Can We Build a New Economy from the Ruins of the Old One?

We need each other and we need everyone!

We're not at a fork in the road or the place where a path diverges. That would be cliche. It's not the jumping off point; it's not where highways 18 or 86 meet 71; it's...a changing room. Maybe it's a costume shop. It's where we may have to make some changes to our facades -- the outside the world sees-- while we remain the same people on the inside.

What we do is not who we are -- and I have a hard time with that, too. As much as my faith, my family, my heart matter to me, I still wonder if I would still exist if I didn't write. I'm sure many of you feel the same about your vocations, but I hope you'll stay with me in believing that what we do does not define who we are.

Do you feel this way? The economy is creating many personal hardships, but on the other hand, we have all been released from some terrible burden of expectation and false hopes about our work lives. It seemed that we were working harder and harder, and yet the threat of losing our jobs to outsourcing, or doubting the spin on how the opportunities drove us on. What if before, we were caught in a race for profits that did not bring benefits to our families or communities. Maybe what we're facing now is an exhilarating possibility to create the jobs that we are supposed to be doing.

What if we see this as an incentive to focus on re-creating local community, working together, helping each other, and freeing ourselves from the economic bondage of the consumer culture?

Missing nights out with friends? How about a night in sharing a meal and conversation while the kids run around the yard - just ask friends to bring whatever they're having for dinner and share.

Wardrobe tired? Host a clothing swap in the Spring and Fall.

Giving up the vacation to the beach this summer? Rediscover our Okoboji beaches.

Going crazy with all the time on your hands and no money for fun? There's still time to put in a garden to help feed your household and possibly help some others.

Thinking my blogs are too long? You're not alone, and I'm working on keeping them shorter. Thanks to all of you for reading.