Are we really that bad off?

Everywhere you look there is more bad news at the moment. Recession, Depression, job losses, people losing their homes, share market crashes, companies going under, people losing money, financial crisis. It seems that money is on the minds of everyone. Last week, my mother in law was commenting on the movement of the Dow Jones over coffee. Since when did everyday laypeople like us start talking about share market fluctuations as part of everyday conversation?

A bit of perspective

A few things that I have read lately have put things into perspective. In these times of global financial crisis those who suffer the most are those in developing countries. According to The World Bank, the economic crisis is set to drive 53 million more people into poverty in 2009. This is on top of the 130 – 155 million people who were pushed into poverty in 2008 due to soaring food and fuel prices. Millions of people live in extreme poverty (earning less than $1 a day). According to a UN report, the world will see an increase of between 200,000 and 400,000 in infant mortality rates and child malnutrition. Millions of children face the prospect of long term cognitive damage due to malnutrition and starvation. The Save the Children Fund predict that 10 million more children face starvation, with 3 million expected to die as a direct result of the financial crisis. And we haven’t even touched on the world food shortage crisis that preceeded the financial crisis.

(Photo from empowermentinternational.org)

On the other hand here we have stimulus payments, government allowances, social security, unemployment benefits, medicare, emergency housing, access to education, charities, churches, humanitarian organisations and refuges, to keep us from starving.

I read some heartening statistics on FruGal’s blog. According to a report in the UK commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation found 77% of people are giving just as much – if not more – to charities since the beginning of the financial crisis. The report also revealed that people’s values are shifting away from material possessions and towards helping others in need.

With many of us here in Australia being stimulated by Kevin this month, what are you going to do with your $900? The world bank suggests that rich countries contribute 1% of their stimulus money to help fund poor countries in need. That’s $9 for you and me. Time to give some more?

So, are we really that bad off?

Today I challenge you to turn off the television and the computer, put down the paper, off with the radio and the mobile phones. Stop listening to bad news for just a few moments. Grab out a pen and paper and write down the things you are grateful for. Even if you have lost your job, or lost your home, I want you to do this exercise. Today we are going to count our blessings and think about those who truly are suffering because of the financial times we live in and hopefully hold out a helping hand.

What are you thankful for?