Necessities of Life

 2 months ago I filed a complaint with the Alberta Human Rights Commission against my employer based on the protected ground of family status. My complaint was accepted and forwarded on to the employer for a response. I have received their response and was surprised and shocked by the comment that was included in their closing paragraph. The comment reads: " The Complainant's request for accommodation are for needs that extend beyond providing the necessities of life." This comment is made in regards to my son Logan and how I choose to parent..

 What exactly are the necessities of life? Many years ago the necessities of life were thought to be air, water, food, clothing and shelter. I believe that there is much more to parenting than just providing the basic necessities of life. I'd like to think that we have evolved as a society and I will not continue to work for a company that does not understand and undermines my role as a parent in contributing to my son's ability to continue growing and maturing as a healthy and contributing member of society.

Each one of us probably has a slightly different view of what we consider to be the necessities of life. I myself believe the term to be much more complex and yet simple at the same time. Unless you've inherited a substantial sum of money, we all need to work at a job at some point in time. Hopefully our job is something that we enjoy, but it also is what provides the money for a lot of the necessities like food, clothing and shelter. The simple comes in wanting and having less. Less clothing and accessories, smaller home, buying smarter and having less waste.

Family, friends and community should play a role also in determining the necessities of life. These are our roots and the legacy that we leave behind. It is also important to give of ourselves as long as we have some boundaries and are still taking care of us. If we don't take care of ourselves our health and spirit suffers and then we aren't good to anyone.

Spirituality can come in many different forms and from many different sources and is definitely a necessity in my opinion. It doesn't matter where it comes from. What matters is that it feeds our soul and helps to keep us grounded and connected to every living thing.

Our connection to the environment and nature is what breathes life into us and energises us. As long as we respect and treat it right, it will continue to provide food, clothing and shelter. How simple is that?

Balance is a difficult concept to achieve at times. Less wants, desires and stuff will create less need to work more to make money to pay for everything. This will in turn create more time for self, family, friends and community.

We are the role models for our children and the children of the world.


Michele Ward