What Do You Value?

In these tough economical times, with so many people unemployed and those that are employed constantly doing everything they can to keep in that way, everyone seems to be cutting back. People are living with less, or trying to save more and figure out what they can live without.

Restaurants are offering all sorts of deals, at least in my area, to encourage people to eat out. They have "Restaurant Week" where various establishments are offering a choice of an appetizer, a meal and a dessert for $20.09. And there aren't many places where you can go these days and get a three-course meal for that price. So, it's appealing for friends and couples to go out and "splurge."

I know many of my friends and I are looking for ways to be more thrify by engaging in activities such as walking, having a glass of wine at each other's places, or meeting to discuss a book. We are learning that it is not always about going out or spending tons of money in order to have fun. And, truthfully, I think many of us have always felt that way.

When times are tough I think while we feel strain on our purse strings, we look towards what we have control over - growing the bonds of friendship, spending time with our loved ones, taking better care of ourselves. It helps us feel more positive by surrounding ourselves with those who matter most to us.

At least that's the one of the lessons I've taken away during this past year.

Therefore, I pose these thoughts to all of you: What do you value? What can you live without? How are you handling the current recession? Any advice or insights to share?