Are you a sharer?
As cliched as it sounds, growing up, my mom often sent me off to our neighbor's house to borrow an egg, a cup of sugar, a stick of butter. That same neighbor sent her son to our house to occasionally ask for the same sorts of things. It was a nice arrangement. The boys next door also borrowed our surf boards, air pumps, and, when they got a bit older, some of my dad's tools. With the economy the way it is, sharing seems like an obvious way to save a few bucks and save resources. I'm actually reading a book on the topic right now (review to come) ...
So I've been trying to share more these days. It just makes sense. And I've also been looking for opportunities to borrow instead of buy. Are you doing the same thing?
It takes a shift in the way we thing about things. Just the other day, my brother called to tell me that he and his wife were buying new backpacks for a trip they're taking to Australia this year. I listened, we chatted about his plans, and I hung up. It took me a few hours to remember that my partner and I have two barely-used backpacks that would work perfectly for them. I called him back and offered to loan him our packs.
Are you finding more opportunities to share? Does it come naturally or are you making some extra effort?
(Image: Flickr member w lodi licensed for use under Creative Commons)
I like that. It sounds like a wonderful way to bring people/community together. For me being extremely shy, it'll take some effort. Looking forward to your review.
view Lizzykewl's profile
I have been encouraging my boyfriend to borrow and use other people's things rather than buying our own. This month it included expensive specialty tools used at the bike co-op or an extension ladder borrowed from the neighbor for annual gutter cleaning.
Another neighbor shares baked goods with us. We all watch each other's pets and homes when one of us goes out of town. I am happy when someone asks me to lend a hand or a little advice in their garden.
Sharing works great on my street.
view HillE's profile
in my family sharing anything always results in us getting back our things in not such great shape.
Once we lent out our entire luggage set to my aunt and uncle and when we got them back the leather was torn and the zippers were broken. Also, once lending a camera to my cousin who just had a newborn resulted in the camera being "stolen" and we never got a cent from her or apology.
I would like to believe in sharing but my family members are too irresponsible. But when it comes to sharing food and stories I'm for that :)
view witchbaby's profile