When the World is Running Down

The Police, the band, not the law enforcement, is one of my favorite bands. "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around” is a song from their album Zenyatta Mondatta, which was released in October 1980. The song came back into my mind over the last week as talks of tariffs in the United States have been in the news. It led me to think about the rising prices of everyday items that will be a burden for many already fighting price increases, a difficult job market, and uncertain financial times.

The song reminded me of the value of making the most of what you already have and finding value in older technology and items to enjoy. Looking for alternate ways to find joy while possibly even saving money.

Some Ideas

If you like books, one of the best things you can get for free is a library card. Library cards not only let you borrow books for free but also allow access to digital books, audiobooks, and movies for free through services like Libby and Kanopy.

If you like movies, why not check your local thrift stores for DVDs, Blu-rays, and even VCR tapes? They most likely have used players for these media types as well. I’m not saying you can cancel all your streaming services, but by combining this with watching movies on free services like Kanopy, you will have a lot of options.

If you are into music, once again, thrift stores often have records, CDs, and players.

My favorite, mostly free, option is to pursue analog hobbies like drawing, journaling, playing a musical instrument, and growing plants.

I wrote more about pursuing analog pursuits in a recent newsletter.

These are just a few ideas, but I’m guessing there are more out there.

Be kind to yourself on your creative journey.

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You have reached the end of the newsletter. Here is the music video for "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around” in all of its 1980s soaked glory.