As an avid viewer of Oprah Winfrey (no heckling!) I really liked this idea of a show she has done where guests have given up something they think they can go without for a period of time, usually a week but can be longer.
The items can be termed "luxury" or as I prefer to think of them, as things we take for granted. This could be things like a daily Starbucks, pint or bottle of wine (depends how much you like to drink), a weekly meal out, a take away at the weekend etc.
I must say I have done the non-drinking one this week and also the non-eating out for 2 weeks. Not only do I feel better for it (not drinking that is) but I have obviously spent less money which is part of the reason why I did it. That is not the main reason though. My opinion is that the more we do something the more we get used to it and the less importantly we value it i.e technology comes to mind.
I remember when I was young and we would go out for a birthday meal somewhere like a Harvester or as I got older a little pizza place in Tower Bridge ( La Lanterna is highly recommended, say Adrian sent you).........the point was it always felt special and then when I started working I ate out more and more and now it has little meaning apart from the fact I do not have to wash up. I have decided to realign my values today to back then and make sure I do value the experience as I feel fortunate I have that CHOICE but I should not take it for granted as I have done for the last 10 years and more.
One thing I have learnt in this changed world we live in now is that taking pleasure in the little things makes the harder days easier to take. The sun shining, birds singing, a delayed plane to somewhere overseas (I am sitting in a chair in the middle of the sky for god's sake!!, does not matter if it is late) have all taken on a new meaning to me. Soem of the best things in life really are free!
For that I am very thankful.
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