12 Jul Reasons to be grateful in a cost of living crisis
One nice thing about the cost of living crisis is that it helps us to appreciate the little things in life, I think. This evening I walked past my local pub with my arms laden in groceries I had spent with nearly the last money I have for this week.
I smiled as I walked past to see all those people out in the world, drinking and being merry. I realised that they must be very financially secure indeed to be able to afford to go out for a whole night drinking and eating. I went out for lunch and had a sandwich and bought a drink for myself and a friend. When I looked at my bank balance after my grocery shop, I had $10 in the bank!!
It has often been the way for me. I am used to the tension of going out with people who want to buy ’rounds’ for all their friends, or drink for hours on end. It has always been a stretch for me in Melbourne. But that doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy many things that this city has to offer!
Becoming accustomed to less
My evolutionary fear reflex didn’t kick in this evening when I got home from shopping, even though it was a similar situation to last week, with pretty much no fat, except for maybe a bottle of red wine and some coffees during the week.
Instead, I made the most delicious Mango Chicken Slow Cooker Curry except with a chopped head of broccoli instead of beans (which are not in season), and put the broccoli in an hour before the end of cooking (3 hours was fine).
It was so delicious and it made me feel so grateful for the fact that I have this food, even if I am not out partying on this Saturday night.
I pondered the similarities to the pandemic in Melbourne, when life was simpler too. And I loved that time. I liked taking pleasure in the small things.
Character building
I actually enjoy making do with less at the moment. It feels honest. It feels like it builds my capacity for gratitude and it feels like it is character building.
Sometimes when I am flush with money I spend a bit more on things I don’t really need, and I don’t like that feeling. It feels wasteful.
I guess one thing we can do as a society to help save the world is to consume less. Food and alcohol is probably one of those things.
I am looking forward to living a little more simply for now, with some lovely simple treats baked in that make me feel rich.
How are you coping with the cost of living crisis? And what strategies are helping you to stay positive?
No Comments