Changing Our Way of Life

Been thinking lately about the American vs UK way of life, and how much we could learn from our ancient brethern across the pond. I feel like all we do in America is live to work. We're constantly on the run, working 8-10 hour days, driving miles and miles to work, running errands, eating on the run, going to the malls and shops after work so that we don't return until after dinner. It's like we're content to always be moving, as if the standard of living is achieved by how much one can accomplish in a day.

Well - I've come to the conclusion that we're dead wrong. One should not measure their day by how many errands they've run or how many hours its been since one has been able to sit down. They should measure it by how many hours they've spent in good company, or eating a homemade meal with friends and family, about how many places they've travelled leisurely in the past year.

Coming to this conclusion was easy enough via observation. The shops here close down at 5:30pm, and on Saturdays they close down around noon, with none really open on Sundays. Though it startled me at first, as I was still running on the American, open 24 hours or until midnight sort of schedule, I have come to appreciate it. The early closing time fits with the work schedules over here, as it gives people enough time to get to the store, grab a few things for dinner, and then be at home or do whatever they please afterwards. Walking the campus at night, once dinner time rolls around, laughter rings out of every open kitchen window, often accompanied by music. People tend to gather and enjoy each others company, or go for walks or go to play a sport together. They're not always running errands or complaining about the length of their day. They're markedly happier here because of the societal schedule.

Yes, things still run on a schedule around here - just because they care more about spending time with people than objects, doesn't mean they start classes or other things whenever it suits them. They get it done and get on with their lives. And they do it cheerfully. Haven't met a single Scottish grump since I've been here. Try saying that after spending almost three weeks in America. Bet you couldn't!


Hey America - you could learn a thing or two from Scotland.