I recall a few years ago, I had the privilege of not having running water in my home. I see it as a privilege because of the lessons I learned from the experience.
Once upon a day, I woke up early in the morning, had a shower, prepared breakfast and went to work. Nothing peculiar occurred on the day, until I returned home later in the afternoon. The water was gone.
Due to a massive burst water pipe, there was no running water. That means no cooking, toilet, showering. No cup-a-tee! (try saying this with a British accent).
Under normal circumstances, a water interruption is fixed within a few hours – worst case, a whole day. However, in this case, due to the severity of the burst pipe, the water outage affected most of the city and lasted for three days.
It was such a horrible experience – one that many people were not prepared for. Including myself. We (my wife and I) had water reserves that only lasted a day. I remember going to work on those days without taking a bath. It was extremely uncomfortable.
Eventually the water was restored after three days. Something amazing happened from this experience.
The water usage in our home decreased drastically. Out of choice. From shorter shower times, to being aware of every millilitre of water usage. The appreciation for water – something that I had got used to having everyday – increased exponentially.
It’s amazing what happens when something we take for granted is no longer there. Most of us are used to flipping the switch and the lights are on; opening the tap and the water comes through; going to sleep and waking up in the morning (people pass away in their sleep); living in a war-free country. There are plenty of things we can be grateful for.
The important thing to note is the attitude you will have when you truly appreciate something. The attitude I now have towards water – after three days of not having it – helps me use it with care. I do not take running water for granted. And when you care for something, it is more likely to last longer and serve you well.
There are plenty of things in our lives that are easy to take for granted – friends and family; our work; our businesses; our health; our leaders; the country we live in (even more our planet); our very lives. Take a moment to appreciate them. Savour the moment. Repeat daily.