Bartering...it works!

When we look back at this time in our history, a time fraught with fear, unemployment, and a long stretch of tunnel without a light glimmering in the distance, what will I remember?  I will remember a resourceful time when my friends and I bartered. Money tight? Barter. House need some work? Barter.
My friends have generously come to my aid in exchange for services rendered! I have designed and installed landscape, house sat, helped with garage sales, designed jewelry, read tarot cards...well, you get the drift. All in the name of services rendered for dear friends who have been so generous to me while I have been job hunting.

I am thinking about expanding on this notion regardless of my state of employment. Bartering makes me feel resourceful, competent and productive. And it helps people I love. Seems like a no-brainer to me. We all have our own skills and gifts.

I imagine this is how it was during the Great Depression. A day's work for a warm meal and a roof over your head for the night, a bushel of apples to thank someone for watching your children, etc.

Bartering is foreign to my generation. We are a hungry crowd of credit card warriors who live to acquire. Now, alot of us are out of work and we are finding value in ourselves for what we can DO for others-not for what we have or what we can buy them.

So, I am throwing down the gauntlet-I challenge you all to conduct a little experiment with your friends and family. Start bartering and swapping services.No cash exchanged, just services or items.  

See how it changes your relationships, builds your self-esteem and gets your needs met. Everybody wins!

Your Friend
Adrienne