--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: To think, when I was working I thought…" description: "\"“To think, when I was working I thought that owning possessions was a reflection of success. Little did I realize that I was happier with less stuff. I..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg" --- # To think, when I was working I thought that owning… ![“To think, when I was working I thought that owning possessions was a reflection of success. Little did I realize that I was happier with less stuff. In college I was enjoying some of the best moments of my life, and the things that mattered the most were the experiences and interactions that were…” quote by Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg) > ““To think, when I was working I thought that owning possessions was a reflection of success. Little did I realize that I was happier with less stuff. In college I was enjoying some of the best moments of my life, and the things that mattered the most were the experiences and interactions that were shaping my future. And it's these new experiences that keep your life exciting. Maybe it's the reason people lose inspiration as they grow older: living a life with fewer surprises. I believe travel can take you back to that intoxicating place. The place where tasting a strange fruit or looking out at a remarkable vista makes you feel energized once again.”” [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Describes a shift from materialism to valuing experiences, noting travel revitalizes inspiration and joy. **In simple terms:** Less stuff, more experiences bring happiness. Key Takeaway Prioritize experiences over possessions. Themes minimalism travel experience growth inspiration Mood nostalgic optimistic Type reflective motivational When to use this quote - vacations - college life - career changes - personal growth Key Concepts consumerism critique psychology of happiness life satisfaction Questions to Reflect On - What experiences have shaped you most? - How can you find joy without travel? A Different Perspective May romanticize travel without addressing practical constraints. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [New experiences](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/new-experiences/) [Success](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/success/) [Travel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/travel/) ## Related quotes > [I'm open. I like new experiences in life and new cultures.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joanna-kulig/i-m-open-i-like-new-experiences-in-life-and-new-cultures/) [Joanna Kulig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joanna-kulig/) > [“By eliminating the clutter from my life, I was able to make more room for new experiences. I became more appreciative of the beauty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/by-eliminating-the-clutter-from-my-life-i-was-able-to-make-more-room/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [I feel energized walking off stage.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marketa-irglova/i-feel-energized-walking-off-stage/) [Marketa Irglova](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marketa-irglova/) > [When my body feels good, I feel more energized and alive, and that's sexy. I'm taking care of this body God gave me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/queen-latifah/when-my-body-feels-good-i-feel-more-energized-and-alive-and-that-s/) [Queen Latifah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/queen-latifah/) > [I just feel energized when I am around young, talented people. There is something about these kids that's amazing. I learn as much from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sally-struthers/i-just-feel-energized-when-i-am-around-young-talented-people-there-is/) Sally Struthers > [I want to be that person that kids can listen to, and feel energized by because they've never felt like they had someone that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arlo-parks/i-want-to-be-that-person-that-kids-can-listen-to-and-feel-energized/) [Arlo Parks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arlo-parks/) > [“In companies, nonprofits, government, and the military, he finds that the more people believe their jobs help others, the less emotionally exhausted they feel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sheryl-sandberg/in-companies-nonprofits-government-and-the-military-he-finds-that-the/) [Sheryl Sandberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sheryl-sandberg/) > [I know it feels hard, and you're tired. But if you can get at least five, 10, 15, maybe 30 minutes a day where…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hilaria-baldwin/i-know-it-feels-hard-and-you-re-tired-but-if-you-can-get-at-least/) [Hilaria Baldwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hilaria-baldwin/) > [“physical activity also positively affects brain wave activity, which makes you feel energized and vital.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steven-lamm/physical-activity-also-positively-affects-brain-wave-activity-which/) [Steven Lamm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steven-lamm/) > [I never really feel overwhelmed; I feel energized by what goes on in our day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/belinda-johnson/i-never-really-feel-overwhelmed-i-feel-energized-by-what-goes-on-in/) [Belinda Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/belinda-johnson/) > [Ignoring your passion is like dying a slow death...Passion whispers to you through your feelings, beckoning you toward your highest good. Pay attention to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oprah-winfrey/ignoring-your-passion-is-like-dying-a-slow-death-passion-whispers-to/) [Oprah Winfrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oprah-winfrey/) > [I just love New York, I love the people. The energy of the place. I really feel energized working here. I've always been made…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-ovenden/i-just-love-new-york-i-love-the-people-the-energy-of-the-place-i/) [Julian Ovenden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-ovenden/) > [We're constantly on the road, and we all love to eat, so we try to find balance. We never like to deprive ourselves, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dinah-jane/we-re-constantly-on-the-road-and-we-all-love-to-eat-so-we-try-to-find/) [Dinah Jane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dinah-jane/) > [With every performance I just feel more energized somehow. Like, this is how I exercise! This is how I feed my ego, by playing…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lou-barlow/with-every-performance-i-just-feel-more-energized-somehow-like-this/) [Lou Barlow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lou-barlow/) > [“When people know how their work makes a difference, they feel energized to contribute more.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-m-grant/when-people-know-how-their-work-makes-a-difference-they-feel/) [Adam M. Grant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-m-grant/) ## More by Nadine Hays Pisani > [“If you are willing to let some things go, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the incredible gifts that will take their place.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/if-you-are-willing-to-let-some-things-go-you-ll-be-pleasantly/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“give weight to all the great experiences and let the unpleasant ones roll away like coconuts down an embankment.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/give-weight-to-all-the-great-experiences-and-let-the-unpleasant-ones/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“The air is full of happiness molecules”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/the-air-is-full-of-happiness-molecules/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories, kill nothing but time.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/leave-nothing-but-footprints-take-nothing-but-memories-kill-nothing/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“By eliminating the clutter from my life, I was able to make more room for new experiences. I became more appreciative of the beauty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/by-eliminating-the-clutter-from-my-life-i-was-able-to-make-more-room/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“I was overreacting. I tend to do that when imagining someone wearing my skin as a cape.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/i-was-overreacting-i-tend-to-do-that-when-imagining-someone-wearing/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“I’m learning it is still possible to have the life you always dreamed of, and there are still people out there who are waiting…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/i-m-learning-it-is-still-possible-to-have-the-life-you-always-dreamed/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) > [“Someone once said that time is God's currency. If that's the case, then Costa Rica may be one of the richest countries in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/someone-once-said-that-time-is-god-s-currency-if-that-s-the-case-then/) [Nadine Hays Pisani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) [Explore all 9 Nadine Hays Pisani quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/) ## More Growing quotes > [I have a strong feeling about this quick movement and changing of society and populations growing - something scary.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hiroshi-sugimoto/i-have-a-strong-feeling-about-this-quick-movement-and-changing-of/) [Hiroshi Sugimoto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hiroshi-sugimoto/) > [Public infrastructure around the world is facing unprecedented stress, with hurricanes, cyclones, floods and forest fires all increasing in frequency and intensity. It's easy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naomi-klein/public-infrastructure-around-the-world-is-facing-unprecedented-stress/) [Naomi Klein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naomi-klein/) > [I became a bit of a teacher's pet, and it became known in the school by both faculty and students that I really excelled…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-smith/i-became-a-bit-of-a-teacher-s-pet-and-it-became-known-in-the-school/) [Paul Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-smith/) > [Well, I've been politically involved for a really long time. Growing up in the segregated South, it was a very painful experience for me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cybill-shepherd/well-i-ve-been-politically-involved-for-a-really-long-time-growing-up/) [Cybill Shepherd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cybill-shepherd/) > [I always feel like I'm struggling to become someone else. Like I'm trying to find a new place, grab hold of a new life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/haruki-murakami/i-always-feel-like-i-m-struggling-to-become-someone-else-like-i-m/) [Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/haruki-murakami/) > [Throughout our history, the words of the Declaration have inspired immigrants from around the world to set sail to our shores. These immigrants have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/throughout-our-history-the-words-of-the-declaration-have-inspired/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [ I failed, I think, seven \[or\] eight times before I finally got my first \[championship\]. It was just, you know, just about me growing… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shaquille-o-neal/i-failed-i-think-seven-or-eight-times-before-i-finally-got-my-first/) [Shaquille O'Neal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shaquille-o-neal/) > [Every woman I have ever loved has left her print upon me, where I loved some invaluable piece of myself apart from me-so different…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/audre-lorde/every-woman-i-have-ever-loved-has-left-her-print-upon-me-where-i/) [Audre Lorde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/audre-lorde/) > [I think kids growing up, if they were picked on and feeling inferior at 12, they're going to feel that way at 72. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sylvester-stallone/i-think-kids-growing-up-if-they-were-picked-on-and-feeling-inferior/) [Sylvester Stallone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sylvester-stallone/) > [I felt pretty good growing up. I didnt feel a lot of prejudice or racism. But I do remember, if there was going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-henry-hwang/i-felt-pretty-good-growing-up-i-didnt-feel-a-lot-of-prejudice-or/) [David Henry Hwang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-henry-hwang/) > [But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/but-the-effect-of-her-being-on-those-around-her-was-incalculably/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [I wasn't a kid growing up thinking, 'One day I'll get an Oscar and make a speech.' That wasn't on my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-sandler/i-wasn-t-a-kid-growing-up-thinking-one-day-i-ll-get-an-oscar-and-make/) [Adam Sandler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-sandler/) > [I have no hesitation in saying that although the American woman never leaves her domestic sphere and is in some respects very dependent within…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexis-de-tocqueville/i-have-no-hesitation-in-saying-that-although-the-american-woman-never/) [Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexis-de-tocqueville/) > [I was young, but to me that was underground music. I had never heard anything like Venom or any of that stuff growing up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-pajo/i-was-young-but-to-me-that-was-underground-music-i-had-never-heard/) [David Pajo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-pajo/) > [Growing up I did commercials and things like that, but nothing serious. As I got older, my family is really hardcore into academics. They…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/portia-doubleday/growing-up-i-did-commercials-and-things-like-that-but-nothing-serious/) [Portia Doubleday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/portia-doubleday/) Browse all 7,266 Growing quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“To think, when I was working I thought that owning possessions was a reflection of success. Little did I realize that I was happier with less stuff. In college I was enjoying some of the best moments of my life, and the things that mattered the most were the experiences and interactions that were shaping my future. And it's these new experiences that keep your life exciting. Maybe it's the reason people lose inspiration as they grow older: living a life with fewer surprises. I believe travel can take you back to that intoxicating place. The place where tasting a strange fruit or looking out at a remarkable vista makes you feel energized once again.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Nadine Hays Pisani" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-that-owning-possessions-was-a/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Growing" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-that-owning-possessions-was-a/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ee5/nadine-hays-pisani-43242_growing_to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-th_2715341.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“To think, when I was working I thought that owning possessions was a reflection of success. Little did I…” — Nadine Hays Pisani", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Nadine Hays Pisani", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nadine-hays-pisani/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "“To think, when I was working...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-that-owning-possessions-was-a/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nadine-hays-pisani/to-think-when-i-was-working-i-thought-that-owning-possessions-was-a/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```