James Zogby
It's unreal to fathom that we've entered into one of the worst recession times ever. Did we not just joke about our parents (ok, some of 'us'/you who are of a certain age) or even our grandparents being veritable scrooges because of having gone through 'THE Depression'?? Is that depression going to be replaced by THIS one?
I have been thinking about the seeming unreality of it. Or better put, of it still. Having had on my mind the possibility of re-entering the workforce in whichever capacity (too long a story) this is not exactly the best time. Or is it?
James Zogby started out in the 1990s contemplating how Americans seemingly lost the spirit of the American Dream. Instead, through his work as a pollster, he came to find out something different;
[But instead],as I probed deeper, I found a renewed spirit, a survival instinct, a readjustment of life's expectations and a redefinition of the American dream. I have found for years now that more Americans say the American Dream has more to do with spiritual fulfillment and leading a genuine and honest life than with the attainment of material things. [John Zogby: America's Secular Spiritualists - Why they're still optimistic]
So here I am, having caught the signals coming my way to 'reinvent' myself and now, with the beginning of this recession, really having to think of what this reinvention means. Many people will get laid off and worry, at first, about the basics of providing for their family. That probably means going to a food pantry for the first time. It could mean having to dip into savings (if you have it) before being eligible for any kind of government assistance, getting food stamps etc. Take heart though, because it can also mean, that THAT what we as human beings have been programmed for, can start resurfacing after years of complacency;
Survival instinct! Adaptibility. Reinvention of yourself as a person, as a provider. Being able to do without all things materialistic. Appreciating a roof over one's head. Seeing and receiving help when needed.
For those of us who are able and who are not as effected; if you haven't already, let's start giving to our local, neighbourhood food pantry. Give clothes and necessities to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, St. Vincents, you know your area's charity of choice.
Benevolink
Not just now for the holidays, but as a good habit to start off the New year. We're all going to be in this together.
Just thinking...
you thinker you ;-)
ReplyDeleteyup....
adaptibility...no offense- but it is not always something Americans shine at....in these later years....but yeah, my granparents and great grandparents were very frugal...I am very grateful to them that they taught me how to be thrifty...and that they shared their stories...so now I guess we will have stories to share..
today I watched Bush speak- shithead FINALLY said the R word..wow....took him LONG enough...BUT now.....I think we should really learn the D word...we need to figure out how to take care of each other...and ourselves....
( I have a post up about the Migrant Mother photo that you might like too...I did email you...not sure it got there...hope all is well)...
Ingrid I am content but habitually the tightest of the tight. This will not affect me I am recession proof until the Government in its entirety collapses.
ReplyDeleteI will talk about it tomorrow and I finally have a worldwide appre4ciative audience but I have said it for years to deaf ears this is just beginning, will dwarf the great depression, is just beginning, was manufactured, and there are no surprises here including the timing! Just relax and ride whatever is coming out! Take care!
E...I do not mean for this to sound 'easy', but I was just trying to bring a concept across. yea yea..[g]..not posting much equals time to think..sorta..
ReplyDeleteI went over and saw the picture you mentioned..somehow that email must've missed 'my box'.. it is a very powerful and powerfully associative photograph..wow..
Jim, you mean you're a tightwad?? lol..well, I am as well in some ways but my husband, who's dad went through the Depression so he's got the 'deprived syndrome'..is not in a lot of ways. He's also pretty generous although of course he does have his areas where he can't stand money being spent. We're going to have a heart to heart soon and re-think the way we've been spending ..
hell, it'll be a ride of sorts, glad you're recession proof! You might need to dispense with some 'how to's' for the rest of us who aren't.. I'll be sure to check out your post,
Ingrid
Yes, there is much to think about. I'm not sure if it's going to be a good thing or a bad thing that both my husband and I are freelancers.
ReplyDeleteI like the food pantry idea, but I'm afraid I'll become a client if I don't get another job soon.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm working on that. :)
Worse than that Ingrid!
ReplyDeleteI am principled to the nths and frugal in every regard except with praise and emotion!
ruth, the not knowing is pretty unnerving I think. I do hope that both you and your husband will still be gainefully employed. That's always the trick with being freelancers isn't it? In a way, you probably are psychologically more prepared than most people who have not had to free lance ever.
ReplyDeleteRobster dear..I have thought about you many a time as I remember your comments here and elsewhere about the possibility of no work come January. But you've been ploughing ahead though ever since i've 'known' you and who knows, I don't know if you're writing might finally take you somewhere now your job situation might be changing. Sometimes, that is what needs to happen before something else finally takes off. Still, I bet it's not a pleasant prospect and again, it's the not knowing part. Do you think it might ever make you move to a better 'work' climate?? Anyhow..hang in there and keep me posted. I want you to do well.
Jim, that is, indeed my friend, the worst! And you are still married?? lol.. well, considering you're good with praises and emotion (no really, how come there's none in your writing??[cough])..that must make up for it. AND as long as you remember where you put all them pennies and bills (freezer box, mattresses..lordy no suspect banks I hope[g])
Ingrid