Keeping things for best

The ‘keeping things for best’ concept.

This Christmas, I received an amazing pair of shoes for Christmas – in fact, let’s just take a second to gaze on how adorable they are…

They are a little big, but nothing a pair of chunky socks won’t sort.

And I love chunky knee-high socks! In fact, I wore them the other day when I went out with my Mum.

“I thought you were keeping them”

“For what?”

“For best”

?

Can we just take a few minutes to ponder the concept of ‘keeping something for best’ and how this actually means sometimes NEVER using it!

My mother did this when I was a child too.

There were beautiful dresses and pretty shoes, but all reserved for special occasions. I had inevitably grown out of the outfit, having never worn it, before this mythical ‘occasion’ occurred.

When I used to put my own children in ‘nice things’ I was chided that they should be saved; that they would get dirty or ripped.

I will confess that my kids often got clothes dirty, but nothing my washing machine and a bit of scrubbing couldn’t handle.

In my 40 plus years of clothes wearing I have very rarely ripped any of them, so why are better clothes seemingly at higher risk of damage than every day ones?

Why own clothes if you are limited to when you are going to wear them?

Use your best dishes

I am not suggesting that you wear a ball gown to work to ‘get your wear’ out of it, but it is worth questioning your closet now and then. Actually look at the contents and why you own them.

It reminds me of Marie Kondo’s ‘Spark Joy’ book; in the chapter where she questions why our best dishes are keep hidden in a box while we use everyday utilitarian objects that bring little pleasure in their use. This is particularly true for what we wear everyday, too.

But whether it’s a special occasion outfit, fine china, or an expensive bottle of wine, many of us are guilty of stashing away items for that elusive perfect moment. However, this approach to life may be preventing us from fully embracing the present and experiencing the joy in everyday moments.

The idea of reserving things for special occasions may come from the belief that certain moments are more deserving of our best or most cherished possessions. While it’s natural to want to celebrate milestones and achievements, this mindset can inadvertently lead to us missing out on opportunities for happiness and fulfilment in our everyday lives.

After all, life is a collection of fleeting moments, and many of the most meaningful experiences occur in the everyday.

By constantly deferring the use or enjoyment of special items, we risk overlooking the beauty in the simplicity of daily life. Whether it’s sipping coffee from your favourite mug or wearing a beloved piece of jewellery, finding joy in the ordinary can be a powerful source of happiness.

Tips for breaking free of the ‘saving-for-best’ mindset

To break free from the cycle of saving things for an elusive ‘best’ moment, it’s essential to cultivate a mindset of appreciation for the present. Here are a few tips to help shift your perspective:

1. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories in your life. Whether it’s completing a task or reaching a personal goal, these moments are deserving of recognition and celebration.
2. Use Your Special Items: Don’t be afraid to use and enjoy your special possessions regularly. Wearing that elegant dress, using fine china for a weekday dinner, or opening that bottle of wine can turn an ordinary day into a memorable one.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices to stay present and fully experience each moment. Mindfulness helps you recognise the small joys of everyday life without getting caught up in the pursuit of an idealised future.

Over to you

While keeping things for best may seem like a harmless habit, it can inadvertently limit our ability to find joy in the present. Embracing the ordinary and using our special items in everyday life can lead to a more fulfilling and appreciative existence. So, let go of the notion that some moments are more deserving than others, and start living your best life now. After all, every moment is an opportunity for joy and celebration.

Do you ever keep things for best? What will you start using more often? Will you give a new lease of life to some of your old favourites? Maybe it is time to dump those things that aren’t doing it for you anymore?

Don’t save something for a special occasion. Every day of your life is a special occasion

Thomas S Monson