Collecting XP

"Experiences, like stocks, yield dividends" paraphrasing of Die with Zero by Bill Perkins

I was on holiday for the past two weeks. It gave me time to read, reflect and project. I got around to listening Die with Zero on audible, a suggestion from my brother. The point is straightforward – dying with zero. To elaborate, it does not urge us to splurge, as the author explained it is about finding balance. It is about being a mix of the ant and the grasshopper. The book is mostly directed at people who are attached to money, who have trouble spending it and instead stack all their earnings into savings.

There are many ideas I have resonated with – one of them is that it is cheaper to travel in your 20's. You probably do not have children, you probably do not mind sleeping in a hostel room with randoms, and you probably have little to no responsibilities. Another reason to rack up experiences earlier in life is that it is an investment for your older self. These experiences become memories, something to look back on with nostalgia. These memories are the dividends from the quote at the start of the post.

Based on these readings and also my drive to project myself for this year I set a goal of solo travel this year. I am looking into making a trip during this summer by myself. It seems refreshing. I looked into many directions but for now, I have settled on going on one of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimages.

It seems like an achievable thing to do physically speaking since I will have a lot of experience by the end of the army in June. Travelling alone seems attractive because it is outside the comfort zone of having friends to rely on. It might also spark more casual conversations (or not). The actual result of such a trip is yet to be determined, but I am looking forward to it.

Getting general again – I would argue that Bill Perkins' book has made me more conscious about my spending. Almost at every purchase, I think of the memories and experiences it can provide me. Sometimes money does buy happiness, sometimes we can get just as much without spending a dime. Surprisingly the single thought process of considering the emotional outcome of purchases, makes me feel more present and appreciative of experiences (or so I have noticed).

This Week's Suggestions:

🎶 "on & on" by piri & tommy remixed by Sammy Virji:

I have been venturing into UKG (UK garage) and the more I find the happier I get. This tune has a special place in my heart. It is so simple, groovy and happy. To describe UKG I would say it is "happy house with funky drums". Do give the song a listen to get an idea.

Have a good one!