Hi Everyone,
I've been trying to come up with a cohesive plan based on what I know and what I think I know. No matter your beliefs and predictions for the coming
year---and years---ahead, it's wise to have a plan to deal with skyrocketing food and gas costs, social unrest, cultural intrusions, loss of privacy
and the lack of resources and employment. I think it's a general concensus here that things are going to get worse before they get better.
I'm trying to formulate a plan for dealing with the realities of life in 2012 and beyond. It's unwise to gather information, to participate here at
ATS, to unveil the truths about the world and then not take action. You are in a much better position than a lot of people because you are presumably
awake.
Here are some ideas that I've come up with for my family:
1) Predictions are that the collapse of both honeybee and bat populations will continue to decline as the world is poisoned with cell phone towers,
chemical pesticides and GMOs. We're moving to a town surrounded by farmland, and where good, healthy and locally grown food is widely avaliable. It
is a town with low crime, lots of farm stands and agricultural opportunities and a place where people often put family ahead of material goods, status
and greed. The cost of living is lower. My goal is to peruse fresh, locally grown food and adopt a simpler way of life all the way around. There is
a lake near our new house where we can entertain ourselves and find activities that are healthy--and best of all---free. Fishing, swimming and
sailing come to mind.
2) Money. This has not been our strong point. Expect real unemployment in America to hit 25% or even higher. It's already at 22% if you count
unemployment the old-fashioned way. Before my husband had to close his business last year, we just didn't take the whole financial subject as
seriously as we should have. We saved--and did a good job--but we wasted a lot of money and resources, too. Thankfully, he has found work but I'm
hoping to become a lot more thrifty by using coupons, not wasting food, actually eating our leftovers, and taking advantage of dollar stores and
sales. There aren't dollar stores where we live (a resort area where they thrive on ripping everyone off), but I visited my first one in New York
State last weekend and was amazed by what we could buy for a dollar: cleaning supplies, paper towels, tools, food storage bins and bags, spices, etc.
We figure we bought $200 worth of goods for $40.00. Since we will soon be moving to a place that has a dollar store my motto will be, "Check the
dollar store first.!" We also visited our first Aldi's--which is a no thrills grocery store owned by the brother of the guy who owns Trader Joes.
Aldi's has butter for $1.99---versus $4.59 where we live. I know they are opening all over the country---so in your pursuit to save money, try to
peruse these no frills grocery stores and save yourself a ton of money on groceries. There are a lot of other areas we are going to cut back on--such
as gasoline, etc. My main goal is to use and enjoy what we have at home--including clothing and other items instead of buying new things. I'm going
to start my own small business to supplement the family income.
3) Cutting back. I am cutting back on just about everything, including travel, TV, frivolous shopping trips, gas, and other non neccessities. Instead
of watching cable, I'm going to learn a new language. I'm going to find ways to nuture my mind and spirit rather than watching the negative talking
heads on the TV during my free time. I am not going to participate in the world in any way that furthers the agenda of TPTB and rather strengthen my
mind and spirit. Music, food, family and quiet time are on the top of my list.
4) Protect ourselves. Even though my husband is a hunter, I'm still a little squeamish about guns. I'm seriously considering buying and learning to
use one as home invasions, theft and other crimes become more rampant. I've seen predictions of record thefts for the coming year as unemployed,
desperate men turn to stealing and looting to put food on the table. After having four cell phones stolen from my family this year, I am trying to
devise ways to keep what belongs to us in our own pockets and teaching my kids how to protect themselves from theft. Sales of firearms were already
sky-high in 2011, thanks to Obama's clever attacks on the Second Amendment (Operation Fast & Furious, pulled off by Eric Holder).
5) As major bank failures will continue to rock the world, I've switched my money to a stable, locally owned bank and diversified what's left of our
savings. Expect bank run fears that cause the government to order bank holidays until the panic eases.
6) I'm not participating in the Global Revolution. I am going to fly less to avoid radiation from body scanners. I am going to focus on healthy,
organic food and stay away from companies that I despise like Monsanto and Bank of America. I'm going to try to stay healthy to avoid having to fund
the Big Pharma companies. I've already refused cholesterol drugs and am using my own natural program to lower my levels. I'm refusing flu shots, too
and learning to be a perpetual hand washer and health nut.
7) Thinking positively. Yes, there is a lot of unrest and some big things slated to come down the path, but I can control my reaction to what is
happening. I want to think positively about the world's future. I vow to enjoy my life despite the odds and despite the hardships that are upon us.
I can pray, I can help bring awareness---I can be a positive force in the world......
What are YOU doing this year to make your lives better in this sea of turmoil?
What can you add to mine?
edit on 5-1-2012 by MRuss because: (no reason given)