I believe that I have money, a car, a house, and things.

I believe that I have relatives, friends, a partner, relationships, children

I believe that I have the correct view of myself.  That I am a good person.

I believe that I need the possessions I have.

I believe that I need more pleasant and understanding relationships.

I believe that I need, nay, I crave validation of my image of myself.

I must cling to the things I have, or I will lose them.

I must cling to my needs, lest I discover that I’m even poorer than I thought.

Pathetic.

All this having and needing keeps me identified.  Completely.  I don’t really exist.

I could die ten seconds from now.  And what would I have then?

What, for that matter, would I need then?

Can I quiet myself inside so that I remember that I AM?

From I AM, I have nothing.

From I AM, I need nothing.  I AM.

Lou Gottlieb                                7/23/21