We Need Much Less Than We Think We Need

We need much less than we think we need. 

I love this quote from the late poet, civil rights activist and author Maya Angelou. It seems especially pertinent at this time of year, now that the endless ads and commercials for "the perfect gift" have overtaken the airwaves. 

Stores set up their Christmas displays in August. The pressure to spend...spend...spend is on despite a faltering economy and sky high prices. Food pantries are seeing record numbers of people seeking help to feed themselves and their families.

So I think Angelou's words should be a timelyreminder to Americans that as a nation, we are relatively well off. Still, times are really tough right now, and far too many of us are struggling to pay for groceries and housing. My cost of living increase for 2026 will be 2 percent, while the inflation rate is 3 percent. I guess I am lucky to get a cost of living ajustment at all.

I have finished my Christmas shopping. My daughter requested a slow cooker and a set of good knives. I bought a couple of toys (including an educational tablet) for my grandson. And that's it. I have been sending modest donations to my favorite charites over the past month or so. I took three bags of groceries to drop off at the police department's annual food drive. 

I did buy a new coat for myself recently. Cold weather really makes me suffer, so although I have a couple of winter coats, the one I bought yesterfay is particularly warm. It was on sale, and I had a 30 percent off coupon. So how could I resist? I seldom treat myself to new things, and I will wear this coat this when I set out on the first dog walk of the morning. Winter is just beginning, and I know I will gete a lot of use from this coat. So I don't feel bad about my purchase.

I live in a modest house that has no mortgage. My car is a 2021 model, and it is paid for. My refrigerator and my pantry are stuffed. My dogs are happy and healthy. I have good medical insurance and a decent retirement income.

So I have all I need. And that is a pretty good feeling.

 

World Kindness Day

Today is World Kindness Day, celebrated every year on this day since 1998.

This year this country needs a daily dose of kindness more than ever.

I believe all of us should practice kindness every day, not just on a single day. But this is a good reminder of the importance of kindness every day. Being kind doesn't take massive amounts of money or materials. It can be as simple as a smile or a warm 'hello'. It can mean paying for the coffee drink of the person behind us in line. I like to complement people I see walking their dogs in my neighborhood by calling our "What a beautiful dog" or "Your dog has a gorgeous coat." I have yet to meet someone walking a dog who doesn't appreciate a complement. 

Complements should be sincere and they should be specific. I once told a cashier at the grocery store where I shop that I really liked her Native American style jacket. Her response was a joking "You can't have it!"

I have three T-shirts that say "Be kind to everyone" on the front. I'm not much of a T-shirt person, but I think these shirts are a simple reminder to be kind. Sometimes "I like that color or that jacket or whatever on you' is all it takes to brighten someone's mood.

We live in a nation where political leaders are quick to hurl insults to anyone who challenges them or their statements. People are insulted as being stupid or dumb or communists. Women and members of minority groups are singled out for attack.

I believe each of us has the ability to be kind and to make kindness a part of our daily lives.

I Dream of The Day

 I dream of the day when I won't get up in the morning and wonder what the demented president of the United States has done or said overnight that is embarrassing or insulting. 

I dream of the day when I can check my social media and not see a post or a photo about the bloated orange tyrant filling my pages. 

I dream of the day when Americans will be treated with respect and honesty by members of their government. 

I dream of the day when we don't have to rely on the courts to force the government to do the right thing, such as providing food and healthcare and other rights to citizens in need.

I dream of the day when both major political parties will set aside their differences, negotiate and work for the benefit of the American people, not for themselves, not for their political party.

I dream of the day when the American president seeks peace throughout the world, rather than picking fights with other nations.

I dream of the day when the American government and its top officials actually follow and defend the US Constitution.

I dream of the day when the United States is no longer the laughing stock of the world.

I dream of the day when people around the globe once again view the United States as a country to be admired  and as a symbol of hope.

I dream of the day when visitors to the US, whether here legally or not, no longer fear for their safety.

I dream of the day when public lands are no longer for sale, and when the office of the president is above reproach and not for sale to the highest bidder.

I just hope I live long enough to see these things some true again.