Finding the space for things that really matter with Ali Kaufman
Picking your battles in the world today
So, if you don't live under a rock, you know that the sky seems to be falling.
The economy, politics, global warming… it's a lot to manage on top of worrying about family schedules, meals, bed times, carpools. So, how are you keeping it all straight? How are you planning to keep things simple?
First of all: pick your battles. You can't solve the global economic crisis, but you can do a few things to keep it from becoming a family crisis:
Here are a few ideas:
1. Prioritize your purchases. Take a good look at what each family member uses what on a regular basis. Make each member a shopping list with the brand name prices listed next to each item and head to the supermarket. As if it were your very own family "supermarket sweep," set the timer and challenge every member to find the cheapest substitute for their favorite items. The family member who shaves the most pennies off of their list is the winner!
2. Consolidate your carpool trips. If you don't plan ahead, this is the time to start. Review your weekly carpool calendar with your (check all that apply to you) spouse, friends, family, housekeeper and neighbors to see if anyone is going your way on a given day. <
3. Get creative when it comes to gift-giving. Let's face it: The party may be over for a while. Since everyone is in the same boat, it's a good time to focus on fun and not finances. Give homemade gifts, like art projects or brownies, and focus on the message in the card.
4. Keep a fresh perspective. Instead of going shopping at the mall, take a spin around your house and see what you can make new again. Spend a Saturday rearranging the living room, finding new uses for old things and livening up the place!
The most important thing:
5. Have faith, not fear! When you start to think about the scary stuff, take a walk, slip into the bathtub, play with your kids or just stop to breathe through it. The world's not ending; it's just changing.
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