Simple Survival in a Rough Economy: Small Things to Help Others

I am only one person, and so are you. Things are rough these days, and the road ahead is full of cracks, potholes and abandoned vehicles. Food and fuel prices are rising, jobs are being obliterated every day, and there is a tiny seed of desperation in the foundation of our spirits.

Politicians sing songs of sorrow at our plight , tell us they know what we are going through, while they raise their arms in the air and make promises as substantive as air kisses. Elections come and go. Some will win, some will lose then go on their way in jobs on that other plateau still not living in this world. We, the everyday people will still be fighting to re-adjust our budgets. We just can't depend on or believe in the fact that they will really do much of anything to help us. A new President will take office full of plans and during the 'honeymoon' will finally see that he is one person too. Reality will set in, big donors will want the return on "you pat my back, I'll pat yours." Cabinet members and powerhouse members of the United States political system will show the President that promises can be made by the out of gas truck load but an entire group of 'others' would be the ones in control. Their agendas and incomes are too involved to really change much of anything when the oily big boys and campaign donors hold the reins.

We in the real world must continue on using our resources. We don't have oil but we have other valuable assets like talent, knowledge and good old hard work ethic plus a will to survive. What can we do to survive and help others survive? I am one person and you are one person. We add up to two. What are we going to do about this? I have to look to my resources and so do you. Otherwise, what is the sense in going on? We are both here for a reason. I can write encouraging words to you. I can challenge you. I can give away what I don't need, share my gardening, frugal shopping, food stretching knowledge and crafting skills. What do you have? What can you do? What can be done for you?

Our parents and grandparents knew how to survive rough times. We need to take a giant step back and learn from them. They were much more self sufficient than most of us are. They knew how to put in a good supply of food, survive on what house space and goods they had plus had relationships with others who had talents to do things they couldn't. Bartering was a valuable thing. Neighbors helping neighbors was a natural and safe way to live. We can't go back to that time period. We can adapt concepts and actions from that time and rework it for today and in the years ahead. One of the first big challenges over the next couple of years is decreasing our fuel intake. Our household is staying at one car, no vacation trip this summer and we are weighing what feelers can be cut out of the energy tumor in our life.

I saw an elderly man today. The gaunt man stood next to his car, empty gas can in hand, a bewildered, defeated look on his face. The car was at a dangerous angle in the road. Then I noticed it slowly moving backward and there was a second man, his shoulder and back bent to the side of the car, pushing. He used his strength to move that car, his kindness to help that man. He was one person helping another. He helped him survive one more rough spot. Will you take the time to help someone else?

We can't save or change the entire mess of the economy in the next several years, but we certainly can take a good, long look at our own little corner and do something, anything, to help ourselves and those around us to survive the rough time we have been given like a bad gift at a wedding. We need to use the God given intelligence the big oily boys think we don't have to turn things around. I'm one person who is sick I'm tired of this, aren't you?