Like most people over the years the things that I value, the things that make me happy, have changed. Despite appearances to the contrary here — specifically my gadget lust — I’m not particularly materialistic these days. I used to be much MUCH worse.
Whilst I was never particularly fussy about labels, I was certainly fussy if things weren’t of a certain standard. The phrase “you get what you pay for” is fairly key to this, and whilst I still hold it true, I’m not half as fussy as I was even a few years ago. Or am I? Thinking about it, it might be that I’ve lowered my expectations, decided that I can “put up with” things of lower quality as they are cheaper and easier to replace?
Is it false economy to live this way? To evaluate things, and issues, and assign them a minimum value below which I won’t stoop, but above which I find myself uncomfortable? The expectation when you pay top dollar for something is that you receive top dollar quality. As this hasn’t always been true in the past I no longer stick rigidly to this maxim… but I digress. Quite badly as it turns out.
Because I don’t want to talk about things. I want to talk about feelings, emotions, connections, and other wispy, ethereal items that are hard to tie down, hard to define, but which are becoming more and more important to me.
Thing is, by their very nature, they are hard to discuss. An example in the form of a question then: How much of the value you place on your workplace comes from the NON-work side of things? The social interaction, location, etc etc..
If you asked me that a few years ago I’d probably have said that it wasn’t hugely important. These days, particularly looking back over the past couple of years, I have to admit it’s a lot more important to me now.
Another example, if you’ll indulge me, which would you prefer – £1,000 to spend in (and only in) your favourite shop, or day out with all of your closest friends?
Such are the quandaries of life, and I reckon most of you will choose the latter. But THAT means you are putting a value on you friendships? No?
Hmmm I’m losing my train of thought on this one… over to you lot… if you’re not too busy “pondering” and “daydreaming” that is…