A decade or so ago, I spent three long hours, one night per week for a university term, immersed in financial accounting principles.
But Lori, I didn’t know you had an accounting background you say.
I don’t, though I am pretty frugal and can stretch those pennies a long way.
A financial accounting course is a requirement to become a real estate appraiser.
During that time, I learned the Golden Rules of Accounting:
- Debit all expenses and losses; credit all incomes and gains.
- Debit the receiver; credit the giver.
- Debit what comes in; credit what goes out.
I confess, financial accounting did not light a fire in me. But I can give accounting theory a real world perspective.
Interacting with humans can feel a lot like a debit or credit.
I was chatting with someone recently about this blog (several people actually), and it’s clear they didn’t see its value.
That hit hard.
Perhaps the comments were well-meaning but what I heard was:
- It’s easier to avoid difficult conversations.
- There’s no value in doing “the work” on yourself.
- There’s little to no interest in making the world a brighter place.
Did you know that 12 people will end their life by suicide in Canada today? For each of those deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 10 people are intimately impacted. That’s 120 people grieving today. An additional 120 people will also be affected.
Suicide is a critical public health issue in Canada.
Did you know it is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults (15-34 years old)? Males are 3 times more likely to die by suicide than females but females are 3 times more likely to make an attempt. Did you know women are hospitalized 1.5 times more often than males? Why? Because women use less lethal means that aren’t always successful. Research and Statistics – Canadian Association For Suicide Prevention
Am I the only one who feels like life is transactional?
Do you know what I mean by that?
I’ve approached a LOT of people for help lately – both with this blog and a community project last fall. If you ask me, there’s way too much “What’s in it for me?” and not nearly enough “How can I help?” with few or no questions asked.
How did we get here? It wasn’t always this way, or was it?
Without an Excel spreadsheet presentation including a pie chart and statistical data, an hour-long in person meeting, a ten-year plan plus a sell job on the personal benefits, and sometimes more ego massaging, not many people are interested in getting involved these days.
Since we don’t place much weight on giving back – what do we value?
If 100 people were surveyed like on the game show Family Feud, what responses would I get? (Note: Canadian show host Gerry Dee was busy, so you’re stuck with me).
And the survey says the things we value are:
#1 Material Possessions
In North America, we love our stuff. A newcomer I was chatting with observed “You Canadians sure like a lot of things”. I must agree.
And I’m as guilty as the next person. I spent most of my life acquiring. Don’t we all? We start with nothing, acquire a whole lot in between, and then try to dump it as we near the finish line.
Since we can’t take anything with us, I’m trying to lighten my load now.
Some of my stuff is weighing me down.
We pride ourselves on authenticity and truth here at Disentanglement.ca. To be clear, my Family Feud survey is imaginary and I haven’t actually questioned anyone. I’ve been role-playing as host and contestant and I’m relying on personal data for the answers.
What else do I value? The Things that Money Can’t Buy.
My survey says:
#2 Life
As I get older, I realize every day is a gift. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and I need to make the most of each day I live and breathe.
#3 Good health
Health and wellness is something to be treasured. We aren’t all blessed with good health.
#4 Relationships
The genuine, heart of gold folks who respect me, love me for who I am and want to spend time with me. I can’t put a price on that.
#5 Time
My time on earth is precious and it’s important to prioritize how I spend it. It’s time to make this life count. I want to make a difference and this blog is the path.
#6 Security
Having a safe place to sleep, a roof over my head and food in the fridge is a basic right not everyone has.
#7 Inner Peace
The world may appear to be falling apart but I can’t put a price on the internal calm that comes from dealing with my stuff. (Not just the material kind)
#8 Gratitude
I take time to be grateful every day by journaling. Being thankful for what I already have improves my mood, reduces stress, improves sleep and heart health, and fosters resilience. (I am especially grateful for each contributor and follower.)
The universe works in mysterious ways. Like many times, this song selected itself.
I’m still searching for a money columnist for basic, practical advice. Is there any topic that causes more stress than money? I’ve exhausted my contacts so I’m putting this out to all of you. Someone must know someone who’s willing to volunteer a few hours a month for a column or two.
On a broader scale – if anyone has some time to spare, I have a few projects that could use your help. The blog is growing which is wonderful but it’s becoming more than a one person job.
Becoming a FREE member in community is a HUGE show of support. Like, follow or share a post on Facebook, Instagram and Threads to help grow this community. And tell a friend! Most topics are relatable to anyone, anywhere.
Donations, big or small, help to sustain this work. This isn’t a typical blog and readers may not realize there are many hidden costs to keep a community like this operating .
Drop me a line with ideas, suggestions and positive feedback.
