What can't you get by without? What are the things that make the world a more pleasant place for you? The ones that would leave a hole in your life if you could never experience them again.
There's always the "what you'd take with you in a fire" test to make you think about what you really value. The usual things for most people are no-brainers – spouse, children, pets, photos, mementos – and that's exactly as it should be.
Or you could try the "what things you'd want with you on a desert island" test. But what about those more intangible things that enrich life? Things, experiences, moments that bring poetry, joy and meaning into your life in profound ways that go far beyond their intrinsic value. Things like a baby's laughter, beach sunrises, the smell of freshly-mown grass, a really good cup of coffee.
What does it for you? My own list would have to include drifts of autumn leaves – their crackle and colour always make me smile; sharing a Friday night bottle of champagne with my husband to mark the end of the working week; books, books and more books – old friends in dust jackets that can inspire, entertain or comfort; the sound of rain on a tin roof; and the spectacle of a mighty summer storm.
What about you? Whatever city you're in, what can't you get by without?
