The Holiday Supply Chain

Why read when you can watch the uduforu vlog on YouTube!

        The end of 2021 is upon us, but supply chain woes linger. Boats are stuck at port, trucks have no drivers, and staff is thin from the production line to the store shelf. Even the materials needed to make things are limited. Halloween was a test run for holiday shopping, and there were shortages of costumes, décor, and themed candy. Current news stories warn shoppers to buy and mail everything extra early for December festivities. But those issues need not disrupt the message of holiday specials and movies – dysfunction – err generosity.

        Generosity requires thought and includes noble things like love, compassion, empathy, and time. Procrastinate much? The mail might not get there on time, but you can – in person, phone, Zoom, text, email. If a remote greeting seems cheap, remember when we were all truly stuck away from each other, and all of you still did not bother. Who is the monster now?

        You have plans whether you participate in a holiday or not – that is how a calendar works. So, be nice to yourself at the very least. Use patience, courtesy, and kindness to repel dysfunction. You are your supply chain of generosity, so why limit it to holidays? Set a schedule to prevent burnout, like every full moon, after sunset, or when not looking at a screen. Or your capacity for generosity is so vast it is always on.

        Pardon my snark. I do not feel my message is genuine. On the drive to work, I pass panhandlers at intersections. After work on the walk back to my car, I pass the homeless on the downtown mall. Most are bundled up in doorways or window awnings sheltering for the night. One man usually sits in front of a bar’s patio with a sign while people drink their money away. I was once stopped in the parking lot near my car by a lady. When I told her I did not have cash, she asked me if I had a phone to transfer money. I declined. While I am fortunate to have what I have, it is only enough to cover just that. I cannot temporarily make someone’s life better like that, solve their plight, or eliminate homelessness.

        But I was talking about the retail supply chain, one’s generosity when facing shortages, and personal attitude choices. I named some noble things and virtues one can share at little to no expense because that is the level where I do not feel dysfunctional. While all that helps with my mental state, the frustration of not being able to help others in need stings. Donating to local organizations does not reduce the number of panhandlers at intersections or the homeless I pass after work. So, what is the supply chain of poverty, where are the logjams, and what to do about them? Many facets need to be examined in any of the issues, and I can only speculate solutions. The challenges are as old as civilization and persist. There must be no money to be made by a fix.

I wish you a Happy Holiday Supply Chain!

I wonder if a DIY Sexy Shipping Container costume would be popular next year.

        Scrolling ticker on the vlog: Money is the root of all evil. Practice what you preach. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It is more blessed to give than to receive.