The last real recession we experienced in this country took place in the mid late 70’s, and continued into the beginning of the Regan years.
Inflation topped 14 percentand unemployment was between 6 and 10 percent depending upon location.
The cost of food and fuel were increasing dramatically, and shortages created additional upward pressure on prices.
Disco dancing, mood rings, and bell bottom pants were part of our landscape,and the end of the Viet Nam War, and the election of Jimmy Carter as President were significant political events.
Thinking back on those days, I don’t remember the sacrifice or pain , in fact I seem to remember those days with a mixture of pride, humor and nostalgia.
Most people couldn’t afford new cars, so we drove used cars, and paid for things as we bought them.
Those of us who used credit cards, had maybe one or two cards, and usually saved them for emergencies.
We rented apartments, or rented houses if we couldn’t afford the down payment to purchase.
Cell phones and the internet did not exist, and gym memberships were usually to the Y M C A , at a token cost.
Recessions are obviously painful events, but there are some positive things that can develop, Sort of a silver lining to a dark cloud.
10 blessings hidden in a recession.
1. We save money by eating at home. Family dinners mean family bonding, better balanced meals, fewer drugs, and better mental health for the next generation of Americans.
2. We are driving less, driving down the cost of gasoline due to less demand.
3 Less telemarketing and junk mail. Junk e mail is easier to delete, and doesn’t cause pollution and waste trees for paper.
4. More use of coupons as people try to stretch their dollars.
5. Switching to less costly exercise plans.Forget the gym, how about the school yard, or a school gym.
6. Smaller less expensive automobiles and trucks, with much better gas mileage.
7. Many new opportunities to create new businesses. ” When a door closes, a window opens.”
8. Bring back the Victory garden. Gardening is health outdoor work, and fresh fruits and veggies are healthy for you.
9. Bad times create inspiration for literature and music.(see “The Blues” )
10. Rough economic times makes people look at the world from a different perspective. Spoiled is out, appreciation for what you have is good.
Ready or not, here it comes 1 … 2 … 3 …
6.