask for it?| When should I Negotiate? | How am I Teaching others? | Am I Satisfied?

Why do I want it? What is driving my desire, if I do not obtain it how will I feel, or who is keeping it from me. How do I ask for it? Am I aggressive, am I passive or am I expecting someone to just know. When should I negotiate? Is my want causing someone else distress, is a compromise needed or is there a restriction? How am I teaching others? Are other’s trying to help or have I explained it in a way other people can understand. Am I satisfied? Once I gain it, will it make me happy or will more follow.

Is it Necessary? | How Emotionally invested am I? | How do I Express it? | Are you Deprived? | The Solution?

Is it Necessary? What need will be fulfilled and what will happen if I do not get it. How Emotionally invested am I? What am I willing to do to or what I am willing to lose to have this need met? How do I Express it? Am I demanding of those around me or am I hurting myself to get it. Are you deprived? What does your lack of access look like or what does your suffering look like. The Solution? What are a few things I can do or what kind of assistance can I find?

Learning to navigate our emotional seasons, the “why’s, what’s and how’s” can be an additional assistance in helping us answer this question “Is this a want or a need”? The hardest thing to do when working hard is being patient, waiting for the results of that hard work. Learning ways to be mindful instead of mindfilled is the path to finding peace of mind in the present. Everyday isn’t perfect but every day is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present… take care of this precious gift, cherish it and don’t merely survive. LIVE!!!