gratitude - in a time of crises

For a few months, I have been volunteering to distribute food at Stop Wasting Locally and seen how the energy crisis hits widely. We now live in a time of crisis with sky-high energy prices, which are felt when we buy ordinary groceries, food and other necessities. Some are feeling the crisis more than others. Here in the municipality where I live, the local supermarkets donate fruit, vegetables and some refrigerated goods to stop food waste.

Every day be grateful

The local authority sends increased citizens who are in need to Stop Wasting Locally every week. We Danes are not used to asking for help for daily necessities, we have a "good" welfare system, but also the world's highest tax burden. Most citizens show gratitude for what food they can get, especially the older women and singles of all ages. Unfortunately, there are also some newcomers from other cultures who take all the food they can get if the distributors do not see it, without considering the others in line, so there is enough food for everyone, which the volunteers strive to ensure that everyone gets food to take home.

Christmas is fast approaching and there are many who cannot get Christmas help for food and other things, due to the energy crisis. The Red Cross provides food and money to families with children in cooperation with the local authority, but what about the people who are single faced with all the costs of electricity and heating, they find it difficult to get help and support.

Danes are exceptionally good at donating money when there is joint fundraising, both through TV and radio, mostly it is fundraising for foreign aid or research for diseases. But what about fundraising for Danish dignified needy citizens? Private individuals and companies that can donate especially in this time of crisis where citizens can turn to.

Crises are something we can all be affected by through life both personal crises and globally, as is the case right now.

It has puzzled me since I came back to Denmark how difficult it can be to receive a little help and support in a personal crisis if you are single and not with young children. Due to the so-called Danish Welfare System, it is not so common to find support from the local community if you do not have family who can help.

Yes, I have been there in my personal crisis after my divorce and when I came to Denmark. It is limited what the municipality can help with, due to the many laws and regulations, and you do not fit into a legal box. – I am a trained social worker, so I know the social law. Many citizens expect the municipality and the state to support with a financial boost, due to the high Danish taxes, when the crisis hits.

On my website www.meretheshenon.com I mention that I have lived in California for more than 20 years. My personal crisis began during a lengthy divorce process, which hit me on finances, emotions and physically.

In 1998, I found myself in a deep crisis with no family around and friends had disappeared except for one girlfriend, but she did not live near me. One weekend when the kids were with me, I did not know what to do without food and several days for a paycheck from my part-time job.

What happened has taught me to be grateful for what i have every day, and to see the little miracles that life also provides.

Love yourself, Love your life

The following is a small selection from My Story in my book Love Yourself, Love Your Life. The book will be published in an expanded version as an e-book on my website in 2023.

After my divorce in 1998 there was not much money for either food or anything else, so it was difficult to buy as many vegetables as I used to eat. One weekend when the kids were with me, I simply had no food in the house (there were three things but not enough for a meal) and I did not know what to give the kids for dinner and for the whole weekend. I had no family or friends nearby that I could ask for help. However, I had started attending meetings of a support group for women who were facing a difficult and protracted divorce. My son sat in bed reading, and my daughter played with her Barbie dolls in the bathtub. In my frustration and concern, I called the leader of the support group. I was nervous and not used to asking strangers for help. She was welcoming and friendly. She told me that her garage was full of food and that I could come right away and pick up what I needed. I got the kids dressed and, in the car, and told them we were going to get food for dinner. Sure enough, the garage was stocked with food items on shelves and in the freezer. The children were allowed to choose whatever they wanted for breakfast and other things. They were thrilled to be able to choose whatever they thought was good for them. I picked some frozen food and some vegetables that it was sparse with and some drinks. The manager said she got donated food from different supermarkets every week. I had noticed that there was always milk, bread and other fresh food that we could take as needed at every meeting.

L.O.V.E. Coaching

My new online coaching program starts in 2023. Everything I teach/coach is from my own experience and learning from my mentors over the years and educations that I have gone through along the way.

Further info on www.meretheshenon.com/coaching

In Gratitude and Happiness

Merethe Shenon