Enough is enough!

By: Deb Kirby

Synergy magazine, January/February 2009

The new year has barely begun and I’ve already made my Christmas wish list for 2009. I don’t know about you, but I felt a bit Scrooge-like last month. I was not really excited about buying gifts and even less enthusiastic about receiving any. What I did look forward to was spending time with family and friends during the holidays.  

When one friend suggested we either cease with gift giving at our annual holiday breakfast or give each other books, I was equally delighted with either choice. The annual breakfast used to be three couples and, over time, three kids. The years have taken a toll on the group, though. My friend’s wife died eight years ago from cancer and my husband died almost three years ago. As single parents, my friend and I wanted to focus on gathering together rather than trying to guess what semi-inexpensive things we could possibly give each other that would be coveted for years to come. We decided to exchange books and, I have to say, it was probably the best time I ever had selecting gifts for this group. I spent quality time thinking about each adult and the kids to find just the right book for each. I probably spent a bit more than I would have, but I had more fun and felt better about my purchases. 

The Scrooge in me emerged as the culmination of last year’s bad news reached fever proportions. As 2008 drew to a close, it seemed the entire country was forced to swallow a big dose of reality. Gas prices had skyrocketed over the summer with no end in sight. Financial institutions started spiraling out of control as the housing market followed right behind. Then, companies finally succumbed to the weight of greedy executives while millions of people lost their jobs, further fueling the rise in bankruptcies. Not a wonderful year by most people’s standards, except maybe for gas prices coming down. 

As I watched corporate and personal excess on one hand and the desperate situations people faced on the other hand, I was struck by whether, as a nation, we would finally and loudly declare, “Enough is enough.”  

“Enough is enough” is an equal opportunity battle cry. Collectively, haven’t we had enough government bailouts to mask the egregious behaviors and greed of corporate types? Haven’t we lost enough of our paychecks to wildly rising costs? Haven’t we lost enough of our savings? And, when do we get to say enough for those who struggle daily and, in spite of having one, two or three jobs, still cannot qualify or afford health insurance? 

Many more tough days lay ahead for all us, but together we can join our voices and declare, “Enough.” What is it that makes you want to shout out, “Enough is enough?” All of us at Synergy would like to know so we can help our readers find positive ways to tackle these issues throughout the year. 

All that said, you may be wondering how I could already have a 2009 Christmas wish list. Well, instead of stress, I wish for simplicity. Instead of anxiety, I wish for inner joy. Instead of overwhelming feelings, I wish for peace of mind and as much peace in the world as possible. Most of all, I wish common sense would reign supreme in this country to create resolution on issues that impact all of us. It’s not a long list, but it’s a start. 

Wishing you a simply wonderful new year filled with joy, peace and common sense, 

Deborah A. Kirby, Editor

Synergy magazine