Over the last 40 years, I have found myself looking in the rearview mirror and wondering if it was all worth the sacrifice. I gave up jobs, friends, boyfriends, and happiness to care for others in my life. Don't get me wrong, I would not do it any differently were I given a do-over, but I can't help but wonder what my life would be like were I to have not given up these things and allowed myself to have a normal life. Something tells me that it would not have been like I think, but rather it would make me a different person.
I see people, every day, complaining about work, the bills, the car note, and their spouse. They work so hard for things that really do not mean a thing. Let me explain...Let's say "Bob" is married to "Susan" and has 2 kids...one each, boy and girl...Bob gets up at 4AM to get ready for work. His wife also gets up at that time, because she too has to work. Because they both work, they have to have 2 cars. Their kids are not old enough for school yet, so, moms pay goes almost completely to child care. Dad has to work 2 jobs just to earn enough to make the bills and have a little for saving. Because the world is as it is, the cost of everything is rising faster than the income levels. As a result, Dad will likely die young...50-65...of either a heart attack, or cirrhosis from alcoholism. You see, he gets up so early and works so late, he has to have something to relax him enough to sleep. If he is fortunate enough...most are not...to have a job that offers vacation, then he will have 2 weeks a year to get to know his kids enough to remember their names.
I do not see the draw. I mean, I believe folks should work for what they have, but not like this. I know this is going to sound odd coming from me, but, I think that we should resort to the barter system. It would work like this...there would be no money...debts would be goods or services owed to a local person for a good or service that you need. For example, the pig farmer only grows pigs. The vegetable farmer grows only vegetables. So, the pig farmer would supply pork the the vegetable farmer and vice versa. Everyone would have what they need to live, yet be able to feed their family and have relationships with them. Sure, in the global economy it would have to be tweaked a bit. But even then, it could be done. People would get up in the morning and begin crafting something while teaching the kids to carry on after. It would be a self sustaining society. Arts and crafts would make a come back as everyone likes pretties in their life, whether is is a song, poem, sonnet, painting, or table. Everything would have value. Sure some folks would try to value their good or service higher than the others...it is human nature...but even human nature can be taught. After a time, money would be forgotten and would hold no weight.
Realistically, I know that will not happen for quite a while...unless there is an apocalypse...then who knows...until then, I will keep looking for things to change, and hope that mankind does not greed itself to death...
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