For the most part, I’m thrilled when I’m offered a variety of choices. Giving me multiple options makes me feel valued. It empowers me. It reaffirms my independence. It adds a bit of spice to life.
On the other side of the coin, however, variety has the ability to overwhelm. There’s the tendency to overspend. If we’re not wise with how we approach variety, we may not make the wisest choices. Later, we may feel duped.
I guess this is how one fellow may have felt the other day. I don’t know the gentleman, but it was obvious to me, and everyone else who was nearby, that he was clearly agitated, miserable, and perhaps, wanted to be anywhere else but where he was at the time. He swore, he complained, and he had a mini-meltdown. (Now, it was about 90 degrees that particular day, with 70 percent humidity. Maybe that accounted for his temper tantrum?)
Nothing suited the “gentleman” aka “Mr. Complainer.” It was too hot. He hated Missouri. Everything was too expensive. (Really?) His food was cold. The people were too friendly. He “didn’t pay good money to get into this amusement park to have to walk a hundred miles.” Oh, and let’s not forget the best one– “I’m a tourist. I have my rights.”
I watched part of this production as a few of my family members cooled off on a water ride. I felt embarrassed for the man and those around him. Obviously, he didn’t like variety or choices, or the fact that he could have hunkered down in one of the air-conditioned venues on site, or he could have cooled off on one of the water rides, too.
He could have talked to the food vendor about the temperature of his food–it would have been her pleasure to correct it. He could have worn good walking shoes, which just seems like good common sense, given the setting. And no one twisted his arm to spend money on the countless bags he toted. His negative mindset was already made up, and probably had been from the time he walked through the park’s gates.
Recently, when we visited Silver Dollar City, one of our favorite destinations in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks, we had a great time, but then, we always do. (Silver Dollar City is a Christian owned and operated, family oriented theme park.) Our family’s experience was far different from “Mr. Complainer’s.”
As I shared in an earlier post, there is indeed something (variety) for everyone: rides galore, candle making, glass blowing, wood carving, tantalizing scents and foods, cave tours for the adventurous, and a host of other goodies guaranteed to stave off boredom. Think “old” meets “new.” SDC showcases the Ozarks’ rich history and, yes, the folks that work there really DO smile a lot.
Our family usually gets season passes because there’s a discount if you buy these early versus waiting to get tickets at the door on the day of your visit. (And if you’re not familiar with SDC, don’t forget additional funds because you’ll empty your wallet pretty fast if you’re not careful. It’s just good planning.)
For instance, we save money by:
- Bringing our own water jugs (with carrying straps)
- Eating only one meal in the park (usually) and showing our season passes at the restaurant, because at many of them there’s a discount for pass holders
- Taking snacks
- Sticking to a budget
- Limiting purchases (lots of looking, not much buying)
- Utilizing the “freebies” offered throughout the park (a season pass/daily ticket includes the fabulous cave tour, a variety of music shows, a petting area for the kiddos, not to mention the countless rides within the park.)
I, personally, appreciate variety. Though it can overwhelm sometimes, I don’t really think the generous assortment of jams and jellies were Mr. Complainer’s overall problem.
Like with anything, it’s all in the approach, the mindset, and a little flexibility.
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What do you like about variety?
Comments 6
We visited Silver Dollar City a year ago May and had a wonderful
time. My daughter was only 2 and a half then and was tall enough
for the kiddie rides. I can remember like it was yesterday, little arms
up in the air as she screamed with delight on the miniature roller
coaster. We made sure the kids had their naps before we went
and did have to be selective in what we chose to do. I enjoyed it
more than our local Six Flags park.
So glad you enjoyed it, Tanya! We’ve learned over the years to go early and usually during the week when it’s less crowded. it remains one of the best destinations for family.
I like being able to choose, but sometimes (think grocery store) there are almost too many choices for one particular item. I have looked upon all this variety in the past and commented, “only in America.” In your picture above, I’m torn between the hot fudge and the pineapple spread. 🙂 Thanks for sharing a bit of Silver Dollar City. Wonder if I’ll ever make it over to Missouri?
I would agree, Patti, that sometimes our brains can go on “overload.” (Oh, and I didn’t buy any jam/jelly that day, but I really, really wanted to!)
Perhaps, our paths will cross one day… 🙂
Yes, I’d love to run into you at your book signing. 🙂
You are too sweet!