Thriving Through Crisis: Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Recipes for Weathering the Cost of Living Storm

We will prevail

The cost of living crisis has become an inescapable reality for countless families across the globe. As prices for essential goods and services continue to soar, many are left with the difficult decision of choosing between heating their homes and putting food on the table. In our family, we have prioritised food, relying on resourcefulness and creativity to make the most of our limited resources. As a child, I learned valuable skills from my parents, who grew up in poverty. Today, these skills serve as a protective factor for my family, helping us navigate the challenges of the current crisis.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned as a child was the art of cooking from scratch. Instead of relying on costly pre-packaged meals or take-out, we make most of our meals at home using basic ingredients. This practice saves us money and ensures we consume healthier and more nutritious food. Passing down the knowledge of cooking from scratch to the next generation is crucial. In our family, my daughter has learned this skill and has begun experimenting with different recipes, contributing to our shared goal of reducing expenses. As the cost of living crisis continues to unfold, being able to prepare meals from simple, affordable ingredients will become increasingly vital for families everywhere.

Another strategy to save on electricity costs is preparing big one-pot dinners. These meals typically contain hearty, flavorful dishes like curries, Chilli con carne, and other spicy creations. In addition, the dishes we tend to create are loaded with flavoursome herbs and spices, allowing us to use more bland vegetables, pulses and tubers to lower meat content and save money. As a note, buy your spices from a speciality shop that focuses on Asian cuisine; you can get large bags of spices for a fraction of the cost of purchasing them from a typical grocery shop.

Furthermore, by preparing large quantities, we can freeze portions for future meals, reducing the need to cook every day and thus lowering our energy consumption. One-pot meals also have the added benefit of reducing the number of dishes to clean, conserving both water and energy. In times of crisis, every little bit helps, and these small savings can accumulate to make a significant difference in our monthly expenses.

Growing up in poverty taught me numerous valuable lessons about resourcefulness, frugality, and resilience. These lessons have become even more relevant as we face the current cost of living crisis. Using strategies like cooking from scratch, preparing one-pot meals, and following the habits of my ancestors, we can stretch our budget further and provide for our family's needs.

One such habit I learned from my ancestors is going to bed early, just like they did when the sun went down and rising when it came up. This simple strategy can save a bundle on heating a house. Turning down the heat earlier saves on heating and lighting costs. In addition, if you enjoy reading, as I do, you can use a light that you can recharge with solar energy.

In addition to these practical skills, growing up in poverty has instilled a sense of community and empathy for those facing similar challenges. I understand the importance of supporting each other and sharing resources, whether through sharing information, informal networks of helpful neighbours or organised efforts like food banks and community gardens.

There is no question about it! The cost of living crisis is a daunting challenge for many families, but it is not insurmountable. Drawing on the lessons of resourcefulness and resilience learned from an upbringing in poverty, I found ways to make the most of our limited resources and weather this difficult period. Cooking from scratch, preparing one-pot meals, and adopting energy-saving habits like our ancestors are just a few strategies that are helping mitigate the impact of the crisis on our lives.

Ultimately, it is essential to remember that we are not alone in this struggle. By sharing our experiences, knowledge, and resources, we can collectively navigate this trying situation and emerge stronger and more resilient than before. If you need help, reach out; the current crisis is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it is not your fault, so do not suffer in silence. A burden shared is a burden lightened! In love and solidarity, be well.

In Solidarity,

Paul Besso