Econo-mess

I recently worked with a make-up artist, and we got into a discussion about the current state of our economy. I asked her how her profession was reacting to troubled times. She answered that she felt unaffected, because when the chips are down, women still want to feel and look beautiful. She described the feeling of beauty as a substitution for money. It is something that makes us feel good about ourselves. Taking care of ourselves, it seems, is a way to feel adequate, boost our confidence, and “keep up with the Joneses.”

It got me thinking about what defines me during any economic setting: how I view money, what sort of professional life I lead, how I express myself, and how I maintain and nourish my self-confidence. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, constantly fretting, or feeling inadequate during these times, I want to keep a healthy perspective, give to others, and be thankful for what I have.

Like any set of tough circumstances, these rough times offer an opportunity to realize that what I have is enough. More than enough. When it is time to be aware, careful, and logical about how I spend, save, and consume, it is possible to make do with what I have. I can be more creative and resourceful with how I spend. I can reinvent and reconstruct what I already own. I can see old things in new ways. I can use what I already have, instead of buying more.

My cousin lives in Houston and was hit by Hurricane Ike a few months ago. She was out of work for a month, waiting for renovations to her office building. She emailed me about how she had dealt with the circumstances by using anything in her fridge and freezer to make meals. She made Ike Casseroles, Ike Tacos, Ike Pies, and Sloppy Ike Sandwiches. She got smart and creative, and was thankful for having anything to eat at all. And then, she gave some away. With some of her storm-themed culinary creations, she took care of friends and even gave to hungry animals around her apartment. She found ways to have and give.

And there’s more good news: there are new and entertaining things to do, and we can make them even more special by sharing them with people we love. On Thursday night, I went to the New Museum on Bowery because they had free admission. After that, there was a free bluegrass concert at Housing Works, and anything bought at the bar went to benefit AIDS patients. Cool, educational, entertaining and free (or cheap) things are out there to enjoy – we just have to spend the little extra time to find them. Perhaps most importantly, we have relationships. We can draw on the strength of the people that we care about, and who care about us. Even when we can’t afford “things,” we can always make more friends, reach out to others, and establish more relationships. Holding on to those will provide returns forever.

This isn’t an easy time for anyone. But times are still good. There are still ways to enjoy new things, to continue to learn, to help others, and to express care and generosity, even in hard times.

And what can make us feel better than that?

Last week’s New York Magazine had a great article on how to live in New York City on a budget without feeling like you’re missing out. There are also many websites and publications promoting free or inexpensive events that are worth checking out!