The luxury of normal
I got an email from fellow Swedish blogger Sven Dahlstrand regarding my post on Technology still feels magical. He pointed out that he's equally grateful for "low-tech" solutions, saying:
It's absolutely incredible that I can turn a tap and water comes out. That's also safe to drink!
I totally agree. It's quite magical when you think about it, which, for most of us, we rarely do. We've gotten so used to it that we take it for granted.
The few times I do think about it are when I've been on holiday in a totally different part of the world. Having to buy water at the store, showering with very limited hot water, and accepting frequent power outages as a fact of life.
Back home, I never have to think about those things. But I really should. Fresh water from a tap, electricity 24/7, and stable Wi-Fi almost anywhere. All of this is far from standard in many parts of the world.
Not only that, we also have free speech, good healthcare, and decent working conditions. And then there are the things we have the privilege of not having, like war and starvation.
Most of us could probably use a reminder of this a little more often. To be grateful for what we have, and to do whatever we can to help those who don't have the same luxury.
My little monthly donations to WWF and SOS Children's Villages almost feel embarrassing when looking at the bigger picture. But it's better than nothing, and nothing is the reality for many people around the world.
Let's do what we can to make a change.