Margin

I am very fortunate not to have to live on the margin.

The pandemic has brought this into focus, that I have the luxury of being able to self-isolate. I have friends that help me to be safe, both by encouraging me to self-isolate and by bringing me fresh fruit and vegetables. I not only have a good and healthy supply of food, I also have a home that I share with only one other person, who is intent on self-isolating as well.

I do not live on the margin of an uncertain income. I am retired and have a monthly retirement benefit and Social Security to rely on. I do not feel the pressure of needing to “go back to work” so that my income and the GNP can be preserved. I don’t worry about paying the rent or mortgage.

I am aware that so many people needlessly live on the margin of adequacy. They are forced into that precarious, worrisome position because so much of the wealth of the economy has been drawn into the hands of a greedy few. There are adequate resources in our country, and the problem is that much of the wealth is being hoarded by so few, forcing a marginal life-style on the many.

I may not consider myself to be one of the hoarders, but I probably am in the “upper 20%” who right now do not have to live on the margin of adequacy. My discomfort brought on by the pandemic is small compared with all those who face the real threat of sickness and great personal need. They know the pain and real threat of being on the margin. I have a zone of adequacy some comforting distance from the edge where many people are forced to live.

I can take a deep breath and embrace gratitude.