Why save the good stuff for later?

Enjoying the moment doesn’t mean you have to do so with complete abandon and utter disregard for consequences. You can live fully while respecting boundaries.

First, I apologize for my hiatus over the past few months. As cliché as it sounds, I’ve been swamped with work and personal matters. As my few friends know, I’ve been adamant about not stretching myself too thin and only taking on tasks I can manage. If you asked me, I’d say I wish I’d understood earlier the importance of ample rest.

That said, I haven’t been oblivious to current events. In fact, I’ve been even more attuned to what’s been happening. I cheered when Carlos Yulo brought home not one but two gold medals, becoming the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to win double gold at the Olympics. I was also proud when Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio each won bronze medals in boxing.

I had thoughts on the OVP budget deliberations in the Senate, which dominated the news and social media, but I kept those opinions within my circle. I thought I’d enjoy a short R & R during the recent four-day long weekend, but my Singapore trip was cut short due to an important work event. No complaints, though—I had the chance to shake hands with Yulo. What an inspiration he is.

I arrived from the airport early Monday morning, took a nap, and prepared for work on National Heroes Day. What a fitting day to celebrate a modern-day hero like Yulo. As I was vacuuming my favorite couch, covered in cat hair, while a new Netflix film starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney played in the background, I heard a line: “Why save the good stuff for later?”

I wasn’t paying much attention to the movie, and my grasp of the context was vague, but it made me stop and think: “Yeah, why?”

I think many of us are guilty of saving the good stuff for later—be it an outfit, a dining set, food, experiences, or relationships. I see it as indulging in the good stuff without over-consuming or recognizing something is good and actually enjoying it.

How would you know if what you have is good? What if something better comes along?

If you know what you have is good and are pleased with it, you feel content. The problem arises when greed and insecurities start gnawing at you. If you have a nice china set, use it even if there’s no special occasion. Eat dessert before the main course. Wear that dress you feel beautiful in. Write in that pretty notebook you bought for yourself in Japan. Date the charming guy who, years ago, baked you some sourdough bread. And for goodness’ sake, use those new running shoes for road runs even in the rainy season.

When you don’t save the good stuff for later, you are relishing the best of what life has to offer at that very moment. What I’ve learned is that when you ‘reserve the best part or set aside the finest,’ you might not live to see and experience it.

You know what happens when you save the good stuff for later? It’s no longer good. Put it aside, and the coffee gets cold. Save the pretty dress for a special occasion, and it may no longer fit. Hold back what you need to say, and regret may set in.

Of course, there are times when ‘saving the good stuff’ is a wise decision—when you are saving up for the future or preparing for the rainy season. Enjoying the moment doesn’t mean you have to do so with complete abandon and utter disregard for consequences. You can live fully while respecting boundaries. Enjoy each blessing and stay in your lane.

You may reach me at joba.botana@gmail.com.