Things have been a little odd over here in Essentially Jess land.
2013 is seriously making me scratch my head. I know I said I wanted to stretch myself this year, but this is taking it to a whole new level.
First there was all the drama that made me just want to pack it in, but I managed to push through.
Then there was the fact that my iPhone is basically on life support, and the fairy, for all intents and purposes, appears to have completely abandoned me. Which is of course a tragedy of the highest order.
Add to that the fact that Boatman has had one day of work in about 9 weeks, and I was faced with a moral dilemma of my own to help the financial crisis.
And we’re only 19 days into February.
(I forgot to add to that we’re down to counting sleeps to the countdown to awesome.)
It’s been tough, and frankly, I’m a little over it.
Ok highly over it. Financial stress is totally underrated.
Despite all that, and the fact that the drama of it all seems to have reached my chest and caused me to be needing my Ventolin Puffer a lot more than I would like, Boatman gave me an impassioned speech on Sunday Night about how despite all evidence to the contrary, we are, in fact, ridiculously rich.
At which point I briefly considered checking his secret cash stash (I know where he keeps it) to see if he had been perhaps selling drugs or body parts whilst I was busy blogging.
But no he hasn’t.
And yes, he was right.
We are rich.
Ridiculously so.
The proof of our prosperity is apparent in everything we do. We are still eating and paying rent despite no income, because we have savings. Granted, far less than we had, but still we had them to start with.
We have a car, and a boat. Also a trailer that we share with our neighbour (he likes to empty it for us 
), the kids have bikes and scooters, and Taylah has a ripstick. Enter into our house and you will see we have a large table, comfy couches and a reasonably sized TV. We have every season of Grey’s Anatomy on DVD. We have two iPhones, an iPad, an iPod and my shiny Mac Book.
And if anyone is thinking of burgling us from reading this, we also have a dog.
And she does bite.
Last week we sold an old car that we had been given by my dad. It was too expensive to fix, so it’s gone, and now we are down to one car. This will create a logistical problem when Tim does get a job, but we will survive. We can use public transport if need be, or he can get a pushy.
We have options, because we are rich.
We can take our kids to the doctors and get half of the exorbitant fee back.
If anyone has an emergency and needs hospitalisation, our government will cover it.
If I have a headache, I can obtain Panadol, and I can use Ventolin for my chest.
Because we are rich.
Last year, when the tickets to Digital Parents Conference came out, I bought mine with money I had earned from my blog, and planned on seeking sponsorship later on. I didn’t have high hopes, but you don’t get if you don’t ask.
Then I was faced with an opportunity. I heard that this year, Care Australia’s Walk in Her Shoes, would be the official charity of the conference, and as such, I could participate in raising funds to support the vital work that they do.
I was asked to see if I could raise $500. $500 for women who every day, have to walk miles upon miles to obtain clean drinking water for their families. Women who are not rich. Who have nothing. Young girls who miss out on an education because they have to help look after their families, and travel miles every day to get their basic necessities.
$500 to provide them with community gardens, clean drinking water, and more time in a day, so that they have greater opportunities for work and education.
$500 to make them feel rich.
They walk to get water from a dirty creek.
I turn on my tap, fill up my water bottle, and then put it in the fridge because I’m fussy and I like it cold.
Rich.
I was faced with a choice. I could seek sponsorship for myself, for the conference, even though I’m rich.
Or I could seek it for someone else, who has nothing.
I chose the latter.
And then was gifted the former.
Not just rich.
I’m Blessed.
If you’re reading this post today, It’s because you’re rich too. No matter how tough things are at your house, you have a computer and you have internet connection, and that is more than 80% of the world have.
I’m not a big fan of asking people for money, because I know, first hand, that even though we may be rich by the majority of the world’s standards, by our own societies, we can still be struggling. However, we all have the opportunity to make a difference, and I can’t help but notice that if every person who linked to IBOT today gave $5, we’d have $500 by Tuesday night.
And we wouldn’t be any poorer, but we’d be helping those who truly are.
Amen to that, Jess! Can’t wait to be doing that walk with you.
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It will be good fun with great company
We get very caught up with our own misfortunes so it’s always good to see the bigger picture. You being you, from what your blog has shown, will get over the line when you need too (and far exceed that line too!)
We have a book, not the best book in the world – by Don Wood, I think, called We’re Rich! and it’s a boy complaining about not having anything, and the girl says “when you lose a tooth, does the tooth fairy give you money?” so how much is a smile worth? How much is an arm or a hug worth etc. Perspective is a huge part of the equation.
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..The Gift
That’s a good way of looking at it, especially for little kids.
It’s easy to focus on the negative, but really we have so much, it’s good to take stock sometimes. Xxx
So true Jess. We are super rich. I have so much stuff and have never gone without a meal or other basic need. I might have to wait to buy luxury items but that doesn’t mean I’m poor. I’m happy to help support you in raising money.
Thankyou Lisa.
Yep even with Boatman now working, we haven’t gone hungry, and we’ve still had people over to dinner occasionally. We are so very blessed.
And thanks so much for your donation xxxx
Perspective is a wonderful thing, it’s easy to get bogged down in the day to day worries and lose sight of the big picture. Wish I was going to be walking with you but as I’m already away for the conference thought I should be at home with the family – especially since my mum will be here!
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Yes fair enough! For me I figured since I was flying away, I might as well just come a little earlier!
Thanks for the donations Catherine. Really appreciate it.
Thanks for writing this Jess. It is such an important reminder. I will definitely donate. Where can I do this? X
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Thanks Zanni.
There was a link but it’s not obvious, so I’ve just added a new one under the video to make it easier.
Really appreciate it xx
I’m in Jess. I just gave to my fave charity on the weekend (Australian Himalayan foundation) but when u put it like that who can argue. Hang in there though, nothing stays the same forever and life will shift for you, as you can see its doing already. by how do we give u the dosh? x
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I’ve added a more obvious link under the video, cause the first one wasn’t very noticeable.
Thanks so much. I read somewhere the other day a quote that said something a long the lines of ‘you don’t get poor by giving,’ and I honestly believe that. Call it karma or what you will, but I’m sure when we give to others, we get blessed in return for it.
Gosh when you put it like that we are incredibly rich aren’t we. It’s always something I have thought but sometimes we need a bit of a ‘slap in the face’ so to speak to just remember how blessed we are to live in such an amazing country!
Thanks for that ‘slap in the face’
Have a great day!
Zita recently posted..for week 2
Yep, that’s what it was like for me when Boatman was talking about it the other night. A huge dose of perspective!
You have hit the nail on the head with this post – we are all so much richer than we realise until we take time to reflect on what others don’t have and it puts into perspective what we do have !!!
Great work and good luck with the walk !
Me
Me recently posted..Liebster Award
Yes that’s exactly it!
Thanks so much for donating xxx
A good reminder, Jess. It definitely puts it all in perspective. Good luck with the walk x
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Thanks Tina. I have a feeling I’ll be trashed afterwards, since I’ve got one of those dreaded midnight flights into Sydney the day of the walk!
We’ve had a tough start to the year, but very fortunate to know that we only have to tough it out to the next pay cycle!
Emma recently posted..Getting on with it
It’s such a huge relief knowing the next pay is coming isn’t it? Can’t imagine what it would be like to not have that safety net.
Your awesomeness just continues to grow lovely lady. An inspiration is what you are.
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Thanks. Must because I’m nearly thirty….
We are so so rich, and sometimes we need to be reminded how fortunate we are.
That is a video everyone should watch, what a struggle they have,
Thanks Jess.
iSophie recently posted..The Great Moscow Circus
I know! Can you imagine if we had to do that? It’s just dreadful really.
I agree with all you have said Jess! We really need to put things in perspective sometimes. I know I have my down days and whinge about what I don’t have but most times I am so grateful for all I have. As you said…a roof over our heads, food on the table, electricity and water and a car….
I think it’s great you are doing the walk. Very inspirational…
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And honestly, I don’t think it’s bad to have those days when we become disheartened. We live in an affluent society, so it’s only reasonable that that will happen. And it can be hard, even though we do have income and Medicare and all those perks, to sometimes put food on the table, because things are expensive.
The flip side of that though, is then taking the time to stop and realise that we actually are truly blessed, and much better off than a lot of others,
Great post Jess. Puts it into perspective. Hope the iPhone fairy comes soon…. and can you let her (or him) know that I lost my iPhone on Friday, and has anyone handed it into their lost property department x
Housewife in Heels recently posted..Don’t be a Kochie
No worries. I’ll see what I can do.
Although she is not taking my calls at the moment….
You are a wise one, Jess! I’ll be donating tomorrow.
Hope Tim secures a job soon.
x
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Thankyou Amy.
Me too xxx
This is such a timely post – I’ve recently had a bad case of the “poor me’s” because we’ve had to make a couple of large unscheduled purchases that have set us back a bit financially. However as you pointed out I HAD the capacity to make these purchses when I needed tol, which puts me ahead of so many people in this world.
So thank you for the wake-up call – and I’ll be donating tomorrow as soon as my pay hits the bank xx
Thanks Rachel.
I hate it when those surprises come up and you have to dip into your savings, but like you said, at least you had them to begin with. Xx
Thanks for this reminder, Jess. Count me in…
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Thanks Ai xxx
[...] Linking up today with Essentially Jess‘s #IBOT [...]
Hey Jess, I can so relate to this post. We’ve had our own financial challenges of late but at least we have a roof over our head and food on the table – and we have each other.
Hope lots of IBOTers donate $5 so you reach your target! I’m off to put mine in now
Janet recently posted..The Ten J’s
I have just had two win falls and I am feeling very rich.
Do hope things improve in your neck of the woods.
Jacana recently posted..Winner
Everything is all relative to what you compare it to. To some, we could be poor, to others we are rich. But at the end of the day, if you are blessed with the essentials, then this is the only thing that matters. So many people in the world are not ox
Tahlia @ the parenting files recently posted..mate v mate : I am raising awareness for cancer
This is so true Jess. We tend to forget this to often and just ask and ask and never say Thank you for what we have. Good luck with your walk. You know you are already awesome. Thirty is just going to confirm that!
Rita recently posted..Free
I’m relating to this today, Jess. Pennies have been tight here of late but in perspective I’ve absolutely nothing to be down in the mouth about.
This cause is so very important I’m showing my support too. Who needs coffee this week anyway when others have nothing? Thank you so much for the reminder, I needed it. xxx
Shari recently posted..Molehills shouldn’t become mountains
Good on you. I hope you get to your goal. I think sometimes we all need a little reality check, great post
Krystle recently posted..Where did my baby go?
A very good reminder that we are all so much richer than we realise! I’m so glad you are able to go to the conference and all the best for the walk! xo
Min recently posted..The 10 M’s of my life
I don’t always get to read your posts Jess, but I know Good sets me up to read the ones I’m meant to. Beautifully written and a great cause xx
And by Good I actually mean God, who is also Good, but not safe!
Great work Jess – I really hope we reach your $500 goal. I’ve added my $5 and another $5 in case there’s a blogger out there who can’t manage it this week.
Have fun at DPCON – I hope I can join you all one year!
Amanda @ Cooker and a Looker recently posted..the fruits of my labour | homemade tomato paste
So much truth right there Jess. I’m happy to see you using your social media profile to spread awareness. Great stuff xx
Twitchy (@TwitchyCorner) recently posted..The Triumphant Return of the Record Player
Indeed we are rich Jess. Well done on your fundraising already! It is a great initiative of digital parents to fundraise for this great cause.
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Jess, there is always someone worse off. Thats what always puts my issues into perspective! I will gladly donate $10. Its a worthy cause . Well done for caring xxx
Thanks for letting us know about this Jess. Have a great time at the conference x
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Hey Jess! I would just personally like to THANKYOU for todays blog! I have reciently been rediagonised a second time with post natal depression, and boy it has been a bumpy ride. And for some stupied reason I am worried about money. I am over thinking everything, over annalizing everything, with then makes me all frazzled and i really do not know what i am on about but according to myself its all bad. I feel i possibly am like this as i am clucking around worried incase something goes wrong with the kids and we can’t afford something for them. However atm we have had to tighten our belts with an interstate move and things have abeen a fair bit more difficult then normal. Your post has helped me in more ways then one today. And has reassured myself also, that we are rich in life. And no amount of money anyway can buy a loving caring family, espically when there are so many people out their that are lonely and would do anything for company. And I live comfortably i have a beautiful house by the beach, so what if this week we are living on packet pasta… its really not the end of the world. So thankyou again Jess, Your post has come in great timing for myself and i hope it can also help me kick the PND with different thinking. You have really made my day today a lot brighter. And i hope that you have helped other people today as well. Pay day is Thursday we are hoping to donate the $5 =) xxoo
You know Jess, only this morning I was complaining to my husband. We have stopped eating outside and tried our best to cut the expenses but still everyone we get to minus income. Our saving is slowly drying out and we can’t barely catch up with our kids’ school fee for next year’s term and to pay our rent. This year our income is slashed by 50% so it is indeed tough. I am working my ass hard to crack my very low income from my business to support the financial situation.
And your post today has really touched my heart. I am almost cry! You are right despite all that frustrating things we are still able to eat, to feed the kids, have clothes to wear and have roof to protect us from sun and rain.
Thank you so much for the lovely post Jess
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When you put it like that we are LOADED – I’ve been so stuck up my own bum recently and the big picture was hard to see clearly. But you’re totes right. We can afford to pay our mortgage, each out once a week, we have gadgets, two cars, a pool etc. But most importantly we are super rich because our three children are healthy and so am I and my husband. Our health is our wealth and sometimes it’s nice to be reminded of that
Always loving your work Jess xxx
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..Flying can be fun, and not just for those in the Mile High Club!
You are so right Jess. I worry about money ALL THE TIME but we are so so lucky and rich and healthy. I am so happy to give you some money for this cause.
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My computer is having issues today but I promise to come back and read your post asap!!
ann recently posted..Tantrums and the Labyrinth
Financial stresses are so difficult. Great to see your perspective, Jess. We’re all of us rich, aren’t we? Thanks for including the donation link.
This is an amazing post.
We have had a very similar year and seem to own very similar things. Yes…we are rich. We live in the land of plenty and have hope that things will turn out right. Some people will never be that rich.
Becc recently posted..I laid myself on the line…
I think many of us know about Financial Stress and sometimes it can be the worst especially when it involves your husband not working because it affects their self esteem as well. I have added a small donation hope it helps get you to your total.
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Fantastic! I can’t wait to hear the stories from the walk and I’m sure you ladies will raise heaps! Yes, the fact that I have this computer to sit and pour my heart out in a blog – very rich indeed!
Lara @ This Charming Mum recently posted..On being yourself: it’s all in the dress-up box
I’m having a crazy week – 2013 is teaching me lessons, I had no idea that I needed to learn! Your post sheds a perspective on things that really shines the light of rising above the superficial and moving towards positivity and hope
We are all rich, and blessed and lucky
That should not be forgotten or taken for granted
Get those runners out! Hope that walk is an experience you share with all of us xx
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Oh Jess you are a beautiful soul.
With your amazing positive attitude and a home full of love you are rich.
Thankyou so much for reminding us all how lucky we truly are.
Big hugs special lady.xx
An admirable goal Jess. I will see what we can do! xx
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Really awesome post. I live from payday to payday but I know I am rich. Some days I have no cash to even buy fresh milk but we always have a litre of long life in the cupboard because I’m rich.
I’ve been feeling really low lately and this post made me think I need to let go of my woes and imagine walking in someone else’s shoes.
Looking forward to meeting you at DPcon13!
V.
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I am on a mission to work out why I am being banned… maybe wordpress does not like my blog …. perspective
keep it all in perspective xx
The weird thing is, some of them are coming through, and some going to spam! Maybe my blog is hormonal?
Jess recently posted..Rich
So true Jess, so very true. It’s so easy to focus on what we don’t have that we forget what we do have, and that what we have is actually way more than many other people. Love your work Jess!
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xoxox lots of love
Tahlia @ the parenting files recently posted..doing a little something for your partner
Have you seen the Miniature World clip (that if you have a wardrobe and a bank account and a roof over your head you are in the 25% of the world’s wealthiest people?) – or did you watch that Four Corners doco. last week about a whole new class of Americans who live in their cars b/c of the GFC and how much the USA’s percentage of poor is increasing? I’m so glad you wrote this
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What a wonderfully generous idea Jess, you’re a gorgeous girl. Good luck in raising the money.
And you’re right, in times of struggle we need to remember how rich we are.
Thank you for hosting this wonderful link up x
Eve Adams recently posted..13. Secretville is a lonely place
You probably already know that issues like this are close to my heart. I hate the inequality in this world – I often wonder why I was born in Western society when women in other countries are so disadvantaged. I am reading an awesome book at the moment on our society’s obsession with excess – it really puts everything into perspective. Great work supporting this cause.
Deb @ Aspiring Mum recently posted..A Day In My Life {ListMania}
I totally agree that was are all so so rich but that we forget that we are.
Every time I travel through Asia I get a huge reality check as to how wasteful and materialistic I am. It is easy to get bogged down in day to day life, thinking that you don’t have enough and always wanting more!!
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Great perspective Jess – this gave me a much needed reality check today after wallowing in self-pity this afternoon. Good luck on your walk!
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You, my friend are a beautiful girl inside out. Thankyou for being so raw and honest about your life. It is true, many of us may be doing it tough but compared to the strife of those who are underprivileged, living in developing countries, we are rich. I wish you nothing but the best with everything that is to come. Much love xx
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Such a beautifully written post, Jess, with your heart in every word. xo
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Thank you Jess for this beautiful reminder! However, while it is important to always remember there are people worse off than you – don’t trivialise your struggles and don’t feel guilty for worrying about them. A little bit of a reality check and perspective is always good though
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Jess, it took me a while to find the link to donate,not sure if that would have deterred anyone from donating.
Emma recently posted..{Wednesday} WIP
Oh man, I just saw it right at the end!
Emma recently posted..{Wednesday} WIP
Good on you, Jess. x
Since the end of last year I have been trying to focus less on my ‘issues’ and be grateful for what I do have, which, like you is so much. I might not have lots of money to do all I want. I might not be able to go to DPCon13 even though I desperately want to, but I have a roof and food and clothes and so so much more. It’s so easy to get sucked into thinking about ‘poor me’.
I really applaud what you’re doing and am so glad you’ve shared it with us so that we can help you make that difference.
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Shameless Self Promotion. Because I Can
Nice outlook! So often we focus on what we don’t have we forget to be grateful for how much we already have. Thinking positively for you and hoping that your finances get sorted soon.
[...] her heart, and makes sure she doesn’t alienate or offend anyone in the process. Check out this recent post on just how “rich” Jess [...]
[...] Walk In Her Shoes Challenge. A group of us from Digital Parents, including my awesome buddy, Jess, will be walking 10, 000 steps (6-8 kilometres) on Tuesday, 19th of March to raise funds to help [...]
I’ll be walking with you too … will be so nice to see you again Jess. I love this cause, and I love how much awareness and money you’ve raised. GOOD ON YOU.
xxx
Oh how exciting!! Can’t wait to catch up
[...] provide great stretches for walking long distances. Which is vital if one, you’re trying to achieve 10 000 steps a day, and two, if you’ve just eaten two Krispy Kreme doughnuts, and you don’t believe me [...]