Blood Sucking Gummy Bears....

We have a really hard time getting our 9 year old to eat good wholesome food. 

He would live on candy and sweets if we let him.  It's most concerning because he is so skinny that I suspect if he were to get a serious illness he doesn't have enough meat on his bones to battle an infection or a virus with much vigor. 

This got me thinking about Blood Thirsty Gummy Bears....

Blood Thirsty Gummy Bear by PayLessFirst
See more Gummy bear T-Shirts

Certain things that we consume can make us more robust and strong, while other things will hurt us and make us weak.  Sometimes it's external forces, some clearly detrimental, others may be seemingly benign (or even beneficial) that can ultimately make us sick.  

The economy is very similar to an immune system in that regard.

A national chain store can move into a region and people might get excited about the "great prices" and perceived net new jobs it will bring to town.  Some might even get a little puffed up and proud of the fact that their town was deemed worthy of a Walmart (we're on the map now!)

I submit that in much the same way my son (in his ignorance) consumed by his appetite, would eat candy before every meal, the average American doesn't realize how his attitudes, reactions and ignorance can and does make the economy sick.

If I tell my little guy that he MUST eat a salad or a nice healthy sandwich on whole grain bread,  before he can have a few gummy bears, few would argue that I am making an investment in his health and well being.

So how can I invest in an economy that feeds and fosters my ability to provide for the material needs of my family?  

I used to think that any time I spent money I was accomplishing this goal.  Today I look for a bigger "bang for my buck" - a "happy meal" might have more nutritional value than a handful of gummy bears, but it certainly doesn't rival Mom's casserole or a healthy slice of Pizza!  Why settle for less?

Spending my hard earned money at a national chain store, is kind of like a trip to McDonald's. The wear and tear on the public roads, congestion and chaos, lack of personal service, and the fact that most of the money I spend will leave town before I leave the parking lot are things I used to think I had little control over.  These negative results of shopping the big box stores are like the excess fat & calories that a body has to contend with along with any modest nutritional value that comes from fast food.

Today I try and evaluate the whole picture.  How much "convenience" and "savings" really worth in comparison to a healthy, robust local economy.  A town that is fun to live in with a collection of unique and eclectic retailers that bring more variety and better quality products with them.  Retailers that sponsor inexpensive to free activities for my family to enjoy on the weekends? (Like the Keene Dog Park I mentioned in my last blog, or the Pumpkin Fest, or the Open Mic at Fritz's?)

So the next time your tempted for the convenience and perceived savings a big box store offers, remember the blood thirsty gummy bear........

Then walk down to visit your local independent retailer instead.   It is an investment in an economy that will sustain your family today and the one you will pass on to your kids tomorrow.

© 2011 PayLessFirst