I recently learned of a phrase that people say when you complain about things that are really not problems..."That's a first world problem." You see, there are problems that people in the what's refered to as the 'Third World' experience such as not having food or shelter. Essentially that first level on Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs.
There is actually a whole website dedicated to First World Problems. http://first-world-problems.com/. It allows people to write in their ridiculous problems. Some examples of these are, "I have caviar in my braces" or "My back hurts from carrying around my $2000 laptop."
These are meant to be funny and for us to get a laugh at our own privileges, but when you really think about it, it's very sad that we think these are real-life problems. Our perspective is so skewed because we live in a society where we can go anywhere any get not only what we need but what we want. That, for most of us, a click of a button on one of our computers (the average American home has 3 computers) will get us any information we need. We have to have the latest styles, cars fresh off the line or see the big movie the night it comes out in theaters.
I am a constant example of this. I work at a non-profit. The computers that are provided to us are old... my former computer here was 15 years old which is ancient in computer years. It barely worked; made loud noises as it was operating, would shut me out of systems for no reason and sometimes just shut off for no reason. On top of that, the screen was so tiny, I had to lean way in to see small print. It got the point where I didn't have the tools to complete my job successfully. I can say all of thie now with far less frustration than before because I'v since gotten a new computer. But the fact is, I HAVE a computer. I HAVE a job. I HAVE my own desk and I get along with my co-workers. The problem with my computer, although negatively affecting my work, was not a real problem. It was just a kink I needed to work out.
I will refrain from making more comparisons to our lifestlyes and people with actual problems because that could go on forever. I invite you to take a step back next time the heat doesn't warm up your car fast enough, you misplaced your favorite fluffy pillow or Google isn't working on your iPhone. If you ake the time to gain a little perspective, you might just find a simple solution for the kink. <3
