Living History

I just read There is a Silver Lining on the Newsweek website and it has some interesting insight.  To paraphrase, this article says that amid all the difficulties and hardships we are about to undergo, there is one silver lining.  This crisis has - dramatically, vengefully - forced the United States to confront the bad habits it has developed over the past few decades.  If we can kick those habits, today’s pain will translate into gains in the long run.  We, not only as a nation, but also as individuals have depended upon easy money to support our spending frenzy.  I realize that I too, am part of the problem.  I have purchased things on a whim that I did not need, spending money unwisely instead of saving for a rainy day.  Sitting idle in my closet are new shoes that have never been worn, sweaters that still have the sales tag attached and dresses that I will never wear.  In my bathroom are a variety of hair products that have been used once or twice and then shoved under the sink and beauty products that promised miracles but didn’t deliver.  I have enough blankets and towels to outfit a mansion but I only have one bedroom and one bathroom.  There are so many things that I spend money on needlessly without thinking. Maybe this is my wake-up call.  I think it is time I go on a spending moratorium and also redistribute some of my wealth.  I am going to cleanout my closets and donate those extra towels and sheets to a shelter.  I am going to dig out the shampoo and hair-care products and use them up whether I like them or not.  The same with the beauty products.  And, this will make my mom happy, I am going to shop with a grocery list and only make one trip to the store a week.  i am going to turn off the TV (and this computer) and read more.  I am going to squeeze all the toothpaste out of the tube before I replace it.  I am going to turn the thermostat down.  I think you get th idea.  Like so many others, I spend without thinking.  If I want a silver lining during these difficult times, it is up to me to make it happen.’; //leave this line

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