Life Is Worth Living - Without Boredom, Laziness, And Ignorance

Just a warning - here comes some old man, Boomer rant! But there is a point, believe me. What is life, and what makes it worth living?

I saw this in a recipe article recently: “The first step in making the fritters is a bit time-consuming, but not too challenging - assuming you have a box grater. To start, you’ll grate 1 pound of fresh zucchini.”

“…a bit time-consuming…” - to grate a pound of zucchini!!! 

We need to make America grate again!

How long does it take to open a box of harshly processed ingredients, or open a freezer door, to remove a previously prepared, “highly nutritious,” serving of, let's say, macaroni and cheese? Not much less than it would take to make your own. You just have to think ahead a little bit, know how to read, and know how to use a knife or spoon!

It is amazing to me how lazy we have collectively become. And it is not much more than in our minds. Seriously, how hard is it to make wonderful food dishes from whole fresh ingredients? We have been duped by the “fast food” industry. If you will trust me, homemade food is so much better if you do it right - and you can learn!

And it's not just food. Who needs an automated rechargeable robotic vacuum to clean up the floors in a home? If your floors are that big, get a larger dust mop. An 18" or even a 24" dust mop can make quick work of large surface areas, and a sponge or string mop can clean up large areas in just minutes. No batteries, no wires, no recharging, no motors, and really very little fuss. A small brush and a dustpan and you're done. Our 24" dust mop is about 20 years old, the head can be washed and dried - and used over and over - unlike the well-known Swiffer pads. Okay, I do like the throw-away dusting fluffs that grab and get rid of the unsightly dust. But really. 

Whether we're discussing cooking, cleaning, doing dishes, or whatever - it really doesn't take that long to just take care of yourself and your surroundings. If it is trash - throw it out. If it is out of place - put it where it goes. Do it now - don't wait for later - that's where the buildup starts happening. 

You can make your life better by just cleaning some things, fixing broken things, and putting things where they go. All this instead of throwing these things away AND BUYING NEW THINGS. 

Through my years of being in business, I am convinced that some people decide to move, even to sell a house, because they do not want to clean or fix it. I have worked in many such homes, that people are either moving out of (to sell or have rented to someone else), or that they are moving into, usually rentals, where renters thoroughly trash a place and then move out. It's a shame, even though it was good for my business. Sometimes it got really sad, even infuriating, to see how people lived and left their messes for others to clean up. 

Much of this has to do with basic human respect - both self-respect and respect for others. If you do not respect yourself, you most likely will have trouble respecting others. Respect has to do with taking care of yourself, and in sequence, others. It has to do with care and consideration, kindness and harmony, and showing esteem. Respect can be a high regard and deep admiration, a recognition of real value or worth. 

What does all this have to do with life, or the topic of laziness and boredom and ignorance? 

Well, it has everything to do with making life better - for yourself and for others. If you can't or won't do it for yourself, then do it for others. You just have to care. There has never been an easier time in history to learn how to do things - from old, ancient techniques for art, crafts, repairs, and creating things with your hands. With books and the ubiquitous internet, you can learn how to do almost anything. Unfortunately, this includes both good and bad, useful and useless, helpful and ultimately harmful. Even if you have absolutely nothing that you want to learn more about, YouTube will offer you suggestions! 

I see life as an opportunity to live, to make life better. Sometimes, that can mean making it simpler. It is setting priorities, and focusing on achieving those goals. It definitely does not mean acquiring more STUFF. As with time and effort, more is not always better. 

I saw a sign once long ago, in a small office supply shop, I think. It read:

“BUY THE BEST, AND ONLY CRY ONCE.”

This can easily be compared with a few lines from Jesus' teaching, when He said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Matthew 13.45-46