How New York City Got Its Juicy Nickname “The Big Apple” — And What It Means To The World

By Stella Stevenson          

It’s the middle of the night. You’re fast asleep, dreaming peacefully. Suddenly, you hear the blaring sound of a fire alarm. You wake up, smell smoke, and realize your house is on fire. You have only seconds to escape. In that moment, you’re faced with a heart-stopping question: If you could save just one thing, what would it be?

This isn’t just a scary thought experiment. It’s a chance to think deeply about what you truly value in life. Let’s take a look at this idea together and see what it tells us about ourselves, our memories, and the things we hold dear.

Why This Question Matters

At first, this question might seem simple. But when you really think about it, it’s not easy to answer. Your mind might race through all the things you own—your phone, your clothes, your books, your jewelry, or even your favorite pair of shoes. But when you imagine losing everything except one item, you start to realize what’s truly important to you.

This question isn’t just about stuff. It’s about what makes you you. It’s about the memories, the emotions, and the connections that certain objects represent. It’s about what you can’t replace, no matter how much money you have.

What Would Most People Save?

If we asked 100 people this question, we’d probably get 100 different answers. But some common things might come up again and again:

Photo Albums or Family Pictures: For many, photos are priceless. They capture moments that can never be repeated—a wedding, a birthday, a family vacation, or even a loved one who has passed away. Photos help us remember the people and experiences that shaped our lives.

A Laptop or Phone: In today’s world, our phones and laptops hold so much of our lives—our contacts, photos, work documents, and even our memories. For some, saving a phone might feel like saving a piece of their identity.

Jewelry or Heirlooms: A ring from a grandparent, a watch passed down through generations, or a necklace from a loved one—these items often carry deep emotional value. They’re not just objects; they’re connections to the past.

A Pet: For many, pets are family. In a fire, some people wouldn’t think twice about grabbing their dog, cat, or even their goldfish. Pets give us love and companionship, and losing them would feel like losing a part of ourselves.

A Diary or Journal: For those who write down their thoughts, a diary might feel like a piece of their soul. It’s a record of their dreams, fears, and growth over time.

A Childhood Toy or Keepsake: Some people hold onto items from their childhood—a teddy bear, a blanket, or a special toy. These objects remind them of simpler, happier times.

What Would You Save?

Now, take a moment to think about your own life. If you had to choose just one thing to save, what would it be? Close your eyes and picture yourself in that situation. What’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Maybe it’s something practical, like your wallet or passport. Maybe it’s something sentimental, like a letter from a loved one. Or maybe it’s something you can’t even explain—an object that just feels important to you.

Whatever it is, there’s no right or wrong answer. This is about what matters to you.

Why Do We Value Certain Things?

Have you ever wondered why we get so attached to certain objects? It’s not just about the thing itself. It’s about what the thing represents.

For example, a wedding ring isn’t just a piece of metal. It’s a symbol of love, commitment, and partnership. A childhood toy isn’t just a stuffed animal. It’s a reminder of innocence, comfort, and joy.

Our possessions often carry stories. They remind us of who we are, where we’ve been, and the people we’ve shared our lives with. That’s why losing them can feel so painful—it’s like losing a piece of our history.

What If You Couldn’t Save Anything?

Now, let’s take this thought experiment one step further. What if you couldn’t save anything? What if you had to escape with just the clothes on your back? How would that feel?

For many, this idea is terrifying. Losing everything you own—your home, your belongings, your memories—would be devastating. But it’s also a reminder of what really matters in life.

At the end of the day, things are just things. They can be replaced. What truly matters are the people we love, the experiences we’ve shared, and the memories we carry in our hearts.

What This Teaches Us About Life

This question isn’t just about fires or possessions. It’s about priorities. It’s about understanding what’s truly important to us and why.

In our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. We worry about money, work, and material things. But when we’re faced with a life-or-death situation, all that fades away. What’s left is what really matters.

This exercise can help us refocus our lives. It can remind us to cherish the people we love, to create meaningful memories, and to let go of the things that don’t truly matter.

How to Prepare for the Unexpected

While we hope you’re never in a situation where you have to choose what to save in a fire, it’s always good to be prepared. Here are a few tips:

Keep Important Items Together: If you have something that’s truly irreplaceable, like a family photo album or a piece of jewelry, keep it in a safe, easy-to-reach place. That way, if you ever need to grab it quickly, you can.

Digitize Your Memories: Scan old photos and save them in the cloud. Back up important documents and files. This way, even if the physical copies are lost, you’ll still have the memories.

Make a Plan: Talk to your family about what you would do in an emergency. Decide who will grab what, and make sure everyone knows how to get out safely.

Focus on What Matters: Take time to appreciate the people and experiences that bring you joy. At the end of the day, those are the things that truly matter.

Your Take

So, if your house was on fire, what one thing would you save? The answer to this question tells you a lot about who you are and what you value most. It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters in life, not the things we own, but the love we share, the memories we create, and the people we hold dear.

Take a moment today to reflect on this question. Think about what you would save, and why. And then, take a step further, tell the people you love how much they mean to you. Create new memories. Let go of the things that don’t matter. Because in the end, life isn’t about what we have. It’s about who we are and how we live.