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7:38:00 PM EDT
Feeling Quiet
Hearing James Blunt "Cry"
Families In The Midst Of A Recession...
"Nor need we power or splendor, wide hall or lordly dome; The good, the true, the tender -- these form the wealth of home." Sarah J. Hale
I read an article the other day titled "Unexpected Visitors Surprising Homeless Shelters", a friend of mine had posted a link to in his own journal - to say the least it was unsettling. It's a grim reminder that we are in the midst or close to a recession. A trip to the gas station or grocery store attest to the outrageous increase in prices. Small businesses are going under daily, larger companies are streamlining their work force in preparation for the rising cost of materials. For those of us in middle incomes (working, disability, or retired) we can't deny our belts are being tightened and worrying over the state of our countries affairs.
Anyone in the circumstances of losing a job and struggling would be quick to anger as the stress builds; the constant torment worrying how the bills will be paid, if there are children or pets it weighs even heavier on us. In times like these we strike out at those closest to us, our spouse and even our children. No, I'm not saying you would...but these are trying times and our emotions are on edge. The increase of women and families in shelters speaks for itself of how often this is happening. In the midst of a recession families crumble.
This isn't the first time our country has had to face this fear and these obstacles. For many of us our grandparents, for some of us our parents survived the Great Depression . Without a doubt they struggled and had a hard life during those years. However they did something we could all follow by example...they turned to their families and friends for support and strength. Somehow they knew the key to survival wasn't hatred or anger, rather the love they had for those around them. I'm well aware this is a different Era we are in the midst of entirely...that doesn't mean you can't still find peace and strength by gathering those you love close, instead of turning abusive and angry at the world.
Taking your anger out on your loved ones won't change the fact you lost your job; It won't put food on the table and it most certainly won't make you feel any safer by being a fool. Being in the midst of a recession, simply means for some of us you won't have any extra money for frivolous things. You might have to shut off the tv and lose your cable, even your computer - because you can't afford to stay online; Perhaps you won't get to take that vacation this year or pay for club memberships. The stress lies in mourning for those things you can't have, instead of finding and appreciating what you do have. If money is tight, it's not a bad time to quit drinking or smoking. I can't think of a more noble reason to make these changes in your life.
The list of what you can do goes on and on. It's the small things that begin to add up and make a difference. Can't afford gas to go to the movie theatre or the ball game; why not walk to the nearest park with your family and have a picnic? Nothing on tv due to the cable being shut off, board games are a timeless classic for family fun. Can't afford to go out to eat in restaurants - I've always preferred a good old fashioned cook out at home myself. I guess what I'm trying to say and encourage is...before you resort to violence or anger with your circumstances in life, hold your family and loved ones close instead. A Depression - Recession won't last forever. The damage you do with your anger leaves a lasting impression that won't EVER be forgotten. Life in my opinion is almost always never fair, we can even up the odds with love and compassion.
"The family is one of nature's masterpieces." George Santayana
I'm ending this entry with a prayer on the smoke for all those abused women and children, for the homeless that somehow they are taken care of, loved and find peace in their lives.....
James Blunt "Cry"
I have seen peace. I have seen pain,
Resting on the shoulders of your name.
Do you see the truth through all their lies?
Do you see the world through troubled eyes?
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
I have seen birth. I have seen death.
Lived to see a lover's final breath.
Do you see my guilt? Should I feel fright?
Is the fire of hesitation burning bright?
And if you want to talk about it once again,
On you I depend. I'll cry on your shoulder.
You're a friend.
You and I have been through many things.
I'll hold on to your heart.
I wouldn't cry for anything,
But don't go tearing your life apart.
I have seen fear. I have seen faith.
Seen the look of anger on your face.
And if you want to talk about what will be,
Come and sit with me, and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
And if you want to talk about it anymore,
Lie here on the floor and cry on my shoulder,
I'm a friend.
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These are certainly trying times for many people and your words are needed. We may not be able to do much about the circumstances in which we may find ourselves but we can choose how we respond and behave no matter what the circumstances.--Sheria
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hey indy,
sorry for my awolness from the journals-- last week was our last time to evaluate students (4th card marking progress reports) before their final marks which they take home on the last day of school. plus the added stress of parents who might not be happy with the truth, but i was lucky this year and didnt have too much to battle about.
in these tough times people often overlook their local libraries as sources of information and entertainment. get a library card, and you can rent movies for free or next to nothing, check out music of all genres, get on line and surf the net, and most importantly read!!!! they also have good summer programs for young readers.
anyways, i am glad i had time to visit today. i hope all is well with you and yours :D
hugs,
alaina -
A very good entry with some damn good advice. Things are hitting quite a low over here too :( Petrol prices are rising so that makes everything else rise too. For someone like me living on my own with bills to pay I am finding myself with no money whatsoever and it's getting me down.
Jenny
http://journals.aol.co.uk/Jmoqueen/MyLife -
5/12/08 5:13 PM