Lucky to have gone without

I lived below the poverty line for a couple of years when I first split with Julia’s dad. The low income limit for Manitoba for one person is $15,430,(UNPAC) and the number for a two member family is not available. During my first years as a single mom I was making $10,000. We had a one bedroom apartment, we ate cheap but good food and we shopped at thrift stores.

Time over Money

It was important to me to have time with Julia, who was 2 1/2. I calculated how little we needed to survive on and found a part-time job at a radio station that met those needs. The job started at noon, so I was able to spend mornings with Julia.

On non-Julia days (shared parenting lingo) I volunteered at the Children’s Hospital. I hosted their inner-hospital TV show and snuggled babies. If I wasn’t with my daughter, I wanted to be making a difference in a child’s life.

At the radio station, I worked with many people who who made a lot of money. One day I told a co-worker how much I lived on and he said, “I’ll pay you $100 to tell me how to do that.” I said, “sure, but first you’ll have to give up your car.” He declined further advice.

Easy kicks

I feel blessed to have always lived simply, but have a full life. Yes, it’s scary to roll pennies to buy food and sometimes I really, really want new things or to go to the grocery store without a budget. I’m lucky I get my kicks from things like parenting, walking the dog and writing plays.

The Privileged Choice

There is a rise in the simple living movement that is  insulting to people who are living in poverty at this time. The difference is choice and support. I have family & friends that would have helped me if I couldn’t buy food. Selling your house to go live off the grid is commendable — but still a luxury for the privileged. This should be acknowledged.

I know that people living in poverty don’t feel lucky. My few poor years is different from growing up in poverty. My situation was (is) a choice — I chose to take less hours & lower pay so I could(can) spend more time with my children — and not everyone gets to even make that choice.

It is a privilege to even make the “simple life” choice.

I am working on developing amazing services that benefit other people while utilizing my true gifts. This means less time away from my family, more time doing what I love and helping the world in my best ways. Since my needs are so simple, this feels very do-able.  White (2010) wrote about how working less hours benefits communities and society  and is a sustainable action because it is a

long-term vision for a post-industrial world in which the economy is transformed to meet the needs of communities rather than the desires of consumers; a sustainable future where the benefits of the planet’s limited resources are shared equitably and protected for future generations. (June 4th, Share the World’s Resources)

Often we go through life asking, “how much could I make” and perhaps it couldn’t hurt to ask, “how much do I truly need.” Less could possibly be more.

If you like this idea, you’ll probably like to read your money or your life.

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References:

http://www.unpac.ca/economy/wompoverty4.html

http://www.stwr.org/economic-sharing-alternatives/in-defence-of-downshifting-and-work-sharing.html