The cost of life!

"Kind words do not cost much, yet they accomplish much!"

- Blaise Pascal

I don't know about you but it seems that nowadays more and more people are becoming obsessed with money, or lack of it as the case may be. We are a society that have become more and more concerned about prices and costs in life; probably more than any other in history. You only have to turn on the TV, or pick up a newspaper to be faced with an article about a crisis or issue regarding the subject of money.

Very recently in the UK there have been issues about the prices of gas and electric, in America there have been issues with the prices of a new bailout budget. Money is constantly around us. After all, money makes the world go round right?

As some of my readers will know, I very recently started a new role in work. As part of the new role, I am more involved with the accounts and budgets involved in my workplace. It's crazy to see where and how money is spent. Very often there are costs that you never really notice until you look for them. Maybe its repairs, purchases of parts or maintenance of equipment, whatever it is, there is a cost to everything; seen things or unseen things.

Think of it like this. You buy a new TV.... state of the art....3D....HD....all the extras. That's going to be a big cost but its going to be visible to all. When friends come around they will see it, you watch it everyday, it's something that's cost you but it's clear to see that you have spent some money. The cost is clear. However, along with the TV you also took out insurance on the TV, and although it might not be the same cost as the TV, it's still a cost. A cost that no-one sees.  It's a hidden cost.

I'm sure there are plenty of examples you can think of in your own life of examples where you've come across hidden costs. Maybe it was a loan with hidden costs, or maybe a purchase which came with hidden costs? Hidden costs are nothing new to many of us!

Today in work as I was discussing issues regarding money and costs, it was clear to see there are many things that we pay for in work that are not really seen. They are hidden costs. People see when you buy new computers or equipment, but buy a new cable or get something repaired and that's not quite so visible.

That's a bit like life.

We all go through things; through situations and experiences that very often are clear to see. When we're feeling happy everyone sees, when we're in a good mood and life is good, everyone sees. But life also has hidden costs.

And so I end with this thought.

Life isn't always a bed of roses. There will be those times when we go through good times, and hopefully this is the majority of the time. But there will also be times when we go through hard times, those situations that sometimes are difficult to deal with. We are all human and we all go through things and yet very often, we see the good things, the "big spends", and yet not always the "hidden things". Those times when we go through difficult situations or problems. It's very easy for things to become hidden costs in our lives. We don't show people how we're really feeling but that doesn't make it any less real to us.

Most of us today will probably be in a good place, and thats brilliant! It's the best way to be. But don't forget there may be those people around you who aren't having such an easy time. People who may have "hidden costs" going on in their life.

Whoever you bump into today, this week, whenever, just remember what we show on the outside can very often hide the hidden costs. Treat people with respect and with genuine interest. Maybe then there wouldn't be so many hidden costs going on in the world!

Bywyd sydd yn byw! - Just living life!

RM