Should We Really Save Our Best for Later?

The idea to save our best for later has been around for a very long time.  It wasn’t too long ago that many of the items which we take for granted today were cherished household possessions.  Manufacturing and technology simply weren’t where they are today, and so it was quite costly and fairly difficult to replace items that may have been broken or lost.

Times have changed and we have certainly become more of a “throw away” culture, thriving on inexpensive, short-lived products while our few quality items sit behind glass or tucked away in the attic.  Now, many of the reasons we save our best for later are different.  However, I don’t think the concept to use our best more often is foreign by any means.  Several books I’ve recently read discuss the idea, it’s been mentioned many times on some of my favorite blogs, and I’ve even had a few friends and family members chime in with their take on the topic.  Since I found the same example used again and again, I’ll share it with you all as well:

How many of us have three, four, or even five sets of dishware?   There’s that REALLY nice china set that was a wedding gift or has been in the family for years.  This particular set either sits carefully wrapped in storage or inside a china cabinet, only to be used for very special occasions (or, more accurately, not at all).  Then there’s a set that’s not nearly as fancy as the fine china, but is still nice enough to use when company is over.  Lastly, there’s the regular, everyday set, cracked, chipped, and probably missing a few pieces.  This is what most of us serve ourselves and our families with daily.  Why do we save our best for later (which rarely comes, I might add)?  Why not enjoy what we have, getting rid of those expired dishes and use the nice stuff instead?  If a piece breaks, then replace it with something similar.  While a dish may be beautiful or carry family history, it shouldn’t be treated as a burden or an artifact.  Consider your family, your friends and yourself worthy of enjoying the best.

It makes a whole lot of sense to think about using our best when de-cluttering.  Do you really need to hold on to all those dish sets when one or two will surely be enough?  If you truly love something, why does it sit untouched in a closet year after year?  Clothing, dishware, furniture – many items we own are sometimes considered to be “too nice” to use for most occasions, and then sit, unused, for years!  These items were created to be used and enjoyed, not collect dust!  Some may argue that if we are always using our best, then what do we do when a truly grand occasion comes around?  It’s my opinion that there are always ways to make a day or an event special and, most of the time, it’s simply the joy of that particular occasion that makes it most memorable.  I also firmly believe that in life, it’s often the small moments that are most precious, and so I aim to make each of my “everydays” special.  I challenge you to use your beautiful china for a mid-week meal, drink a glass of that wine you’ve been saving for a “special occasion”, and wear one of those nice outfits in the back of your closet.  What a lovely way to enjoy life!