I have begun to feel the effects of this economic crisis but not where you'd think (or where you are told you should think). I am told that because of what has occurred on Wall Street I should be feeling it on Main street. (I am so tired of that clever the first and only time you hear it, phrase!) I am told that I should be sitting around the kitchen table with my husband, knitting our brows into a cold blanket of concern for the future. So what else is new? We were doing that in the prosperous 80's and 90's. I am told that we should be recycling, reusing and reducing. We were doing that long before it was in Vogue (Look for it in April's "Chic to be Cheap" edition).
No, I am feeling the effects at my local library and corner book store (neither of these buildings are on Main Street). Suddenly a library fine under $5.00 is a BIG DEAL no matter how compelling my excuse. Suddenly, receiving the discount for my kids' book club books is dependent upon my ability to answer a series of questions about my intent. Suddenly I find myself saying (to myself) "FINE! I will just order online, it's cheaper and more convenient"; which is precisely why they are so uptight in the first place. Round and round it goes.
If the fear grips so tightly that life becomes a ledger and businesses forget that indiscernible something else that makes us part with our money, then we will stop parting with our money for things we can't justify, rectify, and qualify (carry the one..). Fear begets fear and fear is first cousins with rigidity and strict utilitarian values (on their father's side, I think).
I love hanging out at the library and spending too much time and money at the book store. I have always paid my fines at the library (it feels virtuous, like tithing). I have always felt good about money well spent on books. It was not the fact that money was extracted from me, but the manner in which it was demanded. Fear. Desperation. Sort of a buzz kill when you are looking for an escape. This is a sudden unexpected change in my life...and it is not a bit personal. There is nothing new about me that would suggest I am trying to take advantage of people (unless it is that "wanna hear about my pyramid scheme/religious cult/coconut shell and ball game" button I have started wearing).
It worries me. I am concerned for the first time, despite knowing first hand what the market is doing because I happen to be married to one of those greedy Wall Street type guys (who is anything but greedy but that is for another rant). I know that no matter how little money you have there is always room for the good things in life. I know that first hand, in fact most of the good things in life are even more visible in lean financial times. I just worry that people are too worried to notice the good things we still have that can not be measured. Worried people don't make good customers. (I am going to have that put on a button now).
I don't worry about money, I believe that carrying a fear that you won't have what you need, lends itself to not having what you need. I have always felt the abundance of the Universe and truly believe there is plenty for everyone, Now if we can only get others to try this on and ease up their greedy grip, there really would be plenty for all. I promote fearlessness around money along with Peace.
Posted by: Linda McNabb | February 05, 2009 at 06:41 AM
beautifully spoken, jill
Posted by: Amy | February 05, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Thanks Amy! Is my mom giving you "atta girl, Jill" lessons? You are such a good encourager! I look forward to your updates and comments every day! (I work for praise!) ;)
Posted by: Jillibee | February 07, 2009 at 01:19 AM
I know this about you Linda! Doesn't it all sound so easy when we say it? Of course, I am hoarding all kinds of things in my greedy grip that could probably make the world a better place. So maybe I should let it begin with me! My closets and garage will be a better world because of it. Tomorrow. I would rather "imagine.." (soundtrack by John Lennon) than actually do anything.
Posted by: Jillibee | February 07, 2009 at 01:23 AM
If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.
Happy Valentine's Day, Ms. Bee
Posted by: Frisch's Big Boy | February 16, 2009 at 10:18 AM