(Image courtesy of Nadia Valko )
Imagine this: you open the cabinet and see those beautiful, pristine dishes or that fancy glassware you’ve been saving for…well, you’re not even sure anymore. Some special event, a fancy dinner party, the Queen stopping by for tea? Who knows? I do. Maybe not just china, but more than a few things in my life have been waiting for that special occasion. They’ve been sitting there, untouched, gathering dust, like a museum exhibit of “Things We’re Afraid to Use.” But here’s the question: why wait? Life isn’t waiting around for the “right moment.” It’s happening right here and now, in all its perfectly imperfect glory. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to bring out the best china and use it—chips, cracks, and all.
What if, instead of saving the good stuff for some undefined future, you started celebrating each day with it? We often think special things need to be reserved, as if joy has a limit. But the beauty of joy is that it only grows when shared, and the same goes for those beautiful dishes, that gorgeous tablecloth, or even that fancy candle you’re too “practical” to light. That special bottle of wine risks turning bad if I don’t drink it soon. Why not share it with friends? Every day, even the ordinary, deserves a touch of the extraordinary.
It’s funny how we treat our best things as if they’re too precious to actually enjoy. Somewhere along the way, we decided that “special” equates to “rare,” like good days should only come around on anniversaries or holidays. But imagine the magic of sipping your morning coffee from your favorite, fancy cup instead of the usual chipped mug. Or using the “good” plates for Tuesday night tacos. There’s something liberating, even rebellious, in refusing to wait for permission to enjoy your own life.
Maybe we’re hesitant because we’re afraid of damaging these cherished items. But here’s a secret: life itself is beautifully imperfect. Just like us, our dishes and special keepsakes might end up with a few chips or cracks, but doesn’t that make them even more ours? I remember we had purchased a set of artfully designed ceramic coasters. Our youngest granddaughter was attracted to them. Within minutes, all had been dropped and kicked, each nicked up. A bit upset at first, I realized that these were “little Gabi’s nicks” — her having innocent fun enjoying time with us. Each nick tells a story—a memory shared, a meal enjoyed, a moment lived fully. Those coasters are still usable and it’s a warm reminder of her time with us and that things are meant to be used and loved, not hidden away, waiting for perfection.
Look, life is full of ordinary days. But the magic lies in how we choose to see and celebrate those days. Drinking from that beautiful wine glass, even if you’re just having sparkling water, or setting the table with the fine silverware just because it’s Thursday, reminds us that life itself is worth celebrating. And guess what? The Queen might not stop by, but your happiness and sense of wonder will.
Using our best things for everyday life isn’t wasteful; it’s gratitude in action. It says, “I am worthy of joy, today, right now.” Besides, nothing guarantees we’ll have tomorrow or next month to finally break out the good dishes. So let’s raise a glass (that fancy one you never use) to fully embracing each day for what it is: a gift.
Because in the end, life’s too short to save anything for a “special occasion.” The special occasion is now, and it deserves every bit of beauty you have to offer. Use the good china!
P.S. By the way, I’m sure I contributed my share of knicks, chips, stains, and broken items to those I lived with. Yet, I was always met with love.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon.
