Getting back to Basics

I had a good conversation with my Mother the other day about the current state of our economy and our families personal financial situation.  As always, we were putting things into perspective and looking for the good amidst all of the negative.  The Silver lining around the gray coulds is a good place to focus. 

One of the things we pointed out is that during hard times, people tend to get back to basics and appreciate the gifts they do have.  Right now it’s all about the basics for us.  Frivolous, extravagant and wasteful activities get set aside for meaningful and productive activities.  Human nature is to worry and fret about finances and making ends meet, but our time is better served being productive and cherishing the most meaningful things in our lives, our relationships with friends and family.

One thing that I can proudly say is that I have an extremely strong family.  My wife and I cherish the trust we share.  Many people are losing their homes these days, losing their jobs and unfortunately losing hope.  If you have created a strong family, and have strong relationships in your life, those can’t be taken away from you.  It’s times like these that REAL love (not Hollywood or pop-culture love), and trust become so noticeably valuable. 

If you are willing to get back to basics and remember what is really important in this world, you will get through this.  This too shall pass.  When you are tested in a thousand different ways, that’s when your true character and your real relationships are revealed.

Dadsworld.com promotes involved Dads, not just because they spend time with their kids, but because of what they represent:  A strong, close and loving family.  Those are the ones who are going to thrive in these tough times.  I hope you have a situation like that, and if you don’t… I hope you will begin to create that reality for yourself and your family.

Now, more than ever in my lifetime before, a light is being shined on what really matters.  As I said last week, the bricks of a civilization are the families.  We need them to be strong.