The Economy Sheds Its Skin

The other morning while sipping a coconut inspired cup of home-brewed coffee, I heard the most intriguing sound. It was softer at first, but grew to a loud roar. With my index and third finger, I wrestled with blinds to catch a glimpse of this morning’s outdoor attraction. What I saw was both refreshing and an oddity: kids playing outside!  I sat back on the couch and began to ponder what would have caused this rare event. I suppose it must have something to do with the economy.

It’s no secret we are in a serious recession or dare I say depression. With the unemployment rate topping out at an astonishing twenty percent here in Michigan, people are seeking greener pasture elsewhere. But is there a hidden gem within this recession that we aren’t seeing? Our grandparents survived what is still known as the worst depression in United States history. We have all heard horror stories and passed them on to the younger generation.  But did we take any advice along with the tales?  It’s possible that we think of the great depression as folklore; a colorfully spun ball of yarn to entertain the masses. After all, didn’t it happen over 70 years ago? That’s an eternity if you’re, let’s say a generation Y-er.  But as any historian will tell you: the past is always repeated and we should learn from our mistakes. .

But we didn’t. We splurged on extravagant homes, bought luxurious cars and cashed in on the plethora of credit card offers, personal loans and “buy now, pay later” scams. Housing values rose to astronomical levels, the rich became richer and the poor, for the first time, could actually “afford” a home. The early 2000’s were a great time to live the American Dream. If you had a pulse, you could get a great job with benefits, a house fit for a king and all of life’s great pleasures. But as most good things do, this Shangri-La utopia slowly began to decay.  And when the dust settled, not even banks could keep their doors open.

However, the cause and effect of this financial storm provides a greater lesson than any that could be taught or even possible dreamt up. It has stripped us of our material possessions and left of with a vulnerable humanity; much like a snake sheds its skin. Our nation is on the verge of a rebirth. And I couldn’t be happier. Why, you might ask? I am a person who likes to watch good people suffer? Of course not! But I do think the “keeping up with the Jones” days are over.

We are getting back to a simpler way of life. Families are eating out less, staying home more and for once getting to know each other.  This fabulous concept, derived from the 1950’s version of family unity, is once again becoming popular due to the economy. Strikingly awkward at first, spending time with family, at home with no interrupts from new, unaffordable technologies quickly becomes easy and familiar. Kids, teens and parents alike are venturing outdoor again to discover a richer, healthier quality of life.

I took the last sip of my coffee. I savored the rich coconut flavor that enveloped my tongue. And for a moment, the sweet seduction almost devoured the inner tingling developing inside me. I craved a run, something that I hadn’t done in years. I headed to my hall closet to rummage for my old, but faithful running shoes. They were dusty, but familiar. If change is around the corner, who am I to object? I turned of my computer monitor, slipped on my shoes and headed outside to enjoy the forgotten gift that Mother Nature bestows to use every morning. It costs nothing, and promises everything!