The solutions to many issues are at hand

EDITOR: More and more we are misguided to look to others for solutions we can find for ourselves. The tasks of feeding, clothing, and housing ourselves belong to us. So too are educating ourselves, and creating meaningful work. All around us are opportunities we can take advantage of to live a successful life. We are also responsible for our own health and to manage our finances. We wonder too, what we did when counsellors were not around. It appears that we have regressed in our reading and have gravitated to listening for someone else to tell us what to do. Never before has such Learned Helplessness pervaded our society. We are not discounting the important roles that professionals play, but we should not sit and do nothing while we wait on their assistance that may never come.

We know that our food bill is perhaps our biggest bill, yet we overspend, eating out often when we should be doing more of our own cooking. We can even go further by growing some of the food we eat and reduce the expenses in this way. With so much used clothing available, the need for new clothes should be reduced. Some of us can learn to repair our own clothes and extend their life. Using the local Tailor or Seamstress to make clothes better fit are also useful.

We know that we should live in housing that we can afford, but some of us occupy dwellings beyond our means and put unnecessary strain on the family budget.

I grew up in a modest house that accommodated my parents and their 12 children. As we grow older and children move out, we may need to downsize to more manageable accommodation.

Some have had their electricity bills cut mainly because an old refrigerator uses too much energy. Expert advice from the electricity company may help us to manage this essential service. Water is indispensable and we need the discipline to maintain this service within our finances. Cell phones have become essential for living and the prepaid option provides some financial control. Perhaps we need prepaid options for water and electricity also. Internet connections help and can be used in lieu of Cable. Students also need the service to aid their learning.

Prevention is better than cure should be our mantra for healthy living. We need to read widely on how we can eat healthily and manage our illnesses via diet and exercise where feasible. Minimising the use of drugs will save us from harmful side effects. In any case we need to work closely with the health professionals for healthy living.

A look around the neighbourhood may reveal opportunities for self-employment. In Union Island some have employed themselves by:

1. Harvesting salt during the dry season usually every year or every other year.
2. Producing charcoal.
3. Harvesting Sea moss.
4. Growing Sea moss.
5. Fishing.
6. Rearing animals.
7. Growing crops.
8. Making and selling wooden sculptures, or coral jewellery.
9. Vending.
10. Landscaping.
11. Producing compost from Sargassum weeds.
12. Collecting and selling animal manure.
13. Giving lessons or teaching a skill.

Good advice is scarce. Persons can read books and access the Internet to obtain information and learn new skills. They can also share what is learned with others. There may also be opportunities to earn from the Internet. With the will for improvement, many can read their way to a better life.

Anthony Stewart, PhD