As I was growing up, I often overheard my elders quote the saying; “saving for a rainy day,” I had no idea what rain had to do with saving or what we were meant to be saving?
The idea that to gain something of value, we need the patience of delayed gratification. Now it’s a one-click add to basket next day delivery system that we are primed ready and waiting for the doorbell to ring to get our gratification fix. Unfortunately, the fix won’t last, we want “more, more, more” and we want it “now, now, now”.
The instant (now) “just add water” value we place on things is meaningless – the ready to serve gratification that evaporates just like the froth on your morning cappuccino. How many times have you ordered something, it turns up at your door, you’d forgot you ordered it and why you even wanted it?
Now, more than ever, is the time to value what is meaningful. Our family and friends is an excellent place to start and if any of those require “just add water” to preserve to keep the lid on and prevent boiling over then maybe it’s time to them let go.
Remember, who we surround ourselves with is who we become. We surround ourselves with people we like, with people who share the same values as us. What values do you have in common with the people you spend time with?
The work we do is also essential to maintaining a healthy balance, after all, everything we do 24/7 is work, some of it we get paid for and some we don’t. Eating, sleeping, relationships etc. All require an input of time and effort to maintain them.
It’s strange how we only see work as something to get paid for. The dictionary states that work is; “activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result”. No mention of payment? What price would have to be paid for preserving some of your relationships? And, which ones would be priceless?
We get to a point when life stops giving us things and starts taking away. Every Thursday at 8 pm in the UK we stand outside our homes an upsurge in neighbourliness to applaud our NHS, our appreciation of low paid heroes, their mental and physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result is unquestioned. Selfless acts going beyond the call of duty to preserve life and some paying the ultimate price (I have a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye as I write this). All are priceless.
How much of human life is lost in waiting? Hopefully not for the doorbell to ring.
Keep safe and do what your governments tell you to do.
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