One Act of Kindness

Author: Jax Cassidy // Category: , ,
The economy hasn't seem to improve much since we rang in 2009. More and more people are getting laid off from the workforce and many are struggling to stay afloat even with a full-time job. Everyone is counting their pennies and writers are downsizing their conference trips or promotional efforts. Like many of you, I work in order to write. I'm a freelance graphic designer and the pay supplements my writing career. Since I don't currently have a New York contract and I haven't sold a series of books, I'm still at the beginning stages as an author. Contrary to what everyone believes, the journey of a writer is a long and complex road in which you have to really love to write to be in this career field. Not all writers make Nora bucks. We can only dream, but in order for her to reach that level in her career she had to work hard at it for many many years. I'm sure she's had to tighten her belt and if you've ever heard her story, you'd know that she started from basically nothing and built an empire...

So, What am I doing to tighten my belt while I wait out the slump in the economy?

Well, I've been eating out less and cooking at home more. I've been making home products that are environmentally safe to use at hardly any cost. I've been investing in online promotions versus physical promotions that I have to pay for. I've been very selective about what to spend in terms of contests and conferences. I make gifts instead of buy them. I don't shop unless it's a total necessity. Frankly, anything I can do to save, I do it.

Now, on the other hand, one of the reasons why the economy is in such bad shape is because most people are tightening their belts. In order for us to get things started up again and contribute to helping the economy IS by us spending money. I know, it's a double-edged sword but, although I skimp on a lot of things, I still find ways to spend to help boost the economic situation. Just not as frivolously. I still go to a nice dinner, to the movies, movie rentals, day trips, weekend excursions, buy books...I am more conscientious about the spending part, but I do spend.

I wish I could wave my magic wand and make everything better again...unfortunately, I'm just one person who can do so much. Well, while I'm waiting with the rest of you to see the proverbial 'pot of gold at the end of the rainbow' -- I'm hoping that we all hold on to faith. I'm not the richest person, but I will give money or food to a homeless person. I will send care packages to someone in need. I will put a few bucks in a donation jar. I will help anyone if I have the power to do so. For one second, just remember that those who lived through the Depression and were able to survive and tell about it...we can certainly do the same. We need to stop taking our aggressions and anger out on each other. We need to keep a sense of community, support, and faith to get us through these tough times. But, as I said, I'm only one person. I know it may seem impossible but by believing in something, anything at all, doesn't cost a thing. We can do our part by at least passing One Act Of Kindness to another human being...so the next time you have a chance to do something nice. Please do so.

3 Responses to "One Act of Kindness"

Dara Edmondson Says :
7:23 AM

I'm with you. We have to tighten, but not squeeze out businesses. I'm definitely still buying books. The least we can do is help support our own.

Kristen Painter Says :
8:24 AM

We've been tightening, but we still go out to eat once a week. It's nice and I think it means more because it's become more of a treat.

Jax Cassidy Says :
9:11 AM

Dara -- I'll always buy books. That's my industry and I support it. I'm proud teens are reading more and with the boom in YA books, it makes me happy that writers are reaching these kids.

Kristen -- I'm with you. We go out once a week and I find cooking at home so fun and intimate. Thankfully Mr. Right is a good cook so I'm spoiled. I don't even have to do the dishes!

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