Connecting With Others
I went to the library a few weeks ago and noticed that they had reissued, "Your Money Or Your Life," by Joe Dominguez & Vicki Robin. Our library has never carried this book so I was so excited to see the updated version now available.
For die-hard fans of this book though, the issue is pretty much the same except for the addition of a wonderful preface that seemed to really resonate with me, in particular for this column on entertainment.
The author invites you to go on a journey with them by creating a clear, secure financial life for yourself, connecting with others, dreaming big, deepening your life and getting active.
"I've come to believe that the consumer culture is like a virus- it enters where the bonds of community have been broken. Needs are perceived as reasons to consume rather than as reasons to connect with others. Money becomes the glue holding together a society that has lost its integrity. Assumptions of solidarity, equity and cooperation are becoming as quaint as the horse and buggy. Material downshifting, then, can make room for "upshifting" connectedness. Frugality isn't the end goal, it's the means. One by-product of simplifying is having the time to engage in the arts of caring- communication, meals together, touch, having good parties, remembering birthdays, clearing up misunderstandings, empathy, patience, and on and on- and this is the biggest antidote to overspending. So consciously building nourishing relationships... is a way to unwind the ropes that entangle you in debt, insecurity, job boredom and fear of the economy."
In a busy, busy world, one by-product of slowing down, simplifying, and spending less is becoming more connected with the world around you. How can we apply this to our lives?
We could build awareness in our children of their own connectedness to the earth.
We could get to know the people within our own neighborhoods.
We could find new and inexpensive ways to celebrate holidays.
We could care for those when they are sick.
We could host a frugal party in our homes.
We can connect within our own family unit in a unique way each and every day.
How important are building connections in your life and what ways have you found to cultivate these connections?
4 Responses to “Connecting With Others”
June 10th, 2008 at 8:33 am
This is great! It reminds me of the importance of community. Right now I am involved in trying to help revitalize our church-and it seems to me that one of the biggest things that church can offer to folks* is a sense of community that is lacking in our culture today.
*Note: obviously the biggest thing church has to offer is a closer and more meaningful relationship with God. However to folks who are out there and feel that they are doing very well without that thank you-community is a drawing point that can get them in the door. Once they are there you can try to show/teach/lead them to understanding about God.
**Note #2-this is just my opinion. If yours differs on the faith issue please don’t hijack Amy’s lovely post, but feel free to email me personally. My email is on my site.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
I have never heard of this book–it seems very interesting:)
Julieann
June 11th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I could go back to work and look after other people’s children instead of our own but why would I?
Praise God, we do not need the extra finances to get by and saving what we earn is more economical at this stage of our lives.
I trained and worked with other people’s children for 2 decades & have have honed my skills considerably.
My children (2 school-age) and now my ageing ‘Alzheimer’s’ parents are the grateful recipients of my being Australia’s No. 1 Home-Maker! (LOL) Not forgetting my husband and Church/School community!
August 31st, 2010 at 5:45 am
[...] read this post recently on connecting with others. It really resonated with me. Part of what I want our [...]
Leave a Comment