Well, the saying is “when times get tough the tough get tougher.” There’s a lot of truth in that. When I was first approached to write an article for the Resident regarding Grader Jeweler’s response to the current economic climate I jumped at the opportunity. Why? Because with all of the doom and gloom that the major press is portraying, it’s time to take an inventory of all of the positives that we have here in Southeastern CT.
I for one can’t tell you the number of times that people have told me that they weren’t personally all that affected by the economy. They tell me almost apologetically because they feel guilty that they’re not matching up to what the news is broadcasting. The fact is that at least 9 out of 10 of us are gainfully employed in this nation; most of us didn’t fall prey to the sub-prime debacle, and weren’t holding our funds with Mr. Madoff. So the question is “where does that leave us?”
There’s no doubt that things are tougher. It definitely leaves us concerned for those in situations worse off than ours. It leaves us concerned about all of the changes that are happening so quickly around us. We’re still trying to figure out what made our 401k’s turn into a 201k! That, my friends, is understandable because very few people really like change. Let’s, however, take a moment to balance things out. We need to remind ourselves of the things in our lives that are constant: our friends, our families, our beautiful communities along the shoreline, etc.
I think this is a period where people are doing a great deal of reevaluating in their lives. They’re evaluating what’s important and what’s not. That’s not a bad thing. Just think, those that were running the rat race may actually take some time for themselves and learn to slow down and perhaps even stop to smell the roses!
I can’t help but look at the positive side of things. I’ve grown up in the family jewelry store. My life’s work has been to help people mark celebrations and pleasant milestones in their lives. No manner of negative press is going to keep people from loving each other and surprising each other with a little bauble from time to time. Remember that notion of reevaluation? Well, I believe it puts more emphasis on those special moments in our lives. I think people are going to take more time to make note of those celebrations with something that’s lasting. As a jeweler that emphasizes quality, that makes my heart glad.
Best Wishes,
Mark Grader
Grader Jewelers, Inc,
Waterford, Groton, Norwich
