What I've Learned From the Real Housewives of New Jersey

When I first started watching the "Real Housewives" shows my first thoughts were, "whatever!" These women are not typical or REAL. They have chefs, nannies and gardeners and they don't have the real stress and struggle that comes with being a wife and mother and managing a home. But the more I watched I realized that even though these women have lots of money, fame, careers, and all the things we typically think will bring satisfaction and happiness, they are still wrestling with all the issues the rest of us are! They are battling depression, envy, bitterness and resentment and trying so hard to find joy. I noticed that although they are more blessed materially than the majority of women in the world, it really hasn't added to their sense of over-all well being or given them any more real joy. In some cases, it may have even added to their woes and stress. It takes days and weeks to plan a party that will impress and cater to their "friends." It is obvious from watching this show that contentment, joy, and true soul satisfaction do not come from material things. If they did, the Real Housewives would be bubbling over with happiness, ecstatic about their excess money and good fortune. Instead, what we see is plenty of misery, discontent, and striving for the approval of others. So, if lots of money, an exciting career, and a fantastic figure don't bring peace or real joy, what does? Stay tuned for my next post, where we will explore what the Real source of joy is for Real women and Real, true housewives!