This was a quote at the beginning of a 1941 sales/informational film, It Happened in the Kitchen. While this was basically a sales pitch for modernizing an older kitchen, that statement made me think about the "better things of life" from a 1940s perspective.
These days, when we think of the good life, we often consider expenditures for travel, fine dining in restaurants, a beautifully-furnished home, the latest smart phone, and other toys and luxuries. This isn't us, necessarily. But our current culture seems to push more and more extravagance in order to be satisfied in life.
In the 1940s, I do think American tastes and expectations were simpler. Perhaps the better things in life included a small starter home for the young family, an automobile ("an" as in singular), some leisure time on the weekend to enjoy with your family, and ample food. Add in a drive in the country on a Sunday afternoon, an occasional picnic, and a new dress or shirt each year and you felt like you had it all.
I'm trying to see my own life and its "better things" from a 1940s perspective. We now have a good solid roof over our heads to keep us (and our belongings) dry and a brand new furnace to keep us warm. Our freezer and pantry are well-stocked, and we have leisure time to enjoy picnics in spring and summer. We even have two cars, now, giving us freedom of transportation even when someone in the family has the other car out for the day. I suspect 2-car households were pretty rare in the 1940s.
I don't think we're "bad" people for wanting to travel or eat out or have a beautifully-appointed home. Those are all really nice luxuries that many of us are fortunate enough to afford from time to time. But I do think it is a helpful mindset to consider that even without those luxuries, we are blessed. My tummy is full tonight and my room is warm. Those are blessings.
Culture puts out a lot of noise about what we should want and how we should think. I'm trying to tune that noise out and think for myself. I've asked myself what I really want in this life, what are the better things in life for me. The answer for me is to have my family around, cook some good food for us all regularly, own a nice enough home to enjoy, have some ease in life so I'm not constantly worn out, own a reliable car so we can go interesting places for day trips, and have zero debt. Those are the better things in life.
The film was interesting and informative. Even if I don't plan on redoing our kitchen, it is helpful to see how I could organize my storage for greater efficiency and repurpose space to meet my needs more closely.
How do you define the better things of life?
There are many things that I want/appreciate in my life. Off the top of my head here are a few of the obvious ones like decent health, happy kids, a comfortable house, a reliable car, good relationships with family, spending time outdoors, and a secure retirement. Then there are the more material things like a computer, books (don't have to own them), TV, and comfortable shoes. I am very lucky that I have all of these things and much more.
ReplyDeleteHi Live and Learn,
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. And yes, comfortable shoes are a must! I'll add that to my list.
Sometimes my brain goes into overdrive on different topics. I've thought before about how to define wealth, and I came up with the idea that having all your needs met is a blessing; having some of your wants, too, is wealth. I find this helpful to remind myself when I'm feeling pinched financially (or just in a "woe is me" mindset).
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have anything to add to your list or L&L's list. You both said it all for me.
Hi Kris,
DeleteI think that's a wonderful way to define wealth. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
For me, I feel truly blessed in that I have a roof over my head, good food to eat, people who love me and productive things to do. My first husband used to make fun of me for the fact that I was so happy with the little things, but I would rather appreciate a beautiful flower or a library book or go on a walk than spend money trying to impress others.
ReplyDeleteI actually like that many of my household items are from the thrift store or garage sales - I have eclectic taste. I love clothes, but they don't have to be new - second hand is fine. I do appreciate new items, and my favorite purchase of the last year is a tiny couch from Ikea. I didn't have a couch in my apartment before this, and it has brought me so much joy.
Hi Tina,
DeleteI am so with you. I love a beautiful flower or a simple walk. I'm sorry that your first husband didn't "get" you. He missed out.
Enjoy your new couch! Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I think I have a good enough life. I have enough of what society has to offer to its citizens and I'm grateful for that. But at the same time, going forward, I worry whether our grandchildren will have as good a life as we had. Economists have said we are on a decline, we have borrowed too much and lived beyond our means for too long, and other countries are outpacing US productivity. We no longer live in the American Century of the past 100 years. I believe we're at a fork in the road. We need to make difficult choices that may mean hardship for us all. But I also believe we must proceed wisely or the result will be worse than where we are today. We need a national discussion about this, yet the media and politics prevent us from looking at the big picture honestly. For myself personally, I'm preparing for hardship ahead, which means living low and slow, and sharing what I can.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day,
Laura
Hi Laura,
DeleteI hear you. I don't know what the answer is. Our son and daughter-in-law were able to buy a house. But I don't see how that will happen for my daughters. We're doing what we can do to help them save for their futures. Time will tell how this all works out. In the meantime, I'm sure your grandson has really appreciated being able to live with you and your husband. Perhaps we'll all return to a time when multiple generations lived together.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Laura.