Investment

Merril and I had some brass to invest.  We could have left it sitting in the bank, but we got something that provides a better return.  It feels good to invest wisely.  They reckon handbags are a good investment right now.  Old high-end handbags are bringing a great return.  One thing that really stood out to me was when Brendon Frazer emerged from his 50’s bunker in Blast from the Past, he had trading cards which were worth a fortune.
One thing about investments seems to be that they are a long-term thing.  Superannuation Funds delight in telling us that returns must been seen in the long-term.  The market fluxuates but patience bears fruit in that the market rises. (I must confess I am more sceptical than I was.  I have super but I do not imagine that it could not be gone in a moment.  I will never forget Bearings Bank.  One investor did not build in a big Japanese earthquake and the bank lost all and was sold for $1.  The only security I trust is not a money thing)
Investment for me though is more than a financial thing.  I know I have invested time in people.  Sometimes it is years before I see a return.  At other times there is no apparent return at all.  But I do happen to believe nothing is wasted. Maybe the return was not what I expected but I know that in personal development terms the investment has been worthwhile.  If only to learn patience.  People are unpredictable.  Algorithms are right most of the time but not all of the time.
I have forgotten who it was, but they said it would help my perspective if I imagined putting a post it note on my possessions that read “to be burned.”  For me all but one investment provides temporary relief only.  No matter how wise I am it will not be mine to enjoy forever.
I have also invested in my job.  Maybe I was a replaceable cog in a wheel, but my life is irreplaceable. Much time is spent working.  It may as well be time well spent.   The skills I pick up along the way can stand me in good stead in both my job and in other matters not work related.   As always for me attitude is the thing.  I may not be the bees knees when I first come into a position but if my attitude is right that will not long be the case.
I have felt that strongly when it comes to mechanics, doctors, dentists and all sorts of trades people.  Find a goody and they are worth holding on to.  They have invested their time wisely.  What they have, is worth having.
I know that sometimes to invest wisely I need to clear the decks.  Get rid of things that may hinder me getting to the place I want to be.  I do not necessarily agree with it, but I can see why they do it - developers clear the decks completely.  A blank canvas means there is not area off limits.  Every square meter is available to use.
If I want to reach my potential every square meter needs to be available for development.  An item may look pretty but it can be replaced with an even better, prettier and more useful thing.  A good thing to me though is so much can be repurposed.  I may clear the decks but often there is a better use for what is there.
Ok in my life there is wastage but a change of view for me has been a good thing.  I am less inclined to needlessly discard.  A solid foundation gives me the chance to display good things both old and new.  All a worthwhile investment.