Thursday, September 5, 2013

The American Dream

Any time the Powerball jackpot gets really high, it's common to hear people sit around discussing what they would do if they hit the jackpot. 

Recently my friend was at the nail salon getting a manicure, when she struck up a conversation with the woman sitting next to her. They laughed and discussed what they would do if they won the lottery.

At some point, my friend starts talking to the owner of the shop, a soft spoken, young Vietnamese man, who is working on her nails. She asks if he plans to buy a lottery ticket. He says no. My friend asks why not? He says "I don't need that money. My life is good".  

This made me think how as Americans, we always want more. We desire wealth, and riches beyond our wildest dreams. But for many people, living the American dream is all they desire. Being free from an impoverished country, raising a family, and owning their own business is all they ever wanted. The same thing our ancestors dreamt of when they immigrated here seeking religious freedom, and a better life many years ago. 

Somehow along the way, it seems many of us have lost sight of that wonderful vision, and what it truly means to be happy.

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