Words of Wisdom from SharLeigh
HOLDING ON DURING
TOUGH TIMES
It is not easy living through tough times, but Americans have done it before and we can do it again. Most of us have heard stories about the Great Depression, but we never thought it could happen again. Yet, today, we are faced with some of the same problems and are ill-equipped to survive in this atmosphere because we have become impatient and spoiled. Now, faced with a sudden dose of reality, it is our turn to learn prudence, economy and patience. To be prudent, you must manage your resources and select only the basic priorities – like a roof over your head and food on the table. If you are renting, consider finding a smaller place. If you have a mortgage, look into available government resources. If you have to move, have a garage sale (make some money and pack less). To learn economy, one must be frugal in their expenditures. The days of just walking into any store and buying whatever looks good are over. Shop less frequently and plan frugal, healthy meals. Check out the flyers from the grocery stores to see what is on sale and buy store brands. You can also use coupons, take your cans and bottles to the recycle center and, most importantly, make out a shopping list and stick to it. And finally, the hardest of all, we must learn to be patient. We must have a quiet, steady, perseverance over misfortune without complaint. We must also teach our children the difference between “wants” and “needs” in their life. But it is not all drudgery. Plan game nights – take out a deck of cards or a board game and share a simple night of fun and laughter. Start a long-term family project like planting a garden. Gardening is hard work, but what a reward to watch it grow and then share in the harvest. With prudence, economy, and patience you will see positive changes in your family and in the process learn better values. Remember the old adage, “This too shall pass.” And it always does!