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| Everybody seems to be waiting for this latest economic downturn to find its ending. I don’t think there is anyone who has not been affected by the recent financial changes of the last few years. While many of us are pulling our collective hair out and pacing the floor, an equal number of people are probably buying and selling or transferring stocks to bonds. They are doing whatever it takes. If there is a silver lining in all of this turmoil, it’s the new habits developed by people who are attempting to maintain their lifestyle, while at the same time finding less expensive methods to sustain their much-loved and finely tuned standard of living. Suddenly being cheap is chic! Some days I feel that society has finally caught up with me. If like millions of other people you have discovered countermeasures for staying afloat, you can probably admit that not living “high on the hog” has its particular advantages and rewards. More and more people are becoming aware of the simple things in life, and they are finding lots of comfort and satisfaction in doing so. In fact, many people are beginning to claim bragging rights about their newest or latest discovery for staying afloat. Even though many people have cast off at least some of their more costly items, there are a few basic essentials that most consumers are not willing to abandon. For most adults, coffee is one of the essentials that cannot be forsaken. According to studies, at least 56% of adults drink coffee on a daily basis. While it may be true that most of us have stepped away from the more expensive lattes and their counterparts, coffee drinkers remain devout in their long-standing loyalty to that cup of java. Not to be outdone, alcohol drinkers are weighing in. Although it seems to appear that liquor, wine, and beer are still popular beverages, bars and liquor stores report that many consumers today are drinking the “cheap stuff.” Even though times are tough, pet owners seem to have remained loyal to their furry and feathered friends. Family pets, along with their grooming supplies, veterinarian care, food, and clothing (yes, clothing) are still important to people. For many of us, our relationships with our pets are important. They provide comfort and companionship for us, so it’s only logical that we remain true to them. Television viewing seems to be on the rise these days. Whereas many of us used to watch television programming for an average of 18 hours a week, reports indicate that we have increased that weekly viewing rate by two hours when compared to last year at this time. Catching a program or a TV movie at home is an economical choice. Surprising to me is that many people are still opting for a night out at the movies. Going to the cinema can be a fun diversion. While a night at the movies can prompt us to dig deep into our pockets, staying away from the concession stand can help keep movie night relatively economical. The good news during the meltdown is that many people have not foregone the importance of their education and the impact it will have on their future. Post-high school enrollments remain strong as people continue to have high expectations regarding their upcoming opportunities. While some may present the argument that we might as well stay in school because the job market is bleak, completing an education can be viewed as optimism about what the future has in store. Of course, life in the 21st century has become highly technical, and there is no denying that our gadgets have changed our lives and our lifestyles. Smartphones still remain popular. Manufacturers and retailers of these instruments are reporting a 7% increase in sales. For many of us, our cell phone or similar device can be a lifeline. High-speed Internet access is also highly desirable and is something very few consumers are willing to live without. Whether researching, tweeting, e-mailing, or blogging, this all-important connection to the world is highly prized by nearly everyone. Equally popular is the portable computer. It is rare these days to see anyone without a tiny phone or a very small computer in their grasp. It seems to be part of human nature to want to be connected to other people at all times. Music downloads appear to be something lots of us can’t live without. While CD sales have fallen by 21%, music downloads have risen by the same percentage. Apparently, music remains important to many of us. Around the house, most appliances remain dear to their owners. I don’t think anyone is willing to forego their microwave due to its convenience. Not surprisingly, we all highly value our clothes dryers. Life would be pretty tough without them, although more and more people are reporting that they are using the clotheslines in their backyards to dry their freshly laundered clothes. Although old habits are hard to break, these latest aficionados of drying clothes and linens naturally are becoming hooked on the wonderful smell of clothes that have been sun-dried. It’s worth giving it a try. Oddly, the automatic dishwasher doesn’t seem to rank as high as the clothes dryer does in most folk’s value systems. For some reason, more people are willing to forsake their dishwasher before they would do so with their dryer. Throughout all of this recent financial turmoil and its resulting upheavals, so many people have discovered the beauty of simple living. More importantly, they have rediscovered the power of friendships and close associations with other people. Maybe now is an opportunity to discover what’s really important in life. There is no price tag on harmony and peace of mind. In good times and bad times, close friends are good support systems. No matter what the times are, good relationships are something nobody can live without. |
Can’t Live Without You |
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