Poor as church mice and still we survived

**homesteadmamma** · 09-26-2002, 02:21 PM

I decided to do my m/bedroom different. We don't have the cash right now for wallpaper and I have plenty of paint left over, so I'm painting it all instead. While I was painting I was thinking of some of the things I learnt over the years in surviving while poor.

I thought I would share some of them with you to may be help someone in need. It was fun to look back and see where we had come from. So here are some of the things I've learnt.

- Attitude - there is always someone worse off than you are. Attitude makes all the difference in the world if your struggling financially or dirt poor. Keep a positive attitude no matter what.

- Never give up - In keeping a positive attitude, never give up. There is a rainbow at the end and it does get better. I'm proof of that. When we were first married, we often didn't know where our next meal was coming from, but in not giving up, we never once went without a meal nor did our kids. Dh often went hunting and fishing to supply our meals and when he would come home, I would always say to him, never give up. There is always tomorrow to catch that fish or get that deer.

- making do - make do with what you have. If you only have 2 potatoes left, you can use it to make wonderful soup. Add a carrot or two, an onion and a few spices and viola. You have a meal. Do you need those extra pair of jeans or shoes, etc. For a couple of years I had only 1 pr. of jeans. I washed them every other night and let them dry while sleeping. Do you need a bigger house when a smaller one will do. The kids leave home far quicker than you realize and then your left with a huge house and the upkeep. Make do with what you have.

- laughter - it will get you far if your poor!!

- never say no to others wanting to help or give you something. Even too large clothes may fit you or your child next year. You never know what next year will hold. I learnt never to say no but to always say thank you, I appreciate this so much. If I couldn't use it, someone always could. If I got boots that were a little too big, we used them - just wore more socks.

- always purchased used when at all possible. No one needs new clothes when you can get almost like new at yard/garage sales or goodwill stores.

These are only a few that came to mind as I once again made do with what I have on hand - lots of pain, and no wallpaper. Its okay because at a later date, when we have extra cash and I find wallpaper on sale, then I might get it. Then again, I just might not!!

**Dixie** · 09-26-2002, 03:25 PM

Great advice! Thanks for sharing.

**~Sherry~** · 09-26-2002, 03:27 PM

Oh Cj... you don't know how much I needed this post today. Its been a rough day so far and you made me feel better when I read this.

**justjenn** · 09-27-2002, 06:49 AM

Thanks so much cj! I really needed this post, too!

**heaven** · 09-27-2002, 09:44 AM

same here. i really need to be reminded some times.

**Minnie401** · 09-27-2002, 09:52 AM

homesteadmamma,you have such a great way with words. I know when I need reminding all I have to do is talk to my 82 year old mom who,being born in 1920 went through the depression as well as WWII. When I listen to how her family of 9 "made do" with what they had(and she doesn't preach~just tells it like it was),I always come away feeling better and finding ways to do without. Sometimes I just get caught up in thinking I have to have this or that now,and then I have to let common sense take over!!
Thanks again!

Laurie
wife to Phil
mom to Jennie 14,Keivn 12, and Brian 10

**PrairieRose** · 09-27-2002, 10:50 AM

Great words of wisdom that most of us can use, good times or bad. Thanks CJ.

**Katybird** · 06-26-2003, 11:03 PM

I could not agree more with everything you said. I think there is so much wisdom in your post. Thank you for posting it.

**LynnieB** · 06-27-2003, 12:45 AM

I needed to see this myself today.. since were struggling financially right now. Thanks Cj

**Karla** · 06-27-2003, 02:42 AM

What inspiring words...thank you for bumping this up.

**QuilterMom** · 11-12-2004, 09:31 AM

Great advice!

**mrscornbread** · 11-12-2004, 09:56 AM

Thanks for bumping this up Kim! It is one of those gentle reminders that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

**Ellise** · 11-12-2004, 11:41 AM

Thank you CJ for your word of wisdom, gentle reminders such as these make me sit back and realize where I am and where I can go.

Thank you Kim for bumping. I think sometimes we lose sight of what we truely have.

**Tootsiebella** · 11-12-2004, 12:28 PM

Once again CJ, thank you for your timeless wisdom. I myself, know what it is like to struggle financially, and I never become complacent about the fact that I might return to find that I have a lot of month left, and no money to get by on. Your words remind me of what is really important, and bring grace to the simplicity of making do on very little, but being content whilst doing so.