Values

A fast paced day I had, it felt as if I was on roller skates but it was all for good. Sorry I disappeared for Sunday’s post but there are times when one simply doesn’t want to do anything. Being lazy and roaming around aimlessly on a holiday is in itself a splendid activity. Therefore, I am writing this post in lieu of yesterday’s post.

I remember once to watch on Oprah TV Show, when it used to be available on our local cable; they showed a story that in Denmark people do not work after 4 pm. All offices are closed and everyone take out their bikes, go for shopping or for eating or simply for biking. They give themselves a substantial time to enjoy life. Moreover, 90% of the people in Denmark are either middle class or upper middle class; yet they make to be the world’s most happiest nation.

I wonder what they are doing which we as a nation has missed. It is not only us but people in England or America work like machines as well. Half of their lives they are busy buying everything on loan- loans for house, for education, for car, for kitchen, for clothes; while remaining half of that life they spent on paying the loans. However, we cannot blame anybody because I guess the financial system in foreign has been specifically designed in such a way to keep their citizens busy and always running only to make ends meet.

My grandparents and their parents always gave us one golden advice, that it is never wise to buy anything on loan. If you cannot get bigger things with the money you have, then go buy smaller things but always be within your means. However, this philosophy is not widely acceptable these days. If a gentleman gets a job of Rs. 35,000 the first thing that he will do is buy a brand new car on monthly lease of Rs. 10,000. Well how about saving a bit for few months and then getting a second hand car in a good condition. What if you loose that job or could not pay the lease on time. Unfortunately this is exactly what has happened not only Karachi but to many people living overseas too. People bought luxury homes and sports car, then they lost their jobs or their business failed and everything was taken away by the banks. 

All I hope for all of us to remain grounded to our values and tradition.

With all my love.

Sonya. (Day 209)