Not many decades ago, life felt less complicated. Neighbours knew one another, families enjoyed quality time together and sleep was greatly appreciated.
During that period, the pace of life was quite slow and our expectations were simple because the cost of living was not so high or burdensome.
Our beloved children would enjoy family gatherings or some playtime at the local playgrounds and that was enough to bring big smiles to their faces as they ran around the open fields.
Back then, a few coins were enough to meet the household’s needs. Things like rent, school fees and fuel costs were affordable and people were quite content with less stress.
Many luxuries were rare, such as trendy mobile phones, PlayStations and all the games you can name, but thankfully, the essentials of daily life were within our reach and we could manage them financially. One salary at the end of the month was sufficient to cover bills, food, rent and basic needs, with some extra left over. Whatever we had, we shared with kindness.
Fast forward to today and it feels like a completely different story. There has been great development — many hypermarkets, grocery stores and markets have sprung up. Every few metres, there is either a shop, butcher, leisure facility, or a quality mall. Technology has truly kept us connected, but this too comes at a cost.
As we progress, more demands continually emerge. A month’s grocery shopping now costs three to four times what it used to. The families we once knew who gathered happily are still finding time to meet but are busier than ever, each person glued to their phone.
The happy children we once saw running around in playgrounds are now often absorbed in their TV or phone screens. Education, which was once the ladder to success, has become so costly that many parents find themselves with no choice but to struggle to balance their salary with necessities.
It’s not just about good roads, buildings, facilities, hospitals and technology; the cost of survival has soared so high for the average person that many are struggling to keep up. Many have forgotten the true meaning of a good life. The past was cheaper and simpler, while the present leaves us in awe. I wish life were manageable not only for the wealthy but for everyone. Until next time, let the change not change you.
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