Over the course of the last two weeks, I've put a lot of thought into the idea of there being two types of people in the world at times. There are those that focus primarily on making preventative choices. And then there are those that wait until after an issue arises and who make choices to treat the issue. I'm not saying that everyone falls into either category every single time, but I have definitely noticed that most of us have the tendency to live our lives in a manner that settles into one of these categories...most of the time.
I originally was thinking about this in terms of simple things, such as:
-taking one's car in for regular servicing to keep it running smoothly versus taking a car in when it has a major issue
-brushing one's teeth on a regular basis and having check ups versus visiting the dentist once there is a pain in one's tooth
-paying a bill on time versus paying a bill and a late fee
However it dawned on me that a lot of these small choices add up to larger financial (and stress) savings for the individual as well. Often, at least in my opinion, a person can avert shelling out more money and having less hassle by taking the necessary preventative steps. (Although this is the case if one is lucky enough to have the necessary funds to afford the $30 oil change and oral health care, etc).
Yet even beyond the money and stress on a small scale, I can't help but think about how these differences impact the world on a larger scale. If our political and social leaders approached their decisions thinking about improving the long term picture rather than band-aid fixes....this world would be a much better place.
Thinking about things in terms of prevention versus treatment can impact many of our decisions for the better, including those decisions that effect other people. I recognize that we don't always know what is coming--there is ALWAYS the unexpected that winds up at our door and we have to deal with those situations. But I can't help but wonder if those moments of treatment fixes are easier to deal with when we are already taking preventative approaches in most of the other areas of our lives?
No right or wrong answers here...just observations and thoughts passing through my mind over the last two weeks.
3 comments:
I think often its easier to focus on the here and now which is what so many folks do. Combine that with a society focused on instant gratification and well its near impossible for many people to think long term. As for politicians, they get elected by telling people what will help them now, not what will help their great grandchildren. People vote (generally speaking) for the person who will effect their life the most, not necessarily who is best for the country as a whole...
Great thoughts.
So true Kathie, so true....
Dear "Simply,"
Google told me that you had posted a review or comment on your blog site about the book I co-wrote with my husband Philip, Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on our Children." But I couldn't find any mention of it in my cruise through your site. I did see, however, that you're studying public health, so you're obviously on the same wavelength as we.
Please give me guidance in how to find your reference to our book, and let me know if you'd be interested in communicating with each other further about toxics in the environment.
regards, Alice Shabecoff
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