In 2022 I will do a much better job at supporting local businesses because the economic wealth gap in this country is terrifying to me. Call me naive but, I still wanna believe in the American Dream. I still want to believe that ownership and upward mobility can be possible for anyone with innovative ideas, vision and determination. But over the decades I’ve watched NYC, one of the most spectacular cities in the world, systematically devolve into Every City, USA. Once characterized by distinct boroughs with unique neighborhoods, New York has become overrun by big box stores, chain restaurants, banks, and CVS pharmacies. It’s losing its charm and character as small businesses and mom & pop shops can’t withstand NY’s exorbitant rents. Nor can they compete with the one-stop-shopping of, say, Target or the ease of doorstep delivery from Amazon Prime; especially during a freaking pandemic. And that’s where I’ve been guilty! I mean, anything I want can be delivered to my doorstep in 1-2 days? Sold!
When I leave my apartment, though, and see vacancies where thriving businesses and the pulse of my neighborhood used to exist, my heart breaks. I think about the friendly and familiar faces that used to greet me at my local stores and wonder where they are, how they’re doing and how they’re surviving. I feel like I had a small part in contributing to their demise. And as a small business owner myself, I know what it’s like to pour all of your resources and every drop of energy into something you’ve built from scratch. I’m one of the lucky ones. So I feel moved to pay it forward and give back to my local economy.
While I do shop locally for most things, I know I’ve gotta make a concerted effort to get all of my Amazon “needs” locally because I know it’s possible. It merely requires leaving the comfort of my apartment. And I think I can survive, even the NY Winter, in the name of empowering my local economy.
31 Days of Soaked In Thought (S.I.T.)
S.I.T is an invitation to SIT with yourself – for a few minutes per day – to think your thoughts, feel your feels & express your emotions with a JOURNALING RITUAL. For the entire month of Jan, I’ll be posting daily journaling prompts as a source of inspiration. Ring in the New Year by getting #soakedinthought
