How you are coping with the increase in the prices of gasoline and other basic commodities?

I came from a middle class family.  We are not poor, we have enough to survive

and meet our day to day needs.  It is good though that my family has stable jobs or

business where we can help each other or when someone in the family is in need. 

Although we have resources to provide for our physical needs like food, shelter,

transportation or sometimes leisure, we cannot ignore the fact that we are affected by

the increase in prices of gasoline and other basic commodities.  All families, rich or

poor,  even businesses or big companies are affected by this current situation.

Rise in cost of electricity caused us to cut down our utilization of appliances like minimal

use of air con, TV, light, etc.  We recycle the water and reuse it for cleaning the

bathroom, sink, etc.  Aside from this, we also lessen our household help.  We used to

have two before, but we only have one now.  We are trying to be practical by

purchasing cheaper brands like in medicine since many generic pharmacies has now

evolved.  The food that we eat is becoming simpler where lesser ingredients are being

put into the food.  I am also thinking to use wood or coal for cooking but may be our

worst case scenario.  We limit our grocery expenses by buying only the things that we

need.  We don’t indulge in food anymore like eating in fine dining restaurants or eating

expensive foods.   Reduction in our transportation also cause us to go out less which

means we don’t go to far places nowadays so we can avoid extra expenses in

gasoline or as much as possible, we only go to nearby places if we are to do leisure

activity.  Family bonding consists of watching movies in DVD unlike before that we

make it a point to go to the movie house once every two months at the least.  Frequent

purchase of clothes has been avoided or as much as possible we buy something of less

value.  This is a normal family situation.  Really, everyone has to tighten their belt

because financial crisis is experienced by most families or individual.

 I cannot say that life became difficult for us.  It is not hard to cope with the simplicity of

life but rather a humbling experience I can look back when I get old.  During this time

that one can prove if his or her family can stand the test of time.  It is in this situation

that we are bonded and becomes closer.  This is true for some families.  While others

look at it negatively, we as family becomes more intact and we inspire each other.  In

my childhood years, my father used to work in a bank as a courier and my mother is a

housewife.  We don’t have enough before.  As a matter of fact, the only time that we

have new clothes is every Christmas or if there is a relative who is kind enough to give

us presents.  My parents ensure that they provided us with education.   With lots of

prayers and hard work, we were able to finish our studies. Life became favorable to us

since then.  One cannot explain the complexity and simplicity of life.  In any situation

where one is into, there is a purpose.  Purpose that it may either benefit you or

someone close to you. 

    

Happiness does not depend on the material things we have.  Contentment in life cannot

be found on what we can afford.  Real joy comes from one’s disposition in life.  Positive

outlook in life is a way to overcome trials.  It is hard being happy when you are faced

with problems but one must not look at it as a hardship or a punishment given by God. 

It is a challenge where we can learn an important lesson and teaches us to be a mature

person.  Faith is what we need to cope up with the rising prices of commodities.  Belief

that later in life, things will get better and our way of living will improve.  So how can one

have a better life if prices of our basic needs are continuously going up?  God,

he is the solution.  We have a God we can turn to when things gets tough.  Faith mixed

with hardwork and prayer are good combinations to achieve success in life.  Our

existence has a good reason.  Life does not meant to be tough for someone.  It just

gives a learning experience that we probably can share to others because life is about

sharing.