Although it started off slowly, the world wide recession seems to have hit many countries pretty hard. Unemployment has taken a toll, so have marriages - I read recently that financial problems have pushed many couples to breaking point.
There is no doubt about it, this recession has destroyed the dreams of many and made a lot of people reassess how they live. However, I believe we can learn a lot in times of stress and hardship. These are times when we tend to look more closely at ourselves and re-evaluate our lives and values. When the economy bounces back again we will be stronger because we usually learn harsh lessons and make difficult choices only when we have to. When the good times return, although many will spend more again, those lessons will be remembered and become part of who we are. My parents and many other older folk were, in part, shaped by the depression, we are being shaped by our times too.
So what have I been able to learn during the past year that I'll keep:
What has the recession taught you?
There is no doubt about it, this recession has destroyed the dreams of many and made a lot of people reassess how they live. However, I believe we can learn a lot in times of stress and hardship. These are times when we tend to look more closely at ourselves and re-evaluate our lives and values. When the economy bounces back again we will be stronger because we usually learn harsh lessons and make difficult choices only when we have to. When the good times return, although many will spend more again, those lessons will be remembered and become part of who we are. My parents and many other older folk were, in part, shaped by the depression, we are being shaped by our times too.
So what have I been able to learn during the past year that I'll keep:
- Living with a thrifty mindset does me good.
- I don't need any convenience food - from scratch and slow foods are healthier, delicious and cheaper.
- I enjoy the struggle - having things too easy makes me soft.
- I feel more in control of my life when I have a purpose to each day - the purpose being not to go under and to make as much as I can with what I have.
- Mending and hand stitching is relaxing and enjoyable.
- Family and friends are priceless.
- Helping others gives me an immense feeling of satisfaction.
- We are living on about one quarter of what we used to live on, and we are thriving and happy.
- Taking responsibility for myself makes me stronger and more confident.
- I need to rest and get enough sleep - having a strong immune system is essential in tough times.
- Simple life tasks like baking bread, cooking from scratch, harvesting water, change me from being a passive follower to a proactive leader.
What has the recession taught you?
