Let’s find ways to hang onto those valuable life experiences

I THINK I can speak for many in Kuala Lumpur when I say I am still grappling with the “new normal” in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the soaring cost of living. There’s been a constant, prevailing notion that the ideal solution lies in cutting back, tightening our belts, and spending less. Some even suggest changing our diet and turning to ubi kayu (tapioca) as our main food source in the face of rising rice prices!

Sorry, but I beg to differ. Primarily because I believe these “solutions” are missing the point.

Let me explain. One aspect of our lives that often comes under scrutiny is dining out. With rising costs and economic uncertainties, it’s tempting to view eating out as an indulgence that we can no longer afford (especially those RM15 coffees from a certain American chain).

But to me, eating out is not just about the food, it’s also about the experience, the connections, and the moments that can come. It’s about the company we keep, the conversations we share, and the memories we create. And some might even argue that eating out is actually part of our Malaysian culture.

These intangible elements, be it the ambience of a bustling restaurant, the tranquillity of a cosy cafe, or the friendly smile of that bhaiya (elder brother) who took your order at the table, add depth and richness to our lives, nourishing our souls in ways that go beyond the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

So when faced with the rising cost of eating out, the knee-jerk reaction shouldn’t be to abandon this cherished ritual (or culture?) altogether. Instead, it’s an opportunity to pause, reflect, and rediscover the values that drew us to dining out in the first place. Perhaps it’s the sense of community we find in sharing a meal with loved ones, or the joy of exploring new flavours and cuisines. Whatever it may be, these values are definitely worth preserving.

And the same value-defining effort should go into all of these “solutions” to address the costs of living in the city. We need creativity and resourcefulness to adapt to the challenges of expensive city living post-pandemic, not shortcut responses. Rather than viewing rising costs as insurmountable barriers, we should seek alternative ways to fulfil our actual desires and aspirations.

Perhaps it could mean hosting potluck lunches and dinners with friends, where each person brings a dish (or leftovers?) to share. Or perhaps it involves exploring outdoor picnics in the park, or preparing meals for the whole week in the fridge (to save enough to eat out occasionally).

Whatever it is, the key is to embrace flexibility and openmindedness, recognising that our values and priorities can remain intact even as our circumstances change. By shifting our focus from external constraints to internal values, we empower ourselves to live authentically and meaningfully, regardless of the challenges we face.

Let’s challenge ourselves to find creative ways to cultivate the same sense of fulfilment and joy in our everyday lives. After all, true abundance isn’t measured by the size of our bank accounts, but by the richness of our experiences. As Rumi the poet reportedly said (in more graceful language, I’m sure): “Live life as if it is rigged in your favour.”