What’s your opinion? Do you think we’re all broke, or have our standards simply changed? I believe both can be true at once. Over the years, prices for groceries, dining out, gas, and more have all risen significantly. I mean, I remember when I first got my license and gas was just $0.99 a gallon! Wow, those were the days!
It seems like everything has gotten a lot more extravagant since my childhood in the ’80s. I can’t recall even “rich” households having things like she sheds! Now, no shade—trust me, if I ever win the lottery, there will definitely be signs! But seriously, think about it. We didn’t have elaborate birthday parties or week-long cruises for bachelorette parties back then. Life felt so much simpler.
Of course, some of this perspective comes from my childhood mindset versus viewing the world as an adult. I remember thinking that if you had a pool and a two-story house, you were most definitely wealthy! Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy some of the finer things in life too, but I often have to remind myself not to feel envy or get swept up in a Pinterest-perfect world instead of embracing reality.
At the end of the day, whether it’s Pinterest-perfect or not, your family will always cherish the little, unexpected moments more than the meticulously planned ones. One of my boys’ memories that they talk about every year is the time I took them camping and my mom and niece came and I lit some fireworks. The one was sooo loud that the boys were convinced we were getting kicked out. What a silly memory to many, but obviously one truly special to them and I love that!
Lately, I’ve seen posts saying, “I’m not 2026 rich, but I’m 1980s rich.” It makes me wonder how we can get back to that mindset. Less technology stealing our attention and more one-on-one time sitting on the front porch with friends, sweet tea, or a margarita. It’s all about balance!
As I grow older, I find myself longing for that slower time when everyone seemed to appreciate each other’s company more and hustled less. Today, spending the day with my kids, enjoying a slow morning, truly filled my heart. I aspire to be “that mom” who spends the summer making memories with her children.
Tell me, what do you long for from times past compared to the present?
XO,
Angie