Free Stuff

FREE BENEFITS

Loyalty card points, coupons, air miles, money back schemes, price matching savings - complimentary nuts at the bar. These are all little life perks - 'gifts', that elicit a warm feeling of being good or on the right path. And having this good fortune coupled with a bonus of some sort, can represent our reward for being hard working, decent, loyal or whatever we place significance on for receiving this free token.

It's amazing how much happiness a free coffee can bring some folk. Hence why Prêt a Manger, Starbucks, Nero's and other major coffee shops are implementing this as part of their loyalty marketing schemes. It's because it really does work. We feel better about ourselves, our day, our change of fortune and ultimately our life. Even picking up something so seemingly insignificant as a penny can still make you feel lucky.

Searching out the little deals, freebies and rewards - no matter how small, will make us happy in much bigger ways than the actual small change that the savings represent. Being given something for nothing, upgraded to premium, getting an extra portion, two-for-one offer or buy one and get one free - these all make us happy winners and ultimately, this is what counts in life. 

Tastes Of The World

LITTLE ITALY

Today I feel very fortunate. I'm energised and full of vigour. I ate a hearty Italian meal last night and it was as good as any meal I've eaten in Italy before. I purchased this meal from the supermarket on my high street for very little money.

Considering that Italy is over 1,000 miles away - the Prosciutto hams were so succulent, the Sicilian olives so sweet and the fruity red wine such a joy to savour. What great value this meal was. We took a moment to appreciate how very lucky we are. It's the privilege of living in an affluent period, in a country, city, town and place that has three major grocers in very short walking distance - plus health stores, discount food outlets and a whole load of smaller specialised grocers including Indian, Greek, Polish, Chinese plus even a Whole Foods just around the corner.

Eat Your Blessings 
If we ever get caught up in ourselves - worrying/stressing about our jobs, our debts, our relationships or even allowing something as simple as the weather to get us down - we need to consider that millions are on the poverty line and under-nourished.

In a privileged society, we can bring the best of the flavours of the world into our homes for very little money. So, sparing a thought for how fortunate we are before eating a beautiful meal, will lift a negative mood and should encourage more of us to do some charitable work too.