Desert Island Discs was regular listening in our household. My mother and I used to listen to it on a regular basis. After each episode we listened to, we would talk about the items chosen by that week’s guest.
If you are not familiar with Desert Island Discs it’s a long running BBC Radio 4 programme where the interview has a twist. The guests are called “castaways” who get to choose, and discuss, eight recordings. These are usually pieces of music: however, this is not always the case. In addition to the Bible and a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare castaways are also allowed to take with them a book and a luxury item.
The show was first broadcast on 29th January 1942 so has recently celebrated its 77th birthday. There have been over 3,000 shows recorded with some castaways returning to the island for a 2nd time.
This is an edited recording of the episode in which the castaway John Cleese asks to take fellow actor Michel Palin as his luxury item. The solution to Palin being unacceptable because he is animate is classic.
To browse through some of the other castaways interviewed and listen to the show please click here.
Back to my Desert Island Discs memories …
Having discussed the merits of the luxury chosen by the guest we would then turn our attention to our luxury. Mine would often change. After all I was 10 years old when this “tradition” started and about 15 when we slipped out of the habit. Life changes very quickly at that age and so do preferences. I was lucky if I stuck to my choice until the end of the day!
A Desert Island Discs back up plan
My mother, on the other hand, was far more consistent. There was always a clear favourite that she would return to week after week. However, she accepted that her choice would not have been allowed as it would involve a second person being on the island with you. So, she did have a “back up plan”.
I take a trip down memory lane in my video as I remember my mother’s ultimate luxury and her more practical alternative.
As I’ve grown older, I have come to appreciate the luxury of fresh sheets. So much so that Andrew is fully aware of the first luxury I will “demand” when we get that big win on the lottery. In the meantime, our luxury will be limited to divine fabric softener and a vivid imagination. Both of which appear to be a vital component of Creating A New, Beautiful And Courageous Existence.
“I think the older I get, the more I realize that the ultimate luxury is time.” Michael Kors
Practice makes perfect
It’s all well and good writing about things in theory: however, we need to start applying what we learn. Think about what your luxury would be if you were a guest on Desert Island Discs. Now make yourself a promise that you will treat yourself to this luxury at the next possible opportunity.
To help you keep track of all your work for the daily activities mentioned, we have created a Monthly Diary for you to record your progress. To download your copy of “My February Canbace Diary” please click here.
Be kind to yourself …
In CANBACE friendship!
If anything I have written resonates I’d love to hear from you in the comments. I appreciate that this can be a difficult subject to speak openly about. If you don’t want me to publish your comment on the website, please let me know. I will keep your words private.
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