Not that it's a consolation - but things are worrisome, frightening, and kinda ugly here as well. SIGH... the world goes through these kinds of times every so often, I think. Some things we hear about are real problems - sensationalized. Most people can think of some solutions that would solve it - but often those in a position to do so don't see the sense in those solutions... or are so N, that if they didn't think of it themselves - well, the idea can't have any merit. SIGH. Most of the sensationalizing is probably an acknowledgement of the fact that there are solutions - that no one's serious working on - combined with the old Nielsen ratings... number of views, in the case of websites.
MOST of the things we hear, see, read about that are considered newsworthy -- are speculations that have been sensationalized, and used precisely for their fear-factor. And it even has sort of a gaslighting effect to it -- sowing confusion about what is/isn't true. It's hard some times, to tell the difference between these two kinds of things, for me. And if there's something in my own life pushing the anxiety button anyway... I can go over the edge and freak out a bit. Those flashbacks? Yeah, I still get them too -- but when I catch myself getting emotionally hooked into them -- I give myself sort of a shake and remind myself: that's a real long time ago. I need to focus on NOW. Eventually my unconscious little girl turns it loose... lets it go.
I do make an effort to turn my worries into action, and that helps a good bit. What can I do to help myself weather a storm, if it's headed my way? Break it down into what I can do right now... what do I need to wait/save for and do later. One thing I've done, is buy a new dehydrator. Our grocery stores sell older, less than perfect fruit & veggies at a big discount. Doesn't take long to prep them for the dehydrator - turn it on and forget about it for 8-10-12 hours - then package (in a LOT less space) and store it. This food will keep quite a long time. Then, to use, simply add water to rehydrate -- or add directly to soups, stews, and sauces. I'll probably still can jams, jellies and marmalade - and I'm excited to try a recipe I've got for lemon curd! - but storing the jars and all the washing, prepping etc involved in that process for everything, puts me on my feet too long at one time.
I'm hearing that because of our drought in the "breadbasket" of the country food prices are expected to go up next year. So, I'm considering what I'm buying now and storing - to be a hedge against any price increases in the future. (I ain't THAT rich now, that I don't think about saving money!! Hubs has his coupons - and his sharp comparison shopping in high gear, too.) Even if it's not as bad as some folks are saying - I'll still have plenty put up, to put a dent in our food expenses next year. It just sort of rolls that savings over... from year to year.
What is on your "worry list"?
