I belong to a Facebook Group here called “Buy Nothing Bellingham.” Normally the posts are not shareable but I got permission to share this one because it really goes to the heart of a giving and sharing society….the new economy, and Nova Earth.️
by email
Remember when you joined, we sent you a message that said our mission is a little subversive? I want to delve into that tonight because it truly has changed me. And the parts that aren’t changed, I try to hold in check. I feel the resistance – I feel the old way of thinking pressing forward. This subversive change is challenging . . .
What is so subversive about who we are? Ultimately, we live in a world where people are always actively try to convince us that we “need” more. TV advertising, flyers, newspapers, bill boards, cars . . . we’re always being told you need this. You need that. Come buy me. You can’t live without me. We are bombarded with messages of everything that we “need”. If we can afford all these “things”, we’re considered a HAVE. We can buy ALL the things we “NEED”. If you cannot afford all these “things”, we’re considered a HAVE NOT.
That’s what our market economy wants us to believe. It pins us into these groups – dividing us. Making us believe that we have no worth if we belong to the have nots. Making us believe we have a sense of power and control if we belong to the haves.
Here at Buy Nothing, we have no such groupings. We strive for no haves and no have nots. In fact, we are all considered equals. Does the world out there consider you a have not? Consider what your worth is. You have so much to give. We welcome gifts of self. We love to help fulfill any “needs” you may have in the true “buy nothing” way. In fact, we encourage you to not express your need.
You don’t have to identify yourself as a have not in this group. Do you need some groceries? Ask if someone has some food in their fridge they aren’t going to get to this week. Do you need shoes for your kids? Let the group know your kiddo has outgrown their shoes and that you’re looking for the next size up. Did your washer just break? No need to let everyone know you’re “broke”. Just ask. “Hey Guys, looking for a washer after mine crashed this weekend. I have a baby so you know how much laundry I have. ;)”
Are you what market economy considers to be a have? Often haves feel guilty requesting items. Sometimes people even message those they consider to be a have and say, “I’m not gifting to you because I’ve seen your house and you don’t need it.” (Yes, this has happened in our local groups, right here). That can hurt. I encourage you to ask away here. Express your interest. There is nothing wrong with being able to gift much and receive much.
Ultimately, I would challenge you all to check your judgment at the door. The person that shows up in the expensive Audi just lost their job and is driving a vehicle they own and have no payments on. The gorgeous house you pull up to in “that” neighborhood? Someone’s partner left his or her spouse and now he or she is trying to figure out how they are going to make that mortgage payment. That well-dressed woman that showed up at your door in expensive clothes? She’s off on stress leave and no longer getting paid, but wearing the clothing she purchased when she was in a good spot in her life.
I judge. Of course, we all judge. It’s quick. Easy. To pass judgment. But challenge yourself. I challenge you to stop thinking – I’m a HAVE, you’re a HAVE NOT; I’m a HAVE NOT, you’re a HAVE. I try to check myself. Check my judgment at the door. Yes, sometimes things don’t add up, but group karma will always kick in when those gut feelings of “something isn’t right here” kick in. If we believe the good first, if we trust our neighbors, if we love our neighbors, if we include our neighbors . . . the return is indescribable.
Let’s work together to take apart our divisions and actively try to include everyone. Treat all as equal. See the worth in every person. Because we all have that special something and this group gives you the opportunity to share that gift with all of us. The gift of being neighborly.