Living the Good Life in Hard Times

In these tough economic times most of us are feeling less "weight" in our wallets. We may not be able to buy all the things we want for our homes and families. We may have to say no to buying the latest toys and games and gadgets. At the same time we're concerned that we ourselves and our children learn to be grateful for the things we do possess.

The "Olden Days"

Members of the Boomer generation remember back to days when we lived with much less but seemed to have all we needed. We think of simpler times when life was less hectic and was, in general, unplugged. We might have asked for a pony for Christmas, but we didn't really expect to get it. We had to eat the food on our plates because of those starving children in China. We may have had an allowance, but we had to do chores to earn it. And it was measured out to us in coins, not paper bills! We had food, shelter, and friends and we, along with our hard-working parents practiced the fine art of having enough.

More and More, Less and Less

The thirtysomethings of today grew up in a time of relative plenty. It's likely that both their parents worked outside the home and life was filled with sports and activities that kept the family running from morning until night. Closets bulged with clothes and houses were filled with gadgets. Some of these folks grew up with a longing for a more relational and stress-free life. They have "gone back to basics." They're living more simply and enjoying the experience of owning fewer things. The Green revolution only added to the cry for a life based less on material goods and more on simple lifestyle and relationships.

What now?

Today the economy is no longer our friend. Many have lost their jobs and homes. Most have lost major amounts of their savings and investments. It's a time to re-evaluate the things that really matter and make hard decisions. Can we step back into a simpler lifestyle? Can we live with fewer possessions and toys? And more importantly, can we enjoy life fully while owning fewer things? Can we really be grateful for the simple things in life such as a healthy body, enough to eat and a roof over our heads?

The Good Life

One generation reacts to the one before, yet life tends to go full circle. In good times and bad, families want to protect and care for their young ones in the best way possible and the young want to find their own new way. But, there is nothing new under the sun. Good times and hard times come and go. Children of plenty long for a more down-to-earth existence, while children who lacked want to grow up and have all that they longed for. Where is the good life? Well, it's right under our noses. It's in our health and our families and our friends. It's in the intangibles like love and purpose and peace of mind. Can we, like wise parents and grandparents before us settle on fewer material goods and return to simpler times? Can we learn to practice that fine art of having enough?