♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦
Topic #27
Quality vs. Quantity. When it comes to the things you value most in life, what do you prefer and why?
Quality of life inevitably leads to quantity. This is probably something that only the wisdom of time and experience can lend a person. As a child, more under the tree at Christmas was always the sign of a very good Christmas. As we grow into adults, what we value as a richer experience shifts to having loved ones around us, good friends and the time. Most people would agree that they would rather have a few close friends than a ton of acquaintances. So too, they would prefer a smaller meal of really good food over a shopping cart full of cheap food.
In this age of cyber connection, we have a lot at our fingertips. We can see much more easily how quantity isn’t leading us to satisfaction. The quality things we find, at least for me, are the things that brighten the day (and nights). Think for a moment, as we slide into the Holiday Season, and people start holding their butts for family gatherings. So many face these times with dread and they’ve got their reasons to feel that way, very valid reasons: the quality of their relationships leave something to be desired, yet, so many have an abundance on the table and people around them. When the quality is missing, the universe let’s us know. We’re left hungry for better.
Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) and Christmas are very much the time of year to reflect most on the quality of one’s life and how that is quantified. I thoroughly believe that when you strive for quality around yourself that it leads to quantity. Our lives are not long in the grand scheme of things, but life gives us enough time to cultivate a network and to cultivate experiences. Our choices frame that. The results of those choices may not always be what we hoped. We might trip up and make mistakes, end up hurt or out in the cold. Were we overwhelmed with a quantity of choices and unable to see the quality ones that could have lead to better ends?
Quality vs. Quantity reaches into so many fissures of our day to day. I try to act more consciously of my decisions, not get overwhelmed by the 
abundance of choices and move forward with quality choices (the ones that will best result in the ends I am looking to achieve). Sure, you might be left standing about feeling stagnated. I often do. However, maybe that abundance of time is a sign to do some quality things, which may in fact bolster your chances at other choices turning out high quality.
It’s amazing how the two are so intertwined. Neither is inherently negative or the opposite of the other. That difference is in the specifics of each instance. Abundance is a measure of quantity, after all, and is a wonderful thing to achieve—so long as it is quality.
Scroll on down to see how some of the other authors answered the questions. On your way, check out Rebecca Lovell Books:
Rebecca Lovell started out writing fan fiction when she was in middle school, and all of it had original characters and romantic entanglements. Over the years she has gotten much better at writing and moved on to her own work but the romance has always stayed the same.
Rebecca enjoys reading all kinds of books (her favorite writers include JK Rowling, Suzanne Collins, Carolyn McSparren and Lynn Graeme), and loves swimming and interesting beer (current favorite is Revolver Brewing’s Blood and Honey). She lives in Texas with her cats and is uncertain about the weather.
Several years ago, we decided to go debt-free, except our mortgage, which meant that Christmas was going to be put on the back burner for a while. I struggled with that because my brother and sister-in-law are always very generous with our children and I felt I owed them something. But what I discovered was that I could find great things at lower prices shopping in July through September rather than during the “holidays”. So now that we can afford Christmas from our savings, I still continue that practice and find I love Christmas a whole lot more than when we were racking up debts to pay for it.
That’s fantastic! The holidays really do put a burden on a lot of people, and we all need to be more understanding of that. It IS the thought that counts, and our time being together matters more than anything. After all, memories of the time you spent are all you can take with you. What you leave should be a loving legacy. I’m sure it helps that you’re not chewing nails on the bills coming in too. So stressful! And it really ruins so much for you.
I’m hard to buy for, and I don’t expect people to spend a lot of money on me. It’s their time and kindness that are the best present I can receive. And quality time is the best.
A ton of presents at Christmas cannot compare to quality time with the family. I always say to my brood not to bring any presents, just themselves!
It’s funny how we change in our lives! When you’re a kid you want it all, and when you’re an adult you learn to slow down and enjoy the good stuff!
This year I’m making some of the gifts I give and I try to encourage the kids to do the same. When you are making a gift for someone, you are thinking of them the whole time you’re working and that really is a huge reason why we give gifts. Thanks for your post.
I love ‘made’ gifts. They’re so much more special.
I really like what you said about striving for quality and quantity follows. Of all the things I would like more of, is time. I would love to have had more time with my dad, more time with my brother, more time with those people who are no longer with me.
Thank you for this post!
You are welcome. I don’t think we ever feel we get enough time with those we care about.
Great post!