I think the recession is improving my life...

[PassionDiva_NY]

Bizarre statement right?

Hear me out. I am watching a news story right now where they're talking about people who are saying their life is better because of the recession and it got me thinking.

Yes - I agree - the recession is a really really bad thing. I know too many victims of it and I'm so thankful every day that I have my job. But there's something about it that has scared myself and many people I know into financial responsibility. For example - I worked extra hard at zeroing out all of my credit cards and not using them at ALL. I actually SAVE money weeks and even months in advanced to buy something now. I'm not shopping with my eyes at the super market. It's all based on what we actually use. Hence we now have MUCH less waste. My kids can't go to all the sports and extra curricular programs I want BUT we are spending more creative time together as a family, visiting family and friends and I always refer to my local parents guide to search for FREE or cheap entertainment for the kids.

And these changes, these new habits are rubbing off on my kids. The other day while out shopping, my daughter wanted a toy and my son said to her - we get toys on Christmas and Birthdays and special occasions. Not just because we want them. We need to be good to earn them.

I was floored. He actually understands when we speak of money habits. Enlightening and SCARY!

I feel that my finance has finally understood what my crazy paranoia is about. We still have plenty of home improvements to do but he is actually with me on buying things one at a time and building up the supplies we need before we get into a project that breaks our bank account and sanity.

I'm actually enjoying what I have. My home. My kids. My partner. And my time. It's not about the name brands anymore. Its about how we live and how we're living with eachother.

It's too bad that a recession - which is a truly tragic thing - had to ground us this way but I'm glad it did.

[Lb128f]

Jun. 19, 2009 at 11:32 PM

Sweet! Makes sense! It's great that your ideas and values have filtered down to your children...your son is wise! :-)

[ARmom]

Jun. 24, 2009 at 2:25 PM

I couldn't agree with you more!