We live in such a convenience-based society and I like to refer to many conveniences as “first world problems”.
Over the weekend our high-tech Samsung washing machine, that just about makes coffee, had a mechanical failure. My immediate remedy was to go to YouTube for a fix. Of course, I found many people who had the same issue and offered their solution to unplug the washer for a few minutes. Sadly, that didn’t work for me.
A few days passed and I decided to plug the washer back on and Voila! Everything was fine. I still had the repair person out and he didn’t find a problem. My point is we take simple things like doing the laundry for granted. My husband Bob and I took our laundry to the laundromat and I realized how lucky we are to have a washer and dryer in our home.
Another precious resource many people take for granted is water and electricity. My husband and I enjoy camping and we recently spent 5 days camping at the Grand Canyon and in a small town outside of Sedona. You learn quickly how to conserve water, electricity and propane. When you don’t have unlimited access to these utilities like we do in our home you change your habits and routines quickly. How prepared are most people when it comes to water? My guess it not as many. When the “big one” hits CA, we will certainly lose water and electricity for an undetermined period of time. Admittedly, we’re not ready for the big one.
One thing people don’t think about is the ability to move about freely. For those who live in larger metropolitan areas it’s easy to get in your car and go to the grocery store for ice cream or to the mall to shoe shop. When husband Bob and I are traveling from San Diego to Phoenix we always ask the same questions when we’re in the middle of nowhere. We always pause and wonder — where do residents in remote areas work, where to they shop, what if they need medical attention, does Amazon deliver to them, why do they live in such a remote place? I’m confident they have found ways to make life work for them perfectly. For them a 2-hour trip to get groceries may be like our 10 min trip and just part of their routine.
Lastly, it’s so easy to take the people you love for granted. You always expect them to be there forever. Life can change in the blink of an eye. When someone passes from a tragic event the regrets are so high. In a REO Speedwagon song ‘Live Every Moment’ these lyrics resonate with me.
Live every moment
Love every day
‘Cus before you know it
Your precious time slips away
The old adage to live everyday like it’s your last may sound morbid, but we don’t know our expiration date. Living with regret of not holding someone a little closer or not telling them how important they are the easiest things we do. My message is don’t take your loved ones for granted. Be kind, be patient, be loving in your actions and words.
What started as a bit about taking our washing machine for grated morphed into what I hope is thought provoking. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Pat Garner holds certifications as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Professional, Addiction & Recovery, and Wellness Coach, and a Certified Anusara Yoga Instructor. In addition, she is a Sedona Method Facilitator and Certified Canfield Success Principles Trainer. She is well-versed in the Ketogenic and low carb lifestyle.
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