Appreciate what you've got

As I was watching The Lost Tribes on TV last night, I was torn between scoffing at the teenage girls' struggles with roughing it like they've never known, and wondering exactly how I would react if placed in the same situation with a TV camera in my face. What it did make me realise was how silly and materialistic a lot of the "necessities" we have to have, really are.

Over indulgence is never a good look - especially when it comes to eating and drinking. But it's also extremely unnatractive to see people overindulging in ridiculous luxuries everyday (like most celebrities). Sure, I'd be emotionally distressed if I was deprived of running water, electricity and a soft bed... but I'd like to think I could survive for quite a while without the little things like a hair straightener, or internet connection, or coffee.

For the "contestants" on The Lost Tribes, one thing's for sure - they'll return home with immense gratefulness for their little luxuries. They will have learnt to appreciate what they've got, and hopefully appreciate the amazing tribes they have been living with, and how they can live with so little, yet be so happy. I think they're extremely lucky to experience such a thing... even if they were going through hell at the time. And I also think it's a lesson everyone should learn.

Notes on Glossy Paper

"A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour." Anonymous