There's Treasure Everywhere (Waiting to be Found)

I’m very easy to please.

As a kid, my time could easily be spent playing with a bouncy ball, Lego figure or a handful of Silly Putty. I remember having a crate full of all of my “useless” trinkets that I stowed away like pirate’s booty.

These were my treasures. Priceless items I picked up at random that would soon become exalted artifacts in my closet. I couldn’t throw any of them away, and many of them are still in my closet as an adult.

Trinkets of mine that really have no “value” to speak of. Yet, when my friend and I used to have “junk trades,” there were some I would not part with for anything. Not even for a Mario figurine and a jarful of Pogs.

I love finding things that other people consider “worthless” or “garbage.” If it is free it is for me, as I always say, and some people just don’t appreciate what they have.

Will I take an unwanted shirt from a friend or a whiskey display case from the NH Liquor Store? Yes. Yes I will. Will I take actual garbage from a dumpster? Depends on what it is.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure in both a material sense, and a spiritual one. There are so many aspects of life that people dismiss or neglect to take advantage of. Life’s treasures seem to be littered all over, but few are able to spot them.

The feeling of support from a good friend during a tough time. Learning something new about who was once a stranger. Finding that new favorite thing on the restaurant menu. A smile emerging after tears. These are real treasures.

Even in the news business there are people overlooking the shiniest nuggets. Give me a pleasant conversation with an amazing individual over a political scandal any day. One can have a lasting impact on the soul, while the other just gives skeezy opportunists their book deals (or adult video, because anything goes nowadays.)

You don’t have to look far or dig too deep to find all of life’s treasures. In fact, some of them are easier to find than one would think. There is no need for a shovel or a treasure map when you are equipped with clear eyes and an open heart.

Do they have value? Of course, but you are the appraiser. No one else can tell you if something is worthwhile or worthless. The only difference between trash and treasure is the perspective of the one holding it.

Hold these treasures dear, whatever they may be, because they are not meant to last forever. Then again...would they be as valuable if they did?