When you have a bucket of lemons…make lemonade…and lemon chiffon pie…and lemon ice.
Yes, yes, I know. We’re bombarded with all kinds of tragic news at home and abroad. It’s so bad now that we’re told most Americans have pretty much shut down. We’re in a holding pattern – waiting for things to improve. It’s true. Times are tough. And it looks like we’re going to be dealing with this for a while yet. With uncertainty on every front, worry about how we’re going to feed our families today and pay tomorrow’s bills, it’s certainly enough to make us want to go back to bed, cover up our heads and play Rip van Winkle.
But, that won’t get us very far. The question now is: What are the alternatives?
Perhaps we can begin with the conviction that: If it’s to be, it’s up to me.
Each one of us can make a difference – even if all the powers-that-be say we can’t.
Looking for a way to weather the economic storms? Every one of us can do something that will impact one small corner of the world. Brian Williams and Rachel Maddow have been among my favorite sources of inspiration. Don’t stop at the top story of the day. Scroll down a bit and you’ll find segments where Brian reports on positive things that real people – people like you and me – are doing to make life just a little bit better in their own communities. They’re building community gardens…making backpacks for hungry children…supporting their local businesses…giving back…paying ahead…looking for holes in the market and filling them.
If we open our eyes, we can see all around us, individuals who are doing whatever they can to help themselves and others. Small businesses are cropping up and beginning to thrive. Not all of them are available on the internet but DLG Furniture Services Inc. is a good example of the kinds of solutions we find both on the internet and right here in our own neighborhoods. Instead of bellyaching, this business is helping people save money and reclaim damaged and worn furniture that would otherwise gather dust or wind up in a landfill. The owner is making life just a little bit more pleasant and comfortable than it might otherwise be. We have another small business, The Green Art has a team of workers who plow snow, do spring yard clean up, landscaping, planting, and more. Our local condominium has implemented a program to hire individuals to handle small projects like watering the grass and pulling weeds. We’re not wealthy but the plan is to help those in need stay active and feel productive. No one will get rich from this project. The pay is nominal. But it’s an effort to help those who would otherwise be expected to volunteer time and services only to walk away empty-handed. The program is designed to encourage our people to take pride in their work while instilling pride of ownership and a sense of well-being to all who enjoy the fruits of their labor.
What can be done? Hire a senior, give youngsters a chance to contribute to the betterment of their neighborhood, look for holes in the market – all the things that have been left undone. Don’t throw those lemons out – find ways to enjoy them… then, celebrate with a party.