“It’s always dark under the candle” – Estonian proverb

Everywhere you go, there’s talk of recession – a world-wide economic downturn, prompted by the increased prices, higher rates of unemployment, and general melancholy in masses. A quick Google search on how to survive a recession revealed an endless list of money-saving tips. But somehow, these emotional pick-me-uppers only made me more depressed. Don’t eat out. Recycle old clothes. Buy only the bare necessities. After reading the 168 tips on frugal living – including a suggestion to flush the toilet every other time to save water – my brain was ready to go into a happy coma.

What are we doing to ourselves? Are we really willing to let go of our humanity to save a penny?

I am not against sensible living. I use compact fluorescent light bulbs and flip the switch to the OFF position every time I leave the room. I keep the thermostat at 60F at night (a thick comforter and two Persians keep me warm and toasty) to keep my gas bill down. I frequently go to Salvation Army – to donate and look through the racks, because there’s always something in like-new or brand-new condition to be found. I get it: we all want to be thrifty and economize – but it doesn’t mean to should deny ourselves the last pleasures in life and water plants with pasta water! (Yet another ‘practical’ suggestion from the list.)

During 9/11, I was working as a production assistant on a theater play. When the planes hit the buildings, I was certain the production was off. Who would want to see our silly Vaudeville play when all hell was breaking loose? I was surprised to receive a call from my boss Janice, who insisted the rehearsal was still on. We had to take 7 different trains to get to the theater, but we made it. We can’t stop living our lives just because something like this happens, Janice told me – I still remember her exact words. Premiering just a few weeks after the World Trade Center disaster, our play was a hit. It was almost like people needed some cheering up…

The best and most effective way to fight recession is to ignore it. Doing otherwise will only worsen and prolong it. We mustn’t cancel our plans and should continue doing what we do: eat out, meet up with friends for drinks, go to the theater, vacation, have fun. Of course, few can afford to make absolutely no adjustments when money is tight – and those who can often feel guilty for spending lavishly. But stuffing your money under the mattress isn’t going to help anyone. Spend however you want, if you can afford it! Supporting businesses now is more important than ever – and by buying that sandwich at a deli you may have just saved someone’s job.

World economy is cyclical; this is not our first recession and most definitely not our last. The good news that even during the rockiest of times, there have always been people who managed not to merely survive, but to flourish. You can be that person. I started a makeup business smack in the middle of a recession, when all retailers were hurting, and it took off. Makeup is considered a luxury item, but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than a $250 dress, and brings as much happiness and satisfaction!

Don’t let all this negative talk tarnish your optimism. Future is open to interpretation. You can be everything you want to be.

Deerlings: what are your views on recession?