WANTS AND NEEDS

We sometimes imagine we want what we don't really want.  The friend who returns to the man who mistreats her.  Spending money we don't have on something for the pleasure of the purchase.  I imagine I want peace and quiet, solitude, but when I have it I'm eager to go out or call a friend or watch tv.  Because solitude is a lot of work.  It entails looking inward, judging my needs and wants, reviewing past actions.  Solitude requires strength of character.  Like traveling alone requires inner fortitude.  Solitude is what I think I want until I get it.  Beware what you wish the Chinese proverb reminds us, you may get it.  And then you or I realize I don't really want it.  Not now.  Perhaps later.  Perhaps never.