Mister Bump UK

JYProvocative Question (27 September 2023)

JYP today asks us to talk about something underrated.

Underrated, as in something I like, but maybe not many other people like? Or, realise they like?

I consider myself very lucky in life, in that I have most everything I want. I’m also lucky, I suppose, that I live quite frugally. When I want something, it’s normally within my means.

I’ve discovered that, now that I’m earning again, I like to be surrounded by nice things. I spend most of my time in the house, so why not? For example, after I restarted work, the first thing I did was to hang some fresh art on the walls. Not original, unfortunately, but enjoyable even so. The next thing will be a rug – we always bought on the cheap because of my daughter, but I always wanted a nice rug. Wool, hand-made, if I can afford it. With winter coming here, I’m looking forward to that extra snuggle.

But you know, these are my tastes, that’s what gives me pleasure. But to say that having nice surroundings is underrated… why should my preferences be relevant to other people?

Probably one thing that is generally underrated is our health. Just as in, we take it for granted. What one person may find trivial, for someone else may be impossible. Buttering a piece of bread, tying shoelaces or a tie are all out of reach if one of your arms stops working. Fastening a zipper is far from trivial. Putting a screw in the wall? Anything where your hands would normally oppose each other. Tiny things like that. Trivial, huh? Not always.

And I include mental health here, too. For example, imagine not being able to go out because you’re afraid such-and-such might happen?

So, spare a thought…

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Published by Mister Bump UK

Divorced, grown/flown daughter. In life, I designed IT systems, taking a career break as a bicycle mechanic, until interrupted by a stroke in 2016, aged 48. As I convalesced, I combined the development of health-related apps with voluntary work, and began writing. After a stint working again in IT, I now write full-time, and use my blog space to let my hair down.

25 comments

  2. I agree with you Pete, good health should be given more consideration. And having an amiable environment, comfortable and cozy should be higher on our agenda.

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  4. Keep your head and feet warm, and you’ll stay healthy this winter. Yes, zippers; buttons; cutting food on ones plate; sitting at a table when ones wheelchair won’t fit; train stations with access only by stairs. Hearing bird song. Approximately 1 in 5 people are hearing impaired – they’re deprived of one of nature’s wonders. And then all the people who slowly and progressively lose their sight. Good morning, B, keep warm and healthy.

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  5. I for one am super happy for your artwork purchases, and I am happy to hear that you are still enjoying them! Yes, our mental and physical health are too easy to take for granted, we should all stop and be grateful for what we do have! ☺

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  7. Health is definitely underrated. Not only functions, but also healthiness. We tend not to realise how important it is to eat healthy, exercise often, and get reasonable amounts of sleep. In our modern stressful environment we sometimes focus so much on the hustle and bustle that our health gets neglected. We really shouldn’t take it for granted – there are few things more important than the body you will live in for the rest of your life.

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  8. Thanks for sharing and apologies for the delayed response! I was traveling and had some computer issues.

    I’m with you on nice surroundings being underrated. I used to be someone who was pretty indifferent to my surroundings. I wasn’t into home decor, the size and condition of my apartment didn’t bother me (worth noting that I essentially treated my living space like a storage unit – most of my life was spent working or doing hobbies outside the home). Then COVID happened and after being stuck in the same subpar living space 24/7 for months, I found that nice surroundings really make a difference. Enjoy your artwork and rugs!

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  9. Very true. I remember my grandmother saying to me “you are lucky you can get on the floor and play with your children.” I’ve recently started to have some joint pain that’s making it a bit harder to get up on my left knee when I sit on the floor. She was right. It’s hard though, isn’t it. to not take things for granted? It’s the nature of life I think.

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