Me: What if we didn’t have to pay bills?
Friend: blank stare
Me: No, seriously, what if we didn’t have to pay bills?
Friend: Very funny Well, that’s never going to happen.
Me: But what if?
It’s not like I’ve come up with a novel idea. Lots of people have thought it, I’m sure. Lots of people have said it aloud, I’m sure. But, somehow, in our crazy, busy, worker bee lives, it either stops people cold, or they look at me with that “let’s humor her” look and say “yeah.”
But what if? What would you do if you didn’t have to pay bills? Well, I’ll tell you one thing, I wouldn’t pay bills.
Oh – I should set this up for you that I’m making this a scenario where no one has to pay bills, not just me.
Fun Stuff – vacations, working with less stress, a new car, more time with family, trying out restaurants from every culture/country imaginable (that one is pretty doable if you live near NYC or other big cities, I imagine). More time to read and blog.
Strange. This concept is so unusual that I’m having trouble coming up with lots of ideas.
Philanthropy – Defined by Miriam-Webster as “: the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for other people, goodwill to fellow members of the human race: especially: active effort to promote human welfare.” I included the definition because while we all have an idea of philanthropy, I think (but maybe I’m wrong…don’t tell my husband I just said “but maybe I’m wrong”) that many people just associate it with giving money.
If everyone on this planet had food, medicine and decent housing, there would be the possiblity to increase education, reduce conflicts, crime, mortality rates, increase the quality of life, etc. I would like to be a part of that. Not just money to a cause, which is fabulous by itself, but to actively promote human welfare one person at a time. Can you imagine if we all helped others in our countries and abroad to cultivate food, to build better sewage systems, have homes that stand up to the weather or show someone that they are not alone?
This is a lofty and perhaps over idealistic view. But, possible, I think. One person at a time.
Even if we still have to pay bills.
saneteachers 
We can only dream
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Yes, but hopefully try a little bit, too.
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I think that place is called Heaven. I do think it would be possible in time. I will continue to try to lead the world in that direction, one good deed at a time.
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Me too. With all my faults and stumbling, I think I can make a small difference, as can we all.
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We always think as one person we can’t do much. But if every person does something small, the result will be huge.
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I agree. But each person can certainly make some difference. “Pay it forward.”
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Absolutely.
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😃
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Bring back bartering. Hubby and I used to barter apples, runner beans and/or onions for a cream tea, carrots, leeks, rhubarb etc. When self employed, if doing a favour for a friend, he’d charge for parts (he had to pay for those) but his payment would be CAKE!
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Bartering is great, but I was thinking along the ones of teaching others or donating time and skills.
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That works too. We may not be rich in funds, but we are generous with our time and help others where we can. 🙂
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Don’t get me wrong, I should be doing much more. But I think anything helps.
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But let me state it with more conviction that bartering is awesome! I just reread my comment and I didn’t mean it to come out so bland.
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We have to have money in order to pay our property taxes. The government doesn’t accept barter. I wonder if this isn’t where the ultimate demand for money lies, and if it wasn’t for this we’d become self-sufficient on our own land.
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Of course, I never thought about any of that. I was trying to make the point that while it would be lovely not to have to pay bills, we still should do our best philanthropically.
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I’m staying in Greece at the moment . Lovely country. Lovely people. Lovely culture. Bills ? Don’t ask.
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I won’t but I do know about their economy!
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Citizen income maybe? I don’t think it’s completely preposterous
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We call that Social Security here. There might be some differences, but I think it’s similar.
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What a nice thought. And, it would benefit the giver as much as the reciever.
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Absolutely. That was one of the definitions of philanthropy. That it’s a 2 way street.
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That would really have been awesome, Barb! What IF! Tell us your secret once you crack it. We’ve just paid up the kids school fees for the next semester and I want to cry for the extortion of fees from parents here! So.not.happy.
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I think I will not ever crack it, lol. And I’m sorry about the high cost of fees!
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Maybe you can try having that little prayer in your thoughts..I remember you said in one of your posts that your prayers are heard and answered . When it comes to bills why not! LOL.
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Geesh! I don’t want my desire to not have bills end up with me being unemployed lol. But I do pray to be a better citizen of the world.
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I do love your lofty and idealistic view though. Who knows! 😀
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Excellent question! Who does know?
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LOL. *twidling my thumb, waiting* 😀
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Haha
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Yes, when more than 50% of my salary goes to rent and the rest is eaten up by necessities, groceries, medical expenses, and utilities- it doesn’t leave much for anything else. It makes people stressed out, causes illness, takes away from time to be creative, takes away from time with family, etc. But life with basic needs met would lead to more people walking away from corporate jobs and manufacturing jobs they hate- which would leave those money making corporations not very happy. So the gears keep turning.
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You are right, of course. This won’t happen. But it was a good opportunity for me to think about how I could reduce some stress and be a better citizen of the world.
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Idealistic, indeed. The problem is human nature. There has been some success in the smaller context of covenant communities, though.
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Are you referring to tithing, or bartering or just being kind? Just think if we were all just kind to each other….
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We’re so used to work being a drain we tend not to think of this, but if we didn’t have to pay bills we could also do work we love–writing, woodwork, taking care of children, whatever it is for us.
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Which translates into we should be getting paid for all the stuff we do love doing! I really love my job (most days), which really helps.
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And don’t we both wish that wasn’t so rare?
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It’s good to dream. Maybe one day someone will dream a way of making that one come true so that philanthropy can be given the place in society that it deserve. Meanwhile, maybe a form of tithing could be suggested to various governments (though I’d favour the 10% being given to government and the 90% to charities!)
There are other ways of making a difference also – as it’s not just the most obvious hunger and disasters, etc, that should focus our attention (in my opinion, obviously). We’re all an equal part of this world and many ordinary people who look fine on the outside need kindness – that kindness can be as rewarding as money.
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